Seabiscuit and the Discipline of the West/America..

This write up is all about - A dialogue from 'Seabiscuit' and my interpretation of the same & the ensuing dialogue between me & two of my friends.

Here's the Dialogue & my Interpretation:

"Red's Dad: There you go.
Red's Mom: You're not getting him a horse.
Red's Dad: Why not? He's great at it.
Mom: Because he's 16 years old.
Dad: So?
Mom: So... he should earn it."

I am not sure if this discipline is part of every family in America. But if it is, I would call it discipline only.. this is the discipline that makes Americans Independent.. I at no Cost would call it 'cold blood' like many do, because it's a part of Parenting wherein you are making your child understand the value of money & hardships in life.

And Americans, like many other developed nations exhibit this discipline in various walks of their life. That's why they are the 'Developed' nations.. they are disciplined enough to stick to the rules, goals and plans.

And below are the comments that followed:

Sheema K.H.: Americans are not cold ,they are very pragmatic in their approach to life. The most valuable lesson in a person's life can be that of financial independence.and they start teaching this very early to their children.

Bonny L.S.:Exactly.. I appreciate your apt understanding of their systems & values.. though these differ from person to person like anywhere else.. but basically they are more disciplined.. and imbibe the same in their off-springs.

Amit C.: I just know one thing....they show in the movies..what the society should be like.. ...not what it is. They long for those values which are certainly not there at present. If you see more of the American houses, they are junkyard for new ga...dgets and new machines..in retro! see the huge beeline for new gadgets ...they are not always earned by kids..but rather provided by parents.. America is not developed nation because they are disciplined ..but because they have to pay a high price if they are ill-disciplined. I am sure, if you have to pay that price you will 'whine and Rant" all Indians do.... And Talking about Financial Independence. 80% Americans live on Credits and that's what is important for agencies to be rating them..and that's how 'light-bridge" (Credit Monitoring Autonomous Agency) Guide their Credit Ratings..Americans doesn't teach financial independence to their kids.The US. National System takes care of it. I can only say that - Americans doesn't give values (Finance Independence)..to their kids..in those harsh conditions you have to earn it for your survival. The only last suggestion - "REMOVE COTTON BALLS FROM YOUR EYES".

Bonny L.S.: Well.. they say.. there are 3 sides to every story - your, mine & the Truth. While your opinion would hold good for few, mine holds good for few.. and it's up to us how we interpret our things. I agree partly with your opinion Amit.

Sheema K.H.: America's economic policies have been under a lot of flak especially after 2008 recession hit the market .U.S Government bails their companies and citizens out of debt and bankcruptcies becoz it CARES !!!
And i would still stick to the po...int that they teach their children economic independence ,very few r born with a silver spoon in their mouth in u.s.There are so many young successful entrepreneurs around here,making their mark becoz they were taught to take risks, be independent and create their own destiny.They dont grow up with a sense of entitlement like children in india do . And yes American society is a consumerist society but I think india is not that far behind in that area too.