Discussing money

[Peikko 1,575]

Discussing ways to improve one's financial situation is not the same as bragging about how affluent one is, nor does being affluent say anything at all about one's ability to think critically. In other words, unless you have something specific to discuss regarding money, it's really not relevant to a normal conversation. What one thinks about people who have or haven't got money is equally irrelevant for the most part.

[sereia 0]

Well then this entire thread is irrelevant!

Edited November 27, 2008 by Sheherazade

[Peikko 1,575]

No, the question was is it culture specific to discuss money. I don't think it is to discuss it in terms of how to improve one's situation, but it probably is in terms of 'bragging' about how much money one currently earns or has deposited in various funds.

It's fairly easy to evaluate a reasonable wage for oneself - although most people probably do err on the side of undervaluation.

Edited November 27, 2008 by Madame Cleo

[Sofiyya 1,687]

As I said before, no one here has bragged about how much money they have. On a thread about money, discussing money is relevant and not intended to poke at anyone. American cultural issues surrounding money do make it a taboo subject, as the OP has discerned. But, even in America, there are varying degrees of comfort surrounding how far to go.

It has not a thing to do with Eric's #######, there are no particulars being discussed. There's also no cause to insult anyone on any side of the issue. The bottom line is, there is plenty of opportunity in this country to make good financially. To become indignant over someone making positive statements about opportunity and choice is an exercise in self-defeatism.

Edited November 27, 2008 by Virtual wife

[sereia 0]

As I said before, no one here has bragged about how much money they have. On a thread about money, discussing money is relevant and not intended to poke at anyone. American cultural issues surrounding money do make it a taboo subject, as the OP has discerned. But, even in America, there are varying degrees of comfort surrounding how far to go.

It has not a thing to do with Eric's #######, there are no particulars being discussed. There's also no cause to insult anyone on any side of the issue. The bottom line is, there is plenty of opportunity in this country to make good financially. To become indignant over someone making positive statements about opportunity and choice is an exercise in self-defeatism.

No one? I read a very small percentage of posts in the Off Topic forum and I've come across at least three people who bring up (mostly obvious hinting) their salaries or trust funds in other topics. No one was talking about "poking" here. But I guess that's where the cultural differences are coming into play. There are few of you who like to discuss that on a public board, and there are those of us who don't. In the end none of this really matters and I'm not personally offended by the discussion. I just don't choose to do it myself.

How is that an exercise in self-defeatism? LOL Okay, VW. Happy Thanksgiving.

[PlatyPius 5]

You soooo just outed yourself....

[Sofiyya 1,687]

What I said was "To become indignant over someone making positive statements about opportunity and choice is an exercise in self-defeatism."

If you are not indignant, then the statement doesn't apply to you.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I was watching the nightly news and noticed a story about how discussing money is traditionally a taboo in America. When I thought about it they are right. I know downunder we tend to discuss our pay more openly. I know what all of my friends and family earns; even my coworkers. Whereas here everything is hush hush, especially at work. Knowing what others are getting is probably why people earn so much in Aus. We all know when the other is being ripped off by an employer.

Anyone know why discussing money, especially income, is such a taboo in the US? After all how do you know whether you are earning a good wage compared to others or being short-changed by your employer?

It appears that to some, that those who don't talk about their money are perceived to be superior to those who do.

[Peikko 1,575]

There is no reason to discuss how much money one has in one's bank account, that's pure stupid.

[MrsCat 6]

It appears that to some, that those who don't talk about their money are perceived to be superior to those who do.

I'd agree with that statement.

[sereia 0]

I was watching the nightly news and noticed a story about how discussing money is traditionally a taboo in America. When I thought about it they are right. I know downunder we tend to discuss our pay more openly. I know what all of my friends and family earns; even my coworkers. Whereas here everything is hush hush, especially at work. Knowing what others are getting is probably why people earn so much in Aus. We all know when the other is being ripped off by an employer.

Anyone know why discussing money, especially income, is such a taboo in the US? After all how do you know whether you are earning a good wage compared to others or being short-changed by your employer?

It appears that to some, that those who don't talk about their money are perceived to be superior to those who do.

Forget it. Not worth it.

Edited November 27, 2008 by Sheherazade

[Sofiyya 1,687]

You don't care, remember?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

It appears that to some, that those who don't talk about their money are perceived to be superior to those who do.

I find financial conversations work best with trusted friends, family members and professionals. Not with message board members who people happen to already dislike.

[William33 110]

It appears that to some, that those who don't talk about their money are perceived to be superior to those who do.

I find financial conversations work best with trusted friends, family members and professionals. Not with message board members who people happen to already dislike.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

It appears that to some, that those who don't talk about their money are perceived to be superior to those who do.

I find financial conversations work best with trusted friends, family members and professionals. Not with message board members who people happen to already dislike.

Disliking people on a message board whom you have never met is a major indicator of stupidity.

Edited November 27, 2008 by Virtual wife