Cultural id

 Is culture linked to the economy? That is to say does your income level determine moral actions? If you are among the poor are your choices predicated on income, most notably disposable income? Well I think there is a definite correlation there. The ones that can least afford the " extras " do appear to spend more on those extras. Do they do so as a means of temporary escape? All that is a matter for the psychologists to figure out. Cyndi Lauper said, girls just wanna have fun, but it applies to the majority of the people in the world. People just wanna have fun, it's the escape from the pressures of everyday responsibilities that we seek to avoid. The more money we have, the more fun we can have too.
 As far as the moral choices we make, they are certainly effected by our ability to pay. If your income is enough to pay all of bills but that is all, we begin to make adjustments. Yes we are all aware we should pay the bills first, but we begin to juggle them around in an attempt to get something a little extra. We will find a way to get those items, and those items are usually associated with a " sin " tax. Alcohol and tobacco products top the list. Street drugs are near the top of the list as well. With the legalization of pot and gambling a tax can be extracted from those activates as well. Are they immoral? Apparently not, as long as you can afford it! An awful lot comes down to what you can afford. Setting aside the moral issue those choices just add to the problem. Not only are the bills not getting paid, you are broke, and looking to place the blame. Seldom do we determine it's our fault. It's the same with the poor regardless of race, creed, or religion. It's the culture of the poor.
 So does income make the man, just as in the parable of clothes make the man? I think there is something to be said for that. Having sufficient income makes a big difference that can't be denied. So can we just finance our way out of this cultural divide? And in my opinion that is what we are witnessing, a cultural divide more so that straight out racism. There are some very wealthy hip-hop artists, rappers, and others that profit from maintaining that divide. What is the culture of the ghetto? Is it hard work, nose to the grindstone? Yes for some it is, and some work there way out of there. They are successful. For others it is merely to survive. Survive anyway they can. But I think the prevalent attitude is that they are stuck. No jobs, no opportunities, oppressed by the man. And who is the man? The ones with money. With money comes power. The poor feel powerless and to a great extent they are. Often they are treated just as useful tools, used when needed but otherwise neglected.
 Still I don't think we can just buy our way out. The cultural divide is far more complex than that.  We are talking about a persons identity. Our identity is a very personal thing. Will you change your identity in exchange for wealth? No I don't believe you will. The only thing that will change is the trappings. Having a great deal of money will certainly change your response to a situation. Where you once reacted with indifference, you may help. How many will, give the shirt off their back? Isn't that what we say when someone has very little to offer but gives anyway? I may not give the shirt of my back today, but if I were wealthy tomorrow I just might buy you one. Does that change my identity? No, it only changes my response. Hey, I can afford it. Just as in the story of clothes make the man appearance can help you succeed. Dress for success is what we say today. Will wealth ( dress ) change the culture? Yes I think it would, but it won't change the identity. Cultural identity is at the heart of it all. It sure is easier to be self righteous, making all the " right " choices, contributing to society and living a moral and upright existence when you can afford it. When you can't, adjustments are made. I'm talking about cultural ( id ) you know, like The wizard of Id.