Hippie Green Beret

The Path to Freedom & Unconventional Wealth

Warning: The American Dream is Full of Lullaby’s and Black Eyes.

by HippieGreenBeret
Advertisement in French is publicité. This google translate was merely a play on words, and a way to get your subconscious’ attention to take warning when you hear advertisements. Advertisements are NOT in your best interest.

Have you ever noticed that no one really talks about money… except when it revolves around consumption? Take for instance… hmm, lets say… advertisements. What’s the purpose of advertisements? Are they some sinister ploy of those in power using Freud’s theories to try and control the dangerous crowd in an age of mass democracy?

But this post isn’t about Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion*. That’s a book. You should read it. And a different post. This post is a warning. A wake up call. About how we are getting sung a lullaby… get a good deal, get something that makes you happy, you deserve it… that eases you right back to sleep while systematically and surreptitiously punching you in the face. So, in line with one of the purposes of this blog of becoming self-sufficient, financial forest ninjas, I want to offer you a glimpse of how you may be getting influenced in ways that do not benefit you.

The American Dream

Years ago, and even still today, it was the house. Buy a house. Live the American Dream. White picket fence. 2.5 kids. A big deck. A dog. Rent is throwing away money, they said. Your house is your biggest investment. This is what responsible people do. Get a mortgage and leverage other people’s money. Get the tax write off. Own something of value. Live the dream. You deserve it.

Awakening…

But now you question being locked into a 30 year loan and taking all the risk, as this may not be in your best interest. Through the power of the internet, truth seekers educate others that owning a house may be a scam and your house is a terrible investment. And arguably, since the working middle class has been priced out of buying a house, what is the next lullaby?

The Automobile

Ironically, while driving a car** the other day, I heard an advertisement on the radio that went something like this:

“Turned down for a loan? Need a new car? Want to upgrade your old car? Bad credit? No credit? Turned away? Doesn’t matter! Come see us! We’re here to help! We will get you in the car you DESERVE!“

Then the fast talking salesman micro-machined:

“7 year loan. Title, tag, tax, and dealer deliver fees not included. blah, blah, blah”

WAIT!!! WHAT???!!! A 7 year loan? For a car???!!! Is that even a thing??!! Did you see what just happened?

What’s happening?

The control of the middle class via debt continues. It seems the American Dream, a home, has become too pricey for most middle class, so a new dream is conjured up: a fancy pants new car. Ask yourself: “Is this in my best interest? Are car loans the new lullaby of the middle class?” And then HGB would answer you: “Yes, car loans are the new way to control you by debt and keep you broke. You’re getting lulled back to sleep and punched in the face all over again. That’s what’s happening.”

*written by Robert Cialdini. Post for another time. Use your powers for good.

**Don’t judge… for years it was a borrowed car that I used for errands and other undertakings that were linked together, pre-planned, and didn’t work on a pedal bike!!!