The Meaning of Rich has Changed

            Being a millionaire is no longer enough. Society’s opinion of wealth has drastically transformed today, with billionaires continually topping Forbes’ list of the richest people in the world. For those of you who haven’t gotten out much, I’m sorry to tell you folks: Bill Gates is no longer at the top.

            Even though we are in a recession, many people hold the view that you have to be a billionaire to be someone in life. Take the song, “Billionaire,” by Travie McCoy for example or the hit movie, “Ocean’s Eleven.” They emphasize and glorify the idea that in our world today, being a millionaire or even having $500,000 is no longer impressionable.

            This leads to a major flaw in our society. How ironic is it that thousands of people across the nation are unemployed and homeless, yet we cannot appreciate a man who has earned tirelessly to support his family with less than a million dollars?

            In the 1920s, houses cost around ten thousand dollars, and even that seemed like a fantastic amount of money to pay for people living at that time. Now, ten thousand dollars is nothing.

            So, how do we fix this problem? The answer is that we can’t. Times have changed, and so have people’s views.

            But for now, just be grateful for the fact that you are not someone who is foraging in the garbage for food or living on the street. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees.