Just recently in California, a man killed his entire family and himself after he and his wife lost their jobs.  Instead of buckling belts and cutting back, he made the decision to not go on.   The question is - was pride the reason for his actions?  It was reported that they were fired subsequent to the falsification of company documents.  They were trying to get child care assistance for their 5 children.   After being fired, they removed the children from their schools with the explanation that they were moving to another state.  The children were out of school for two weeks prior to the killings. 

Some believe that the act of withdrawing the children from school was an effort to save face after the dismal from their jobs.  Thats one thing, but was it also pride that prevented these parents from joining  the food stamp line or moving to a smaller home or taking a less attractive job just to make ends meet?  

Many people feel like they have to maintain a certain lifestyle in order to impress others.  With the economy the way it is,  people have to ask themselves if push comes to shove will they be able to downsize, or will they melt from the pressure of trying to keep up with the Joneses  Newsflash - the Joneses are probably taking less atractive jobs  or staying in a much smaller home themselves. 

It was just reported during a newscast that the wealthy are not splurging like they used to.  Lavishness and big spending have now become associated with  shame.   New York's upper crusts are no longer splurging on expensive art, nor are they flying in the private jets as they used to.  Its not so much that they can't afford to - its more the guilt associated with the indulgence as the middle class continues to struggle. 

Do you believe the California family tragedy was a result of too much pride or just hopelessness?