by K. Russell

Created on: June 19, 2009

Yes, the average American citizen is lazy. Personally, professionally, academically, civically and emotionally, Americans have lost their ability to delay gratification, to apply themselves to long-term goals and to live within their means.

The current economic crisis is a prime example of American laziness and greed. Unwilling to live within the realities of their financial constraints, too many Americans overextended themselves by purchasing homes they simply could not afford. To compound the problem, the government has allowed this laziness to continue unchecked by bailing out businesses and individuals who wanted more than they could afford or were willing to work for.

The obesity epidemic of America is another indicator of this laziness. Unwilling to discipline themselves to eat only as much as they need, Americans flock to fast food restaurants, devouring dollar deals, in spite of the evidence of ill health, diabetes and heart disease that inevitably result from this childish behavior.

Professionally, Americans work hard at not working. They show up late, do as little as possible and then whine when they are not selected for promotion or are laid off. The Protestant work ethic is all but extinct in the American workplace. While there are certainly exceptions to this trend, the average American is unwilling to dedicate themselves to the consistent hard work that is necessary for professional success. Instead of returning to college or attending vocational training, they purchase lottery tickets and apply for Welfare checks.

Teachers face this laziness on a daily basis in the classroom. Assignments are done poorly or not at all. Students simply do not appear to care if they pass their classes, let alone receive honors for work well done. The lack of support at home is a major contributor to this trend, as is the tendency of school officials to stress supporting individuals in need rather than encouraging the students of ability and talent to challenge themselves.

The American government requires the active participation of its citizenry to ensure that civil rights are protected and fiscal responsibility is maintained. Clearly, neither aspect of the American government has been protected. The current loss of freedom, liberty and justice are all due to civic laziness on the part of American citizens.

The emotional laziness of the American citizen can be seen in high divorce rates, increases in violent crimes and a tidal wave of depression, anxiety and other mental illness cases. The average American has lost the ability to discipline themselves. Instead of doggedly paying the dues necessary for success, Americans want a quick fix, an easy out and instant gratification.

The only way the trend of laziness in American society can be halted is to require individuals to be responsible for themselves. Instead of encouraging Americans to be needy, ineffective and selfish with special programs, bail outs and injustice, American society must return to its original ideal in which America is not a land of guarantees but rather a land of opportunity in which individuals ready, willing and able to produce quality goods and services are rewarded with the fruits of their labors, instead of being forced at I.R.S. gunpoint to hand over their hard earned money to individuals unwilling to lift a finger to support themselves.

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