Good times make weak men. Weak men make bad times. Bad times make strong men Strong men bring good times. In the end, nobody can resolve a problem by running away, and a lot of expats get here by running away. Be stoic. Be thankful. Be humble. Ask for less and offer more. God bless you, Steve. The hurt has always been there, but it's us who are being tested, and our lives are the vehicles with which we prove ourselves to ourselves and God
I Appreciate your channel and touching on this Topic. I'm 61yrs. In the U.S. The past year I've taken a good look at my social life and realize how many people I've stopped associating with due to this "TOXIC" mentality. Not because I need Like Minded only as friends but because of their DEEP lack of Civility and understanding, not having ANY Compassion I mean a Realistic sense of Compassion, not Save the world but see each other as Human Beings. I'm doing preliminary research considering becoming an Expat, Philippines/Thailand being # 3 and #4 on the list due to Distance from U.S. Way back in 80's I visited both places a month each and was incredible. I Don't expect in any fashion the same. lmao. My needs, wants are very distant of what would make anyplace incredible now. Anyway, Cool vid.
I'm similar age and was in both in the 80s as well. It's a very different place now. As an example, Subic was a den of debauchery back then. Now, you'd never know it had that history. I'd advise doing a couple weeks recon in what ever countries you're contemplating. Good luck.
People speak highly of Thailand's infrastructure and food, better living conditions but few speak English, everything is written in Thai, the visa policy has changed for the worse. Thailand lacks many of the issues in the PHP but when looking at videos from the PHP compared to Thailand, Thailand looks boring. The guy in the video link below only spoke with one Thai person within 4 days. When you watch the video you can see the division, expat men hanging around together, lack of smiles, cold blank faces. From a YT video perspective PHP for a better social life, communication and friendly people. czcams.com/video/vqou7HiMEk0/video.htmlsi=clCVG1qSl1CDy653
Yeah Steve, I've run into some difficult to be kind expats but I've met lots of great ones. You just gotta not let them drag you down. ( easier said than done I know) You seem like a great guy and it's admirable what you do for people coming here. I enjoyed talking with you a couple times. These are difficult times to be sure but we gotta make the best of it. Thanks again for everything you do for people.
after like a few minutes of conversation i can feel its going political or even worse and i smile, say to have a nice day and slowly move to another seat or maybe the restroom. feeling out the expat conversations to keep things peaceful
I arrived in the Philippines 2 years ago, and I visited an expat meeting a couple of times, and found that I didn’t need the toxic atmosphere…. Overall, it was negative. I am very fortunate in that I married a wonderful, loving, intelligent Filipina, with an amazing family. She has grown, young adult kids, who have jobs. They welcomed me with open arms, and they are the center of my universe here. They had a rough upbringing, but I’m being used by God to unite the family, to show them what a close family is. I’ve seen so many great things happening. I don’t want any of the toxic attitudes that is often here……. I know my place here….. with my wonderful family.
It's the same shit up here in Canada Steve !!! started really seeing it when Trump got elected !!! It's a dog eat dog world up here too !!! Keep up the video's , good Job !!!
Great Topic, Steve. Many inputs. At the least, most world religions/philosophies promote a constant medidation on right thoughts/behavior...but these influences are fading. So much unconsciousness now ...people entranced by the material/ matrix. Keep up the great work!
So many people are entrenched in tribalism - politics, social issues, religion. This makes it incredibly difficult to engage in meaningful discourse when people have opposing viewpoints.
It depends. If people can have intellectual discussions about things that are uncomfortable to them, the opportunity to learn and grow exists. The discussions need to be intellectual, because if they grow heated and emotional, the ability to think clearly is compromised, and progress cannot be made.
It all comes down to what is the motivation of people...people are either motivated to help others...and with that comes...love, peace and happiness...or people are motivated by selfish means. From governments...to businesses...to social structures...to family. With selfishness comes toxic culture and behaviors such as anger...hate and unhappiness. What can be controlled?......for us as individuals to be motivated to help others and choose happiness and hopefully through truth and love to plant seeds for others to be happy and with it less toxicity. Thanks for sharing!
Really appreciate you sharing your Heart and experiences. God Bless You brother. I am a Christian also age 73 and From California but now on Maui Hawaii for last 10 years. More expensive than mainland of course but not nearly as toxic! And I learned how to surf which is very fun. Keeps me young!
We can't rely on the bearded guy in the sky to fix these woes. It takes sincere fact based discussions, respect for personal choice, and awareness of who is promoting culture wars to create those divisions.
@@tryscience I agree we need “fact based discussions” but they are a thing of the past. Facts no longer matter. Until we get back to reality nothing will get better.
@@tombkk1322 I agree with you. Unfortunately people will need to hit rock bottom as it were, before they decide to try something different. And when they do make a sincere attempt to undo the damage, I think it's important to make clear that regardless of the result, it is a noble thing to do. Because it can be painful.
Steve, we are both baby boomers who grew up in the same era so there is no doubt we share similar values and I agree with all the toxic points you made aside for one. You can never turn back time and there is no magic pill from any leaders that can take us back to the good old days so all we can do is surround ourselves with people who share our values and live out our lives as we best see them until we are called home.
Good talk. I don't think a catastrophe would bring people together like in the past. We are now living in the YOUniverse where people are putting themselves first in every situation and always being a victim. No one takes responsibility like before. Lashing out and demonizing those around us, is now they norm to atonement for actions taken. Appreciate all you do.
I agree. I think a catastrophe will bring out the worst in people like we have been seeing for many years already. They destroy buildings, cars, riot and attack police and people when their team wins the championship or when someone dies when detained by police. They destroy the infrastructure in their own neighborhood that they depend upon.
Steve,great awareness on many levels, thanks for the food for thought your chats can keep your fellow man level headed see you and God bless all that you do. 18:04
This is one of the best videos that you have made. Totally agree with you. I came to the Phillipines to live in peace. If I wanted to live in all the bs I would have stayed in the US. Keep up the great videos.
