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August 13, 2010

Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Grass-Eaters

Charles Hugh Smith shares some interesting insights about Japan, which has had a stagnating economy for many years. Smith says that young people there have become disillusioned by poor economic prospects, and many move back home with their parents in disgust and frustration. Some young men, having seen their fathers dedicate their lives to their jobs only to be cut loose, refuse to risk the same treatment and have given up. They are called "Grass-eaters" by their elders.

Some Americans worry that our future looks like Japan's current reality. No one knows for sure, but it seems to me that raising our boys (and our girls) to have many practical skills so that they can take care of themselves is a very good way to avoid raising Grass-eaters. People who don't rely on others to take care of them or employ them have more hope than those who are dependent on employers for their survival.

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