The Tenth Commandment and Crabs in a Barrel (Thou Shalt Not Covet)

American Thinker ^ | 11/9/14 | Chuck Bentley

[Sam's Army]

Former NBA star Charles Barkley recently drew national attention with his candid comments referring to the envy between “successful blacks” and “non-intelligent blacks” as being like “crabs in a barrel”. Mr. Barkley was referring to an African proverb -- “Put one crab in a pot and it will escape. Put two crabs in a pot and neither will escape.”

The point of this proverb is that envy destroys everyone. Whatever your reaction to Barkley’s perception of an issue in his community, envy and covetousness are actually national problems. Americans have difficulty remembering, much less keeping, the 10th Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Covet.

This often-overlooked, last of the Ten Commandments impacts not only consumer behavior, it is reshaping federal policy and poisoning American culture along with its economic future.

[Alex Murphy]

Former NBA star Charles Barkley recently drew national attention with his candid comments referring to the envy between “successful blacks” and “non-intelligent blacks” as being like “crabs in a barrel”. Mr. Barkley was referring to an African proverb -- “Put one crab in a pot and it will escape. Put two crabs in a pot and neither will escape.”

The point of this proverb is that envy destroys everyone. Whatever your reaction to Barkley’s perception of an issue in his community, envy and covetousness are actually national problems. Americans have difficulty remembering, much less keeping, the 10th Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Covet. This often-overlooked, last of the Ten Commandments impacts not only consumer behavior, it is reshaping federal policy and poisoning American culture along with its economic future.

Ping to read later - and a ping to a fellow FReeper who has said a very wise thing on the subject:

American politics and government at all levels is driven by government-mediated coveting. Until the Church takes a stand against this we can expect to sink deeper and deeper into socialism and, oh yeah, abortion.

[ClearCase_guy]

I like the free market.

But consumerism leads to everyone struggling for status and superiority through senseless economic activity.

And they convince themselves that the $10,000 vacation is a fine thing -- "It's my money!". Well, yes, it is. And if I had a magic wand, I would not wave it to redistribute the money, because that would be wrong. But in my experience, the people who spend money on jetskis, snowmobiles, three houses, vacations, wine cellars, huge TVs, etc. mostly do it so that they can tell other people, "Guess what I just bought!!"

It's an unhealthy, covetous cycle. But, to each his own.

[Sam's Army]

"But today’s cultural leaders argue not for a level playing field of opportunity, but equal outcomes without regard to effort or ability. Political and economic leaders talk about people’s resources as jealously as feuding relatives at the reading of a will."

The author could add an increasing number of "religious leaders" to that list as well IMO.

[Starboard]

Agree. Materialism is alive and well in the USA and living below one’s means is anathema to most Americans. We buy many things mainly for reasons of self esteem and presumed status. And we are constantly bombarded with clever advertising telling us to spend more, with the not so subtle message that we will impress our friends and be viewed enviously. There are never any pictures showing people sweating it out over how to pay their debts and stress this causes.

[trebb]

It's an unhealthy, covetous cycle. But, to each his own.

The statement is rationally pragmatic - the path to it seemed unnecessarily caring about other folks' business if one is going to come out with the "to each his own" conclusion.

[ClearCase_guy]

Not to be defensive, but my basic feeling is that America has gone in a bad direction. We are too rich. We have too much stuff. And we always want more -- mostly the stuff that other people have (which is why redistribution is politically popular).

I personally think we'd be happier in a farming society with an emphasis on craftsmanship, and a small industrial sector. But that's my opinion, and, yes, it's utopian. So I don't push it.

But whenever I talk like that, people think I'm a gol-durned commie and think that me and my commie friends are going to show up and take all their stuff.

So, my opinion: we have too much stuff -- but don't be afraid of me, because I'm not pushing for any jack-booted political "solution".

[vladimir998]

I think you’re right. People are consumed with acquiring “stuff”.

[Parmy]

Materialism is alive and well all over the world. If one wants stuff, then get a job, invent a needed product, start a company and make money to buy the stuff you want.

In that process, one creates wealth that creates jobs for other people. Then they can buy stuff as well.

In parting, I dearly love 'rich' people. They hire people like me to do the jobs they need done and don't have the time or inclination to do themselves. That has provided me with a decent living and I had fun doing the work.

[Jimmy Valentine]

"Mr. Barkley was referring to an African proverb"

BUSHWAH! Anyone who has ever crabbed on the Chesapeake know that when a crab tries to escape from a basket one or more of the others will pull him back down.

Not every thing comes from Africa for Pete's sake!

[SaraJohnson]

I agree about not feeding the part of us that wants to keep up with the Joneses. I did not buy my children the latest gadgets when they came out because they thought they needed what they just wanted. I did not like that energy. They could save up and buy what they wanted and it was interesting to watch how spending their own money changed their so-called needs.

[Starboard]

make money to buy the stuff you want

**************
Yes, by all means and especially if you earned it. But serial buying for the sake of buying or acquiring stuff merely to impress others is foolish and often financially self-destructive.

[trebb]

I agree with your sentiments - life was so much nicer in the ‘50s and ‘60s than the crap we have now. I am pretty Spartan in most things by way of my nature. It doesn’t bother me that many go for the $300 sneakers, etc., but I do not do similar.

[Parmy]

As in the fable, some people are ants and live to protect their well-being and finances. Others are grasshoppers and live for the moment.