I know a lot of Americans are having a tough time right now, but a lot are also able to spend on cell phones, movie tickets, eating out, etc. Until the former group outnumbers the latter group you will have a hard time convincing most Americans that we are in a recession.
A large percentage of the group that's hurting financially are always in that group, many because of decisions they've made throughout life. I'm having a tough time right now. I chose to finance a business using credit card debt. It has been tough going and I'm paying the penalty for my choice. But I am not bitter at the credit card companies, they upheld their end of the bargain, it was my end and the income that has faltered.
I am a professional freelance photographer. There are more and more of us these days as newspapers cut their photo staff to the minimum. It's always been a hard business to make a go of, and now it's even rougher. I still have faith that I'll make it work. But I really don't have $28 for a movie and some popcorn!
I am thrilled that there are so many doing well enough to push this movie, not to mention cell phone sales, to a record. My parents taught me not to resent people who have done better than you, just use them to encourage yourself to buckle down, do the job and join them for the next round! I am so thankful my parents didn't teach me to envy and resent those who do well. I had an aunt that simply could not enjoy the good fortune of others, not even her own children. Sad.
We might well be on the cusp of recession or worse, but the amount of money Americans spend on movies and cell phones certainly don't show it.
They probably do. Certainly amongst young 20-somethings, I know a lot who are struggling.
A large percentage of the group that's hurting financially are always in that group, many because of decisions they've made throughout life.... But I am not bitter at the credit card companies, they upheld their end of the bargain, it was my end and the income that has faltered.
You're the exception. I know a lot who are indeed hurting due to poor decisions (like not finishing college, not having a marketable skill, etc.). They resent other people's success.
We might well be on the cusp of recession or worse, but the amount of money Americans spend on movies and cell phones certainly don't show it.
There's a bi-modal distribution. Some can afford movies and expensive cell phones. A lot more can't - and so, using the example of the iPhone as evidence that the economy is ok is kinda disingenuous.