by Teresa Brouwer

Created on: September 06, 2008   Last Updated: October 29, 2008

According to Webster's dictionary, lazy means, "1. Indisposed to exertion; indolent; slothful. 2. Moving or acting slowly or heavily; sluggish." This definition represents the old-school meaning of lazy; the typical response of a person slowly dragging their feet while walking is considered being sluggish.

In the book, Sociology: A Down-To-Earth-Approach by James M. Henslin offers a quiz about Sociological Findings. He offered true or false facts, one being: "Most people on welfare are lazy and looking for a handout. They could work if they wanted to."

His response, "False, most people on welfare are children, the old, the sick, the mentally and physically handicapped, or young mothers with few skills. Less than two percent meet the stereotype of an able-bodied man."

If the traits for lazy people aren't the old, the sick, and the mentally and physically handicapped then who is? What are the number one traits that appear to define lazy people?

DEPRESSION

Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it hard for the cells to communicate with one another. In turn, people will feel sad, hopeless, lose interest or pleasure in things they used to enjoy, have a low self-esteem, and they will lack a sense of energy. Those battling with depression are labeled lazy as their energy level is at an extreme low. The desire to do things, to work, or even take a shower is a suffering effort to move forward.

YOUNG MOTHERS

According to Pregnant Teen Help, "Every year around 750,000 teenagers will get pregnant. Depending on the state, teenage birth rates are incredibly different. Unmarried teenagers having children account for 24 percent of all unmarried expectant mothers. More than 2/3 of all teenagers who have a baby will not graduate from high school."

A lot of young mothers who become pregnant don't graduate from high school, end up raising the child on their own, and eventually end up at Social Services. Hence, they are labeled as being lazy because they depend on welfare instead of getting a job. With teenage pregnancy and resorting to welfare, dealing with depression is a possibility for the young mother to face.

ADDICTIONS

Addiction is a condition of compulsive psychological or physiological dependence on alcohol, drugs, or food. These addictions can stem from a bad childhood and a biological factor. An alcoholic may be labeled as being lazy because they refuse to face their fears head on. Not dealing with your demons, to others, is an easy way out not to face the

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