Rat Race

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Ah, “the rat race”. A term used so often to describe the frantic way of

living people are in to gain success. It’s also something our economy thrives off of. You wouldn’t think so, but it’s true. That’s why I chose it to be my essay topic. It’s that need to get to work in the morning to spend yet another day kissing butt and working like a dog so maybe just maybe you’ll be able to have enough money to live on. Until of course you’re on your way home and see the cutest little thing in the store window and that little voice in your head says, “oh darling it’s simply perfect, you’ve just got to have it”. That voice gets everyone into trouble doesn’t it?

The picture on the cover of this report describes “the rat race” perfectly. Our world is a never-ending cycle of earning and spending. (I’m sorry if I offend the smart ones who actually SAVE money). Our economy prospers from stupid spending. Eighty-dollar jeans here, one hundred and fifty dollar sneakers there. Things that were thought of as luxuries before have now become necessities. Cell phone, beepers, these are now things people need rather than would like to have.

Economic status is now based superficially. “Oh look they have a Rolex and a suit and a cell phone, they must be rich”! In case no one noticed, everyone and there mother has a cell phone these day whether they can afford it or not, the suit is probably a cheap knock of some famous designer and the “Rolex” is probably one of those “ten dollar ten dollar” deals. But since people look at us by what we have more than anything else, we feel the need to buy more things. So we earn money to buy things we don’t need just so we have the appearance of being well off. That’s everyone’s goal these days, to be well of. But you know what it’s good that people are this dumb. Know why? Our economy wouldn’t be able to live without it.

In the picture, you see the rats(a.k.a. us) running through a maze (a.k.a. Life) you see the sign saying “Happiness is just around the corner”. No matter where the rats are happiness is just around the corner. But to get to “happiness” what has to be done? Well first you’ve got to work harder.

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