In a world of billions, why do Americans live like it's all about them and act like they're the center?

I've seen places around the world, and pictures/videos as well, if anyone really sees this world, and it's complexity, then it would be astonishing to them when they come across the "American" attitude. Consumerism, self-centeredness, attitude, image, cars, jobs, status.

In America, it's almost more important to rise to the top because of image wise, rather than what you learn and how you grow throughout life.

It's uber-shallow, and totally ridiculous.

There's SO much MORE to this world and to life itself than juicy couture, calvin klein, britney/madonna/lindsay, looking hot, sex, drugs, entertainment, etc.

When you REALLY look at it from a SANE/outsider's perspective, all it is, is a bunch of brainwashed people making business, and being stupid, and sometimes going into debt, and driving themselves crazy over utter bullshit and stupidity.

We've even developed major psychological problems becuase of the stupidity we manufacture.

America is sick and backwards. Right?

This is going to generate lots of backlash type responses I'm sure, and I don't mean to be ANTI American, as we do have many positives to living here, but it's just very strange, out outlook on life, and what we value.

We've become a very fake, player like society.

I'm American. This is a what have you done for me lately and me first culture. A lot of us don't like it but we are forced into it and there is nothing we can really do about it. I believed it is referred to as the atomization of society, everyone for themselves, everyone is a star. Bottom line though is that we are not this terrible people like a lot of people think. Our country is as about money, it has always been this way. I do not have much material wealth so I am like much of the rest of the world.

read the Bible it is all in there..and just for your information it's not just americans.

I agree, but all the mentalities you describe are most certainly not limited to just America. The attitudes you describe are international. Vast populaces either emulate or practice all these activities. Take China for instance. Read about how that country's emerging urban middle class is gradually adapting self-centered views and lifestyles, especially China's youth.

Yup, that would be America.

If you have really "seen places around the world," then you would know that many countries around the world are similar, and have their own "attitude" problems as well. China, Japan, India, European countries all have their own "attitudes" that they need to get over as well. You would know that if you had really seen the world. I'm guessing, though, that you haven't--and videos and pictures hardly count.

I bet you're driving a car, right? You're a consumer, aren't you? Bet you have an IPod, buy clothes often, eat out, are trying or have a house, right?

If America sucks so much, then get out, OR instead of complaining about it on the internet, try and CHANGE things. Oh, wait, you won't do that. Never mind!