I believe you're right. Maybe because Western societies have changed from predominantly homogenous to heterogeneous societies in the last 20 years, coupled with the rise of social media has lead to greater division of opinion and all that comes with that
Steve, I enjoy your channel, and I've made that very clear to others. You speak well, and your heart is good. On the topic of toxicity here in the Philippines, it's not going to go away. It's not going to get any better. You have an overabundance of low-value, low-income men with checkered pasts who are leaving the West looking for greener pastures, and they're bringing their attitudes with them. Now, the Philippines is not without its faults. You know this as well as I do, having been here for multiple years. And we've talked about it many times on your channel as well as mine: the lack of quality foods, the infrastructure, the lack of care when it comes to medical, traffic, and the increased prices of goods and services, especially over the last two years. These price increases are biting into the residual income of the lower-budget men who come here to the Philippines. Along with the aforementioned. The typical untraveled westerner is unprepared for such a change. They're not living as well as they thought they would. You know misery loves company, right? If you have a miserable captain, you are going to have a miserable crew. I find myself never entertaining foreigners in my home. I find it difficult to make quality friends here in the Philippines with foreigners living in my community. I enjoy my wife, and I enjoy our child. I enjoy our surroundings. I live a comfortable life because I can afford it. And I don't put up with the bullshit. Having foreign friends in the Philippines can be very detrimental to your health. But I think you've come to the same realization as I have. I enjoyed your video. I enjoyed your talk. Regards Robert
Just watched a video yesterday about expats avoiding other expats. I saw the same thing when I was staying in the Philippines. If you get around very many expats, you’ll know why. Some really love gossip. I’ve been around it a lot but never heard grown men gossip like I heard while I was there. I’m more a listener than anything else thanks to my one beer limit. I enjoyed learning about the life experiences of a lot of the expats, jobs they did, military service, adventures and so on. When subjects turned to “this guy is being played” or “his wife is looking for someone with more money” that’s when the conversations lost my attention.
For me this all started in the 90’s with talk radio. There have always been fringe characters and talk radio was a medium and technology that connected them and let them know that they weren’t alone. Internet social media does the same thing more efficiently but I think the seeds were planted in the 90’s.
I had not thought about the talk radio phenomenon but now that you mention it, I too think it was a contributor to the social detriment. There were quite a few contributing factors and I frankly think we are looking at the culmination of all the contributing factors that have culminated with the Trump phenomenon. I distinctly remember the gut feeling I had when I woke up on 1/9/16 to learn who the new POTUS was. I left the U.S. on 1/6/17 and now a whole bunch of people are talking about leaving if he gets re-elected but I am 90+% certain that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell getting re-elected. I think he will be found disqualified by the time it is all over but the U.S. is in for quite a bit more pain in the process.
@@dgibbsfl I moved to Thailand in Feb 2017 about a month after Trump assumed office. However, I didn’t leave because of Trump. I was on my way here for my own reasons. Every election has it’s cohort of critics who announce they the will move out of the country if so-and-so gets elected but these people never go through with it. I will say that what I have followed from afar about the US these past 7 years has been troubling. I am glad to have been far removed from it and grateful that my expat friends seldom refer to events back home.
@@martypoll I can relate to all your observations and comments and I too also had a move overseas in the works anyway. In the end I couldn't believe my good luck to have already had a move planned and my good fortune that it worked out beautifully for me in all regards.
Seeing my plans are the Philippines and I could ONLY have 3 channels to follow in preparations to get ready for a successful transition,your channel would be one of those channels. Keep up the good work.
Steve, the problems really started when people started saying "Never talk about politics, religion, or sports at the dinner table..." You cannot"reach across the aisle " without knowing/TALKING about that side-of-the-aisle's position... unfortunately, a result of the "never talk about" philosophy is that we have lost the art of debate... this is readily apparent when one listens to what passes as debating ends up in ad hominem attacks on one's opponent...
When you are 75 years old you have values you were taught and still may believe in. The world has changed dramatically and for people in America you have to adjust to a new landscape both politically, socially, and materially. You have to accept the reality as it pertains to the life you can and want to live. This is especially true when you come to the realization that your time on earth is closer to the end. Arguing with people over viewpoints that you have no control over is a waste of valuable time. It always comes back to you do you and I will do me. Nice vlog but I will stay home but enjoy your comments on life in the Philippines.
The Spread of commercials on utube is an example of this Consumerism. Reading Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins has opened my eyes to some of this.
I say to my friends the good times have gone . I think you are right about the eighties and nineties .. I am now 82 so I have seen the world go to crap .. China has made things worse with covid and now greed has taken over , people don't welcome each other anymore .. I love the Philippines because the people are so friendly and helpful ..A lot more but I will Finnish here ..
@@philmcleod111 You mean to say China didn't make things worse , believe what you believe I have been around a lot longer than you obviously I have seen it all the good the bad and now the ugly part of life ..Think you better read more comments ..
A real messy message ! -- No perfect place or perfect people. -- That's what I heard Steve and knew it already. -- Traveled enough all around the US and it's everywhere. Toxic can't be escaped easily. Usually difficult times will reveal who is or isn't ! Sometimes or even in most cases your not sure until push comes to shove in some messy situation disagreement or hard times ? You found that out in your group ! -- That does seem to be the time when the cream rises to the top and we find out with certainty who we can depend on. -- Keep your head on a swivel with your eyes wide open going forward my friend. Perfect people simply don't exit but good friends do !!! 🙏
Reflecting, we went from Watergate fiasco, Carter years, oil prices, and the hostage situation in Iran, our bases closed and the Commissary, then the hostages were taken a failed rescue attemp with the C130 crash.
When I was young I was an extrovert and people always respond back. But my elder years when I respond to someone they won’t respond back so I became an introvert. America will never come back and the only they will that we will have a major devastate .
The median age is like 39 and 40 in US so yes if you're in your older years it gets harder and harder to connect. Just the same when you were this age probably didn't connect well with 65+ year olds
The CZcams algorithm brought me here. And I have to be honest it’s toxic everywhere. It’s like society changed overnight after 2019 during the whole pandemic. I think everyone is in survival mode. Everyone should just focus on getting there money and being healthy because the way things are going it might get worse in 2024 and beyond..💯
Wow Steve, I can relate to all said, today I will call you “Preacher Steve!”So many factors have contributed to the toxicity you speak of. Breakdown of families, breakdown of religion, etc. etc. I have 4 dear friends that I’ve known since I was a small kid, Those are my best friends even though we only see each other once in awhile these days one call and they’re right there for me! I don’t think I’ll find this within any Expat communities I don’t need to know anymore than friendly conversation and sharing old stories with new friends! I’m leaving for financial freedom, economic opportunity, and a more wholesome laid-back lifestyle for myself and my wife. Coming from New England as you, I’m a cup, half full guy, hoping the common sense, and God can correct the direction of all this division in our world, especially in the US today. I am cautiously optimistic, but at this point you have to take care of yourself first and stick with people who Love you for who you are! God bless. ✌🏻
I JUST LISTEN TO YOUR VIDEO AND TOXIC EXPATS OR NOT YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL SIR! I WILL BE IN PHILIPPINES IN APRIL ILL LOOK YOU UP MAYBE GET A COFFEE OR BITE! GOD BLESS
Unfortunately it's like that all over the world now Steve. When you think about it we've lived through the very best period in history, and without any doubt the easiest. I often take a look at how toxic things have gotten and how divided people have become, and really I'm kind of glad being 72 that I won't (or most likely won't) be around 30 years from now. I joined a couple of the Expat forums, and thank God for the moderators that try to keep things civil cause I'm sure there are some people on there that are only there out of boredom and try to stir things up. Keyboard warriors I like to call them. We'll have to see what the future holds as far as the Philippines go. I love it here and can't think of a bad thing to say about where we live, but both my wife and I find ourselves missing Canada, and are already talking about locking up the condo and heading back for a few month, ... not right away but maybe a year or a bit more from now.
Regular Guy on YT just went back to Canada for 7 weeks you might want to check with him what he thought about Canada today. Expensive and cold were two things he mentioned.
@@RayH- yeah I know Canada is going through a deep freeze right now, and talking with my dad (who's actually going to be a hundred next month) on Skype every couple of days I know the cost of living back there is ridiculous.
A great and important video. I was just thinking about this more over the last several years. There are still small pockets of the world that are yet to be infected, but I’m finding I’m Having to be much further inland from city centers and really connected to locals to discover them, than a decade ago, and it requires living more like the locals.
Excellent video Steve. While I have been married to a Phillippines born lady for over 30 years, I still have 2 years to go before I can retire. I'll reserve my comments on the expat communities in the Philippines. It's not just this current polar vortex we are in(-41 overnight low) that is the reason my wife and I want out of Canada. Some provinces in Canada have decided that racially segregated pre school classes are the way you build bridges and harmony. Canada is a country that locks up people and seizes their bank accounts for legally and peacefully protesting against the prime minister's bad policies. This is now a country where people who disagree with the federal government for legitimate reasons are branded racists, homophobes, transphobes, and deniers. And then there is the stark reality that we are in a probably irreversible downward economic spiral that the trajectory we are on means we will become another Argentina. That is okay, Ottawa and the provincial governments will just keep raising taxes. I can't wait to get the hell out of this totalitarian creeping Venezuela wannabe country. I will deal with any toxic expats. These next 2 years can't come soon enough.
I am born and proud Canadian Millennial from Vancouver. I love my country and never watch nor even care about news here. I notice the people here that do seem more grumpy and old and they are invisible to me. My city has many people from every country lots of joy in summer. Nothing is wrong here and yes I voted for our countries leadership in 2015 and he's still the man 9 years later with many more ahead💪. Other than that I pay no attention and all my friends are young and don't care.
@@youngandfree93 Lots of Joy in Vancouver eh. I guess that is why the working class can't get out of that overpriced woke shithole fast enough. Vancouver is on a trajectory to be Vanezuela in the near future.
@@calstan86 you don't know anything about Vancouver. I am born and raised. Vanezuela? At least check your spelling. Vancouver is often ranked near the top of livable cities. Many Filipinas work here too along with many other nationalities. Your comparison to Venezuela is laughable. We are doing really well here thank you.
@@youngandfree93I do know the GVRD and we know people that have lived there. That is why I'm able to comment on it. Those city rankings are a joke. They are certainly not surveying nor do they care about people who work for a living. They are compiled by urban elites for urban elites. The more unaffordable the city, the higher the ranking. However, it you like your woke shithole of a city, stay there and pay there. Our only interest in that city is that it is where we will depart for a freer and better life abroad.
Opposing POV's, is not an issue. Opposing morals, that is an issue. At the p[resent itme, at least in America...you have 2 distinct positions. 1) is pro-Authoritarian, dictatorial, and intrusive. the other side, wants to allow individuals to BE indivuduals. Side (1), would mean the end of the America that has existed for 245+ years. You are spot on with your observation of timing. The 1990s...Karl Rove, and Newt Gingrich quite deliberately made it an us-v-them process.
There is something I learned in life there are 2 different types of friends in life. The ones you can call for help till about 6pm Monday - Friday and there are the friends you call Saturday at 1 am saying you need help and the only thing they ask is do I need to wear old clothes. Want to take a guess on the ones who I’m still friends with.
Great video, Steve! I'm sure so many people echo your feelings about the world being so toxic now and how we all hoped things would turn around after 9/11. I agree with dann547. He made some good points.
Thank you, Steve, for some interesting insights. I have always held the opinion that leaders will set the tone for the people. That includes not only political leaders, but also CEO's, managers, supervisors, teachers, and others. I don't think the media helps either. There have been stories posted in Facebook and X about people who have shown love for another person. But they are so few; hopefully they are only the "tip of the iceberg". But we have forgot to love one another and we have become self-centered. "Everything is for me and about me or it's worthless" seems to be the attitude of people. Whether a person is religious or not, there is some good wisdom in the Hebrew and Christian testaments. There is also very good wisdom in many Buddhist writings. And many others have written about what life can be, if we are willing to take the time and remember that other people are humans too.
Great video Steve. Some of these issues are fueled by the perpetual growth model. Western economies, the US in particular, are designed to grow in perpetuity economically. This causes many companies to only focus on the current or next quarter. This model also causes the government to operate short term. A lot of solid middle class jobs in tech have been eliminated in the last year. That doesn't even get into jobs being automated or outsourced. A lot of young people feel like they don't have job security in the US right now. That coupled with an ever increasing cost of living contributes to social unrest. I was laid off middle of last year and haven't found something new yet. I hope to find something new soon but I'm waiting it out in Thailand to conserve my savings and investments. The standard of living in general seems to be quickly declining for many people in western countries. The only reason I go back home is to make more money because I'm way too young to retire. The best days of the Philippines are ahead of it. The opposite is true back home in America. Broken Americans will keep coming to the Philippines to try to repair themselves. Some will succeed. Others will fail.
Thoughtful comment here that I agree with mostly. I hope you find a new groove professionally that you need Alex so you can keep on going in a way that works for you. My situation was a little different but I live abroad for the same reasons pretty much and moving to a place like the Philippines has worked out beautifully for me. There are some guys that end up pulling a difficult and heavy load however and my heart goes out to them too. I cannot and do not wish to relate to them personally and what they are going through but my heart goes out to them none the less.
9/11 was a Tuesday morning. Michael Jirdan was announcing his coming out of retirement. It was a ckear blue sunny sky over Manhattan. I was at work for an hour when i heard the news.
I "just arrived in Phil" for R & R; woke-up in Barrio Barreto, on 9/11 .. So many Filipinos, Europeans & Aussies were paying me such heart felt Condolences (amazing).. Fast Fwd (next R & R) Phil Vaca , After US-Iraq Invasion & War (Fiasco Chaos & Civil War) .. Allies were "Pissed at the US" .. I've never personally experienced & felt Allies "that Pissed Off at America" .. What a "Monumentally Blown, Monumental Opportunity" ..
People should occasionally challenge their own beliefs. If they listen to only sources that reinforce what they believe, then any other opinions will seem extreme and ridiculous. Almost like a trial of sorts, if you find someone who can enage in an intellectual, not heated emotional, conversation, This is quite valuable. Take notes if you need to. Verify if what is said to you is factually correct. Especially if you are the kind of person who wants to know reality, the truth, regardless of if it aligns to what you think is real. That's the kind of person I am, if I am seriously wrong about some important issue, I would want to know that as soon as possible so I can do a course correction.
I think this toxicity started with the rise of the internet and social media. Perhaps even slightly before that with the cable news networks... I don't remember our world and our communities being so polarized before the mid 80's to early 90s. The only thing that would really divide us back then was sport. Which is how it should be. Now there are powerful people and organisations who need the polarization and feed the fear to make money. So, after 30 years of this, we have this society with it's toxicity. Inevitable? From an Australian perspective.
My late aunt Audry used to say "the world's going to hell in a hand basket". Yet she was one of the most up beat people I knew. The world always has been and always will be a toxic place. Still a great many live happy and productive lives.
In the early 1990’s Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s journal article,” Defining Deviancy Down” drove home the point that society was normalizing behaviors that were not good for us or society. Some of the behaviors or policies he cited were single parenthood, deinstitutionalization of mentally ill patients, lowered school standards and a growing acceptance of criminal violence. Thus began the normalization of bad behavior. Now the destructive diversity, equity and inclusion movement has turned what was previously normal behavior into deviant behavior. People are angry and frustrated; they just want to live their lives in a safe and meaningful way without these kooky elites corrupting everything they touch.
Moynihan was still old school at the time he wrote that incisive journal article. He later made a Faustian bargain with the Clinton’s over abortion . It is a big world; there can be both sensible, pragmatic Elites ( ie. V.D.Hanson) and irrational ( AOC) Elites.
Couldn't agree with you any better than what you're sharing with us! America has changed so much, need I say more? one of the things lately here where I am, autonomous vehicle yayy then this AI what's going on?
The expat community has always been toxic for as long as I can remember. I remember one guy talking over his issues with me when I was visiting. He told me he couldn't talk to anyone there because they were like a bunch of old ladies in a knitting circle and I always kept my mouth shut. Best to always avoid people who talk about others behind their back.
Crosby Stills & Nash were on the first episide of the Tonight Show that Jay Leno did a week after 9/11, along with senator John McCain. I remember that episode like it was last week!
Our generation has really screwed thins up for our children. That should always be the the most important thing that drives our actions and decisions. Thank God our parents are no longer alcove to see how we desteoyed their legacy.
Steve, we must always remember that in most cases there are other people who are in worse condition than ourselves: that applies to a relationship breakup, a vehicle accident, a lost/late document/visa, or a corrupt robbery like a land-deal swindle. cheers.
We definitely live in a toxic world. I am a Filipino and living in the US for the last 20 years. The culture and political climate in the US has changed so much. I am 3 years shy from retirement and am strongly considering retiring in the Philippines. I want to escape all the craziness being a Conservative living in Los Angeles. I am a very political person and person who will defend my Conservative values. I wish I could shut things off and just live my life. I know that this is a touchy topic that might raise some eyebrows. God Bless you and stay safe.👍
I see nothing wrong with being conservative, or liberal for that matter, so long as people understand there are differing viewpoints and respect them as well, instead of trying to impose their will on others. For example, everyone is pro-choice. Especially conservatives. Liberals want to choose for themselves. Conservatives, want to choose for everybody.
Most people have so many of the same beliefs, doesn't matter if you are a Conservative or Liberal. I'm not a crazy left wing liberal, but a left of center person with many Conservative values. The problem today is the MAGA "Republicans" really don't share the belief that you can argue the merits of policies, but respect the others right to their beliefs. With MAGA, it's just a Con job and millions following a Con man for only one reason. Their hate of the "Others", and only think THEIR beliefs should be allowed. A "Conservative" is fine, but a brainwashed nutjob isn't, in my book.
America is a very unique country. If you look at it's history it has been at war with somebody through most of its history. Overall the people are very aggressive, there is a lot of anger always brewing just under the surface that can erupt at any time.
I'm an RN who plans on moving to Colombia, Peru, Thailand, or PH someday. I've thought about this a lot. One thing I always thought would be beneficial is to not have to talk to expats. Those are the kind of people I want to move away from. I want to assimilate and gain foreign friends in the local community.
Hi Steve, Thank you for the topic, it's important to talk about. Since you only spoke in generalities, not specific issues, I could only reply in generalities. So it may not be very helpful for specific problem. In general, I found the only real way to end the gulf between viewpoints, is to have sincere, serious, fact and evidence-based conversations. And not many people are willing to do that, and I think it's because they know they are on the wrong side of the facts, and it takes a certain strength to consider that one's own perspective is wrong. There is a cognitive dissonance that feeds the division. For example, people who engaged in insurrection because they don't like who won an election, these are not patriots. Even though they call themselves such. It's easy to understand how people who served in the military, and actually support the Constitution, would have problems with such people. Regarding personal matters, it depends on what the 'hell' the person was going through. If it's a divorce with no criminal conduct, then of course good friends and families should support the person having the tough time. Regarding race, people must remember that someone is not an ambassador for their race. Treat people as individuals, regardless of race. Easy. I will say, that in your example it was quite extraordinary that the Muslims helped the gentleman who was injured, in Islam blood is considered unclean. But to use my philosophy, why identify them as Muslim? This is a group of individuals, whose religion shouldn't be thrown shade because of their good deed. Put a different way, wow, even these Muslims would help this guy, is sending a mixed message, partly negative. Especially because you've identified as Christian. Just because they are of a different religion, shouldn't mean you should have lower expectations of them and greater surprise when those expectations are exceeded.
Toxicity is derived from dissatisfacion with one's own life. It is derived from the unwillingness to accept the existence of different socio-cultural-political perspectives. When I lived in HK there was a wide range of ethnic/national/racial backgrounds. What united us was the fact that we had all chosen to leave our home countries and make lives for ourselves overseas. Politics, as opposed to political discussion, was largely off the table in the wider social forum, which included Republicans, Demeocrats and Progressives, but we did engage in that discussion on a personal level with no recourse to mindless didacticism. I have my own beliefs, based on education and personal experience. Boston Dan, Denver Steve and Texas Andre from the US, for example, had their beliefs and positions, some of which I vehemently disagreed with, but we discussed issues, as opposed to arguing about them. The Chinese, Indians, other Europeans and the guys from the West Indies (an odd bunch, to say the least, but good guys) in our group also had their positions, based on their experience and background. However, we still enjoyed a beer together, held barbecues and parties for the kids, introduced one another to our own traditions, such as Hogmannay, Burns Night, Divali, Thanksgiving, etc., and usually ended up ditching politics and talking about sport and music and how much our wives/girlfriends/kids vexed us. Then there were the Canadians! Here in the Philippines I keep to myself. There are no foreigners in my neighbourhood. My past is my past and that's where it stays. My wife knows it but it's not discussed. I keep quiet but one should not confuse being quiet with being weak.
I blamed the internet. Not entirely, not for everything, but it has a big negative impact in some ways. 1. It's easy to find people that will support whatever extreme fringe beliefs you have from every angle 2. You can easily avoid any opinions that you don't like by clicking away and the social media sites actively try to feed you things that agree with what you already like so, it's self-reinforcing 3. It's easy to be anonymous which encourages cowards to sling mud 4. Those that are the most vocal and most willing to sling the most mud often win the online conversations because more reasonable people will just give up rather than face the onslaught 5. The slightest difference of opinion can start the biggest of flame wars because of people without anything better to do 6. Too many people think that social media actually matters. It doesn't. Let the flame wars begin. Just FYI, I usually don't read the responses.
I made it a point to watch your videos before coming over and I'm glad I did. You've saved me thousands of dollars. With that said I knew I would never be friends with you. Probably never meet you in person, why because I'm not interested in getting to know any expats. None. I moved to the Philippines to get away from all the drama your talking about. I came to the Philippines to live my life out in a stress free peaceful environment that I've set up for myself. I don't have drama in my life. I have 3 different homes on 3 different islands for a reason. To not be so involved with my wife's families that they become toxic. We live in our home for two weeks on Samal Island then we fly to one of our other two homes and stay there for a week. Then back home to Samal Island for two weeks and then fly to our other house for a week. We have friends and family near each of our homes that we enjoy seeing and spending time with. Nice to go away and come back seeing that the people you love and care about actually missed you while you were gone and are happy you've returned. The expats I know and interact with during the year I can count on one hand. That's the way I like it, and don't plan to change it. You've talked about renting another apartment in a different part of the Philippines just to get away from your life and expats where you're living at now. Do it. I would never do what you do or live as you do, too much expat drama for my taste. Good video Steve.
I just finished reading an interesting book about the different generations, not surprisingly, called “Generations”. It described a rather precipitous drop in trust of institutions coupled with rising individualism. If you don’t believe in government, schools, media, etc and you are only in it for yourself then that, to me, has to be a part of what is causing the proliferation of toxic individuals/expats.
Yes your right some expats need to go back where they come from I don't hang around with to many foreigner only have one I call a friend otherwise problems I have 2 Filipino people I can trust them with my life and yes life in Philippines is great place
I will never disrespect someone or be rude to them unless they disrespect me first. I talk the same online as I do in person. Most ppl are toxic. I struggle to find good company.
"unless they disrespect me first." Then you will become like them? I had a conflict with my neighbor. He called the city about the work I was doing in my yard. My first reaction was to call the city about the second shed he had on the property line when only one shed is allowed. But I decided then I would be like him and I didn't want to be like him.
If you love USA and care about your children's future, you have to make a choice. I'm a veteran and I took an oath. I won't give away my political affiliation, but I will say it is important to have a political affiliation. The people we elect are making laws and policies that our children and grand children have to live with. Anyway... That's my opinion. See you 9 Feb Steve :)
So far I’ve found one expat who is 77 and he is a good guy and his wife is just as kind. I’ve waved at a few expats I’ve seen and they actually ignore me, so I just move on and never invade their privacy.
See ppl avoiding the GENDER CONFUSION DIVISION topic which is so prevalent in 🇺🇸 wonder if the culture of some of the countries where it’s subtlety accepted in the culture ESP Philippines 🇵🇭 Thailand 🇹🇭
Steve that story was both interesting and very true . I am just curious what state you were living in at the time of 9/11 ? I was in New york and just started raising my youngest of three children with my ex . Anyhow your story really took me back a moment there and brought some tears . Keep the faith brother . Thanks !
To add to this, I saw a recent debate online where those on the Right and those on the Left argued which side the Philippines is more aligned with. I don't think either side really fits the Philippines.
in part, I agree with you about things getting worse.. but toxicity has been a part of the US for years.. it was just less obvious to me. there has been finger pointing at "the other" for as long as I can remember.. historically, look at how the blacks were treated.. then the Indians.. the segregationists.. the vietnam vets.. all of them were subject to attacks based on who they were perceived to be as a group.. rather than who they are as individuals. Things have escalated because the veneer of 'trying' to be considerate of others has been thrown out the window.. tribalism is taking over in the US and I would not be at all surprised if violence escalates.
Omg the first part yes I remember that day . I went to work at the fire station not knowing about the news . A co worker was having a temper tantrum because they wouldn’t let him go home. He hated the Department for what they had done to him. But the fact that US stole Hawaii it was a little Quiet peace .
We live in a dysfunctional society,always was always will be..have some MEANING ,DIRECTION,PURPOSE,STAY IN YOUR LANE...BE A PERSON OF PRINCIPLES.END OF STORY
Hi Steve, I've wrestled with this issue for many years. Why is so much evil done by those who self proclaim there virtue and why do so called normal people go along with their lies. Check out " Why do we get the wrong leaders? Brian Klaas at science and cocktails. Cheers Aussie John
I usually just deal with such confrontations with a couple simple questions. I ask them why they left their homeland to begin with, and why did they bring those problems with them? Be it political, religious, economical, or whatever the issue may be, it was obviously something they wanted to get away from in the first place. If they packed those problems up, and dragged them along with their baggage, then I just point out that perhaps they should return home and enjoy the 'discussions' they thought them wanted to leave behind. Now, if they really want to have an globally concerning discussion, then bring up the topic of 'what is the best flavor ice cream' and watch the sparks fly!
We live in both worlds Steve. The Philippines for 10 months & 2 months in the States on the average..When we go to the States after we visit with our son & grandson..and other family members.. We take road trips to enjoy the beauty of the States we put on the average 9000 miles on the rental car..We have never had any trouble with people. Most people we meet are really good people..Now we never talk politics. What's the point in that.. You need to start enjoying your life being on Utube all the time is not doing you any good..Start traveling more go to Singapore, Australia. Get busy visiting other countries. Stop dwelling on all this crap its not helping you at all..
Steve I don’t know you personally but I have been watching your videos for over 3 years and you even talked to me on the phone before I came to the PI and gave me great advice. I thank you for that. I hope to some day come to your town from calamba city and take you out for a coffee or some lunch/dinner as a way to say thanks. Don’t let the a**holes drag you down there are still many good people around. Just ignore those losers
Too many expats with "issues". I used to socialize a good deal with other expats but have really curtailed this. Maybe I am old and set in my ways, but I value my peace, so I have limited my friendships to one or two other expats.
Politics has a lot to do with it. One party in particular, engages in culture wars, instead of addressing the major issues impacting all of our lives. I believe there is a reason for this. The party in question serves wealthy people and businesses. So regulations and rules, so-called big government, makes it more difficult for these businesses and people to do what they want. But rules are essential to keep things fair for everyone. For example, clean air act clean water act transformed The smelly, heavily polluted rivers and lakes in the US into a much better condition. Yes, this means that industrial dumping had to end, more expensive, proper disposal of hazardous waste had to result. But everyone had to do it. In the past, the heaviest polluters saved the most money by dumping their waste, putting honest businesses at a disadvantage. The rules create a level playing field. But one side effect of pooh-poohing government, is that the party can't afford to let government seem effective. If government is effective, the other party wins. There's even a joke about this, from the Reagan days, the most dreaded phrase is, "hi I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Government not only should, but must help. We see disasters from hurricanes, how horrible would it be if the government did not help these people and businesses? I spoke of the environment already, encouraging green energy is important also. I've invested tens of thousands of dollars on my solar array, I'll get some of that back because of the inflation reduction act. Who here still believes that man-made global warming is not a thing? There have been multi-million dollar misinformation campaigns to mislead the public into thinking it was a hoax. But even lies can only go so far in the face of incontrovertible evidence. 2023 didn't simply break records, it shattered them. Do the research, spend a few minutes to understand the reality. And don't support the politicians who continue to deny it.
It doesn't matter which political party is the majority they are both in bed together. Divide and conquer. No one goes to jail whichever party is the majority. One party pushes through one aspect of the globalist NWO the other party pushes through a different agenda. They are all corrupted, millionaires on a $200,000 salary, exempt from their own laws and requirements. Neither party keeps their campaign promises. No one's doing anything about the border. They all support war except for the few to make you think they are trying to do something about it but can't. We are about to sign the pandemic treaty giving the WHO and NATO control over our government. We are facing bankruptcy and they keep spending or the system collapses and none are doing anything about it. Mini rant, I could continue. They want you to believe it's someone or something outside their control but it is all going as planned.
Good times make weak men. Weak men make bad times.
Bad times make strong men
Strong men bring good times.
In the end, nobody can resolve a problem by running away, and a lot of expats get here by running away. Be stoic. Be thankful. Be humble. Ask for less and offer more. God bless you, Steve. The hurt has always been there, but it's us who are being tested, and our lives are the vehicles with which we prove ourselves to ourselves and God
I Appreciate your channel and touching on this Topic. I'm 61yrs. In the U.S. The past year I've taken a good look at my social life and realize how many people I've stopped associating with due to this "TOXIC" mentality. Not because I need Like Minded only as friends but because of their DEEP lack of Civility and understanding, not having ANY Compassion I mean a Realistic sense of Compassion, not Save the world but see each other as Human Beings.
I'm doing preliminary research considering becoming an Expat, Philippines/Thailand being # 3 and #4 on the list due to Distance from U.S. Way back in 80's I visited both places a month each and was incredible. I Don't expect in any fashion the same. lmao. My needs, wants are very distant of what would make anyplace incredible now. Anyway, Cool vid.
Well said.
I'm similar age and was in both in the 80s as well. It's a very different place now. As an example, Subic was a den of debauchery back then. Now, you'd never know it had that history. I'd advise doing a couple weeks recon in what ever countries you're contemplating. Good luck.
People speak highly of Thailand's infrastructure and food, better living conditions but few speak English, everything is written in Thai, the visa policy has changed for the worse. Thailand lacks many of the issues in the PHP but when looking at videos from the PHP compared to Thailand, Thailand looks boring. The guy in the video link below only spoke with one Thai person within 4 days. When you watch the video you can see the division, expat men hanging around together, lack of smiles, cold blank faces. From a YT video perspective PHP for a better social life, communication and friendly people.
czcams.com/video/vqou7HiMEk0/video.htmlsi=clCVG1qSl1CDy653
2 words: "Social Media".
Should be rebranded as "Anti-social Media"!
I also blame the Mainstream media
@@levi123095younger people don't watch TV anymore
The world has been toxic for a long time ago.
Yeah Steve, I've run into some difficult to be kind expats but I've met lots of great ones. You just gotta not let them drag you down. ( easier said than done I know) You seem like a great guy and it's admirable what you do for people coming here. I enjoyed talking with you a couple times. These are difficult times to be sure but we gotta make the best of it. Thanks again for everything you do for people.
after like a few minutes of conversation i can feel its going political or even worse and i smile, say to have a nice day and slowly move to another seat or maybe the restroom. feeling out the expat conversations to keep things peaceful
I arrived in the Philippines 2 years ago, and I visited an expat meeting a couple of times, and found that I didn’t need the toxic atmosphere…. Overall, it was negative.
I am very fortunate in that I married a wonderful, loving, intelligent Filipina, with an amazing family. She has grown, young adult kids, who have jobs. They welcomed me with open arms, and they are the center of my universe here. They had a rough upbringing, but I’m being used by God to unite the family, to show them what a close family is. I’ve seen so many great things happening.
I don’t want any of the toxic attitudes that is often here……. I know my place here….. with my wonderful family.
It will take a mass Spiritual Awakening. Good vlog Steve.
Which historically happens when all hope is lost.
It's the same shit up here in Canada Steve !!! started really seeing it when Trump got elected !!! It's a dog eat dog world up here too !!! Keep up the video's , good Job !!!
It's definitely from the King of Division.
Great Topic, Steve. Many inputs. At the least, most world religions/philosophies promote a constant medidation on right thoughts/behavior...but these influences are fading. So much unconsciousness now ...people entranced by the material/ matrix. Keep up the great work!
Great positive message Steve,we need more of this thanks for the Love 💕 bro.
So many people are entrenched in tribalism - politics, social issues, religion. This makes it incredibly difficult to engage in meaningful discourse when people have opposing viewpoints.
It depends. If people can have intellectual discussions about things that are uncomfortable to them, the opportunity to learn and grow exists.
The discussions need to be intellectual, because if they grow heated and emotional, the ability to think clearly is compromised, and progress cannot be made.
It all comes down to what is the motivation of people...people are either motivated to help others...and with that comes...love, peace and happiness...or people are motivated by selfish means. From governments...to businesses...to social structures...to family. With selfishness comes toxic culture and behaviors such as anger...hate and unhappiness. What can be controlled?......for us as individuals to be motivated to help others and choose happiness and hopefully through truth and love to plant seeds for others to be happy and with it less toxicity. Thanks for sharing!
Really appreciate you sharing your Heart and experiences.
God Bless You brother. I am a Christian also age 73 and From California but now on Maui Hawaii for last 10 years. More expensive than mainland of course but not nearly as toxic!
And I learned how to surf which is very fun. Keeps me young!
Steve, you’ve made a lot of good points. The world is so toxic at this point we need a miracle to straighten things out. I appreciate all your candor.
We can't rely on the bearded guy in the sky to fix these woes. It takes sincere fact based discussions, respect for personal choice, and awareness of who is promoting culture wars to create those divisions.
@@tryscience I agree we need “fact based discussions” but they are a thing of the past. Facts no longer matter. Until we get back to reality nothing will get better.
@@tombkk1322 I agree with you. Unfortunately people will need to hit rock bottom as it were, before they decide to try something different. And when they do make a sincere attempt to undo the damage, I think it's important to make clear that regardless of the result, it is a noble thing to do. Because it can be painful.
@@tryscience I agree with you 100%. I really enjoyed the conversation, thanks.
You’re not a mess up person Steve, you’re doing a very good job. Keep up the good work, you’re serving humanity this way.
Steve, we are both baby boomers who grew up in the same era so there is no doubt we share similar values and I agree with all the toxic points you made aside for one. You can never turn back time and there is no magic pill from any leaders that can take us back to the good old days so all we can do is surround ourselves with people who share our values and live out our lives as we best see them until we are called home.
If you honestly take a real look back at the "Good old days", you will find they really never really existed.
@@bigjohnson7415 It's a perception based on one's experiences.
Good talk. I don't think a catastrophe would bring people together like in the past. We are now living in the YOUniverse where people are putting themselves first in every situation and always being a victim. No one takes responsibility like before. Lashing out and demonizing those around us, is now they norm to atonement for actions taken. Appreciate all you do.
I agree. I think a catastrophe will bring out the worst in people like we have been seeing for many years already. They destroy buildings, cars, riot and attack police and people when their team wins the championship or when someone dies when detained by police. They destroy the infrastructure in their own neighborhood that they depend upon.
Steve,great awareness on many levels, thanks for the food for thought your chats can keep your fellow man level headed see you and God bless all that you do. 18:04
I retired in the military as a ground loadmaster for C-130/C-141 transport in MAC/AMC 1994
good chat sir. i try to spread ... and find ... peace when im abroad. i have to let the anxiety and vitriol go
This is one of the best videos that you have made. Totally agree with you. I came to the Phillipines to live in peace. If I wanted to live in all the bs I would have stayed in the US. Keep up the great videos.
I believe you're right. Maybe because Western societies have changed from predominantly homogenous to heterogeneous societies in the last 20 years, coupled with the rise of social media has lead to greater division of opinion and all that comes with that
Social media is the rotten core to a big part of societal issues.
Steve, I enjoy your channel, and I've made that very clear to others. You speak well, and your heart is good. On the topic of toxicity here in the Philippines, it's not going to go away. It's not going to get any better. You have an overabundance of low-value, low-income men with checkered pasts who are leaving the West looking for greener pastures, and they're bringing their attitudes with them.
Now, the Philippines is not without its faults. You know this as well as I do, having been here for multiple years. And we've talked about it many times on your channel as well as mine: the lack of quality foods, the infrastructure, the lack of care when it comes to medical, traffic, and the increased prices of goods and services, especially over the last two years. These price increases are biting into the residual income of the lower-budget men who come here to the Philippines. Along with the aforementioned. The typical untraveled westerner is unprepared for such a change. They're not living as well as they thought they would.
You know misery loves company, right? If you have a miserable captain, you are going to have a miserable crew. I find myself never entertaining foreigners in my home. I find it difficult to make quality friends here in the Philippines with foreigners living in my community. I enjoy my wife, and I enjoy our child. I enjoy our surroundings. I live a comfortable life because I can afford it. And I don't put up with the bullshit. Having foreign friends in the Philippines can be very detrimental to your health. But I think you've come to the same realization as I have. I enjoyed your video. I enjoyed your talk. Regards Robert
Just watched a video yesterday about expats avoiding other expats. I saw the same thing when I was staying in the Philippines. If you get around very many expats, you’ll know why. Some really love gossip. I’ve been around it a lot but never heard grown men gossip like I heard while I was there. I’m more a listener than anything else thanks to my one beer limit. I enjoyed learning about the life experiences of a lot of the expats, jobs they did, military service, adventures and so on. When subjects turned to “this guy is being played” or “his wife is looking for someone with more money” that’s when the conversations lost my attention.
For me this all started in the 90’s with talk radio. There have always been fringe characters and talk radio was a medium and technology that connected them and let them know that they weren’t alone. Internet social media does the same thing more efficiently but I think the seeds were planted in the 90’s.
I had not thought about the talk radio phenomenon but now that you mention it, I too think it was a contributor to the social detriment. There were quite a few contributing factors and I frankly think we are looking at the culmination of all the contributing factors that have culminated with the Trump phenomenon. I distinctly remember the gut feeling I had when I woke up on 1/9/16 to learn who the new POTUS was. I left the U.S. on 1/6/17 and now a whole bunch of people are talking about leaving if he gets re-elected but I am 90+% certain that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell getting re-elected. I think he will be found disqualified by the time it is all over but the U.S. is in for quite a bit more pain in the process.
@@dgibbsfl I moved to Thailand in Feb 2017 about a month after Trump assumed office. However, I didn’t leave because of Trump. I was on my way here for my own reasons. Every election has it’s cohort of critics who announce they the will move out of the country if so-and-so gets elected but these people never go through with it. I will say that what I have followed from afar about the US these past 7 years has been troubling. I am glad to have been far removed from it and grateful that my expat friends seldom refer to events back home.
Yes Rush Limbaugh was the beginning of the end 😢
@@martypoll I can relate to all your observations and comments and I too also had a move overseas in the works anyway. In the end I couldn't believe my good luck to have already had a move planned and my good fortune that it worked out beautifully for me in all regards.
@@Sunmoon-gj9gy Michael Savage was in there at about the same time with a whole parade that followed them.
Seeing my plans are the Philippines and I could ONLY have 3 channels to follow in preparations to get ready for a successful transition,your channel would be one of those channels. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching
Steve, the problems really started when people started saying "Never talk about politics, religion, or sports at the dinner table..." You cannot"reach across the aisle " without knowing/TALKING about that side-of-the-aisle's position... unfortunately, a result of the "never talk about" philosophy is that we have lost the art of debate... this is readily apparent when one listens to what passes as debating ends up in ad hominem attacks on one's opponent...
The toxicity has always been there, the internet just gave it a vehicle to go world wide all at once
Exactly! If we listen to the lyrics of the music of the sixties, it's the same topics.
Got that Right with Marxist ideology Art, just saying .
When you are 75 years old you have values you were taught and still may believe in. The world has changed dramatically and for people in America you have to adjust to a new landscape both politically, socially, and materially. You have to accept the reality as it pertains to the life you can and want to live. This is especially true when you come to the realization that your time on earth is closer to the end. Arguing with people over viewpoints that you have no control over is a waste of valuable time. It always comes back to you do you and I will do me. Nice vlog but I will stay home but enjoy your comments on life in the Philippines.
The Spread of commercials on utube is an example of this Consumerism. Reading Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins has opened my eyes to some of this.
I say to my friends the good times have gone . I think you are right about the eighties and nineties .. I am now 82 so I have seen the world go to crap .. China has made things worse with covid and now greed has taken over , people don't welcome each other anymore .. I love the Philippines because the people are so friendly and helpful ..A lot more but I will Finnish here ..
I'm 62 and my belief is the good time ended decades ago, not just recently.
@kevin, Everyone here had a great and intelligent reply, You were the only person that wanted to lay blame on someone,
@@philmcleod111 Indeed. Greed has been here our whole life, just seems to have been supercharged since the 1980's.
@@philmcleod111 You mean to say China didn't make things worse , believe what you believe I have been around a lot longer than you obviously I have seen it all the good the bad and now the ugly part of life ..Think you better read more comments ..
82 , whaaat , you are ready for upstairs soon😂😂😂
A real messy message ! -- No perfect place or perfect people. -- That's what I heard Steve and knew it already. -- Traveled enough all around the US and it's everywhere. Toxic can't be escaped easily. Usually difficult times will reveal who is or isn't ! Sometimes or even in most cases your not sure until push comes to shove in some messy situation disagreement or hard times ? You found that out in your group ! -- That does seem to be the time when the cream rises to the top and we find out with certainty who we can depend on. -- Keep your head on a swivel with your eyes wide open going forward my friend. Perfect people simply don't exit but good friends do !!! 🙏
Reflecting, we went from Watergate fiasco, Carter years, oil prices, and the hostage situation in Iran, our bases closed and the Commissary, then the hostages were taken a failed rescue attemp with the C130 crash.
When I was young I was an extrovert and people always respond back. But my elder years when I respond to someone they won’t respond back so I became an introvert. America will never come back and the only they will that we will have a major devastate .
The median age is like 39 and 40 in US so yes if you're in your older years it gets harder and harder to connect. Just the same when you were this age probably didn't connect well with 65+ year olds
The CZcams algorithm brought me here. And I have to be honest it’s toxic everywhere. It’s like society changed overnight after 2019 during the whole pandemic. I think everyone is in survival mode. Everyone should just focus on getting there money and being healthy because the way things are going it might get worse in 2024 and beyond..💯
Wow Steve, I can relate to all said, today I will call you “Preacher Steve!”So many factors have contributed to the toxicity you speak of. Breakdown of families, breakdown of religion, etc. etc. I have 4 dear friends that I’ve known since I was a small kid, Those are my best friends even though we only see each other once in awhile these days one call and they’re right there for me! I don’t think I’ll find this within any Expat communities I don’t need to know anymore than friendly conversation and sharing old stories with new friends! I’m leaving for financial freedom, economic opportunity, and a more wholesome laid-back lifestyle for myself and my wife. Coming from New England as you, I’m a cup, half full guy, hoping the common sense, and God can correct the direction of all this division in our world, especially in the US today. I am cautiously optimistic, but at this point you have to take care of yourself first and stick with people who Love you for who you are! God bless. ✌🏻
I JUST LISTEN TO YOUR VIDEO AND TOXIC EXPATS OR NOT YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL SIR! I WILL BE IN PHILIPPINES IN APRIL ILL LOOK YOU UP MAYBE GET A COFFEE OR BITE! GOD BLESS
Feel exactly same! Thank you !
Unfortunately it's like that all over the world now Steve. When you think about it we've lived through the very best period in history, and without any doubt the easiest. I often take a look at how toxic things have gotten and how divided people have become, and really I'm kind of glad being 72 that I won't (or most likely won't) be around 30 years from now.
I joined a couple of the Expat forums, and thank God for the moderators that try to keep things civil cause I'm sure there are some people on there that are only there out of boredom and try to stir things up. Keyboard warriors I like to call them.
We'll have to see what the future holds as far as the Philippines go. I love it here and can't think of a bad thing to say about where we live, but both my wife and I find ourselves missing Canada, and are already talking about locking up the condo and heading back for a few month, ... not right away but maybe a year or a bit more from now.
Regular Guy on YT just went back to Canada for 7 weeks you might want to check with him what he thought about Canada today. Expensive and cold were two things he mentioned.
@@RayH- yeah I know Canada is going through a deep freeze right now, and talking with my dad (who's actually going to be a hundred next month) on Skype every couple of days I know the cost of living back there is ridiculous.
The world and human nature are constant and it's our perception, interpretation , personal judgement that labels it one thing or another.
A great and important video. I was just thinking about this more over the last several years.
There are still small pockets of the world that are yet to be infected, but I’m finding I’m
Having to be much further inland from city centers and really connected to locals to discover them, than a decade ago, and it requires living more like the locals.
Greed, poverty, religion and race .. Along with internet and technology all contribute to a division..
Gender confusion
Excellent video Steve. While I have been married to a Phillippines born lady for over 30 years, I still have 2 years to go before I can retire. I'll reserve my comments on the expat communities in the Philippines.
It's not just this current polar vortex we are in(-41 overnight low) that is the reason my wife and I want out of Canada. Some provinces in Canada have decided that racially segregated pre school classes are the way you build bridges and harmony. Canada is a country that locks up people and seizes their bank accounts for legally and peacefully protesting against the prime minister's bad policies. This is now a country where people who disagree with the federal government for legitimate reasons are branded racists, homophobes, transphobes, and deniers.
And then there is the stark reality that we are in a probably irreversible downward economic spiral that the trajectory we are on means we will become another Argentina. That is okay, Ottawa and the provincial governments will just keep raising taxes.
I can't wait to get the hell out of this totalitarian creeping Venezuela wannabe country. I will deal with any toxic expats. These next 2 years can't come soon enough.
I am born and proud Canadian Millennial from Vancouver. I love my country and never watch nor even care about news here. I notice the people here that do seem more grumpy and old and they are invisible to me. My city has many people from every country lots of joy in summer. Nothing is wrong here and yes I voted for our countries leadership in 2015 and he's still the man 9 years later with many more ahead💪. Other than that I pay no attention and all my friends are young and don't care.
@@youngandfree93 Lots of Joy in Vancouver eh. I guess that is why the working class can't get out of that overpriced woke shithole fast enough. Vancouver is on a trajectory to be Vanezuela in the near future.
@@calstan86 you don't know anything about Vancouver. I am born and raised. Vanezuela? At least check your spelling. Vancouver is often ranked near the top of livable cities. Many Filipinas work here too along with many other nationalities. Your comparison to Venezuela is laughable. We are doing really well here thank you.
@@youngandfree93I do know the GVRD and we know people that have lived there. That is why I'm able to comment on it.
Those city rankings are a joke. They are certainly not surveying nor do they care about people who work for a living. They are compiled by urban elites for urban elites. The more unaffordable the city, the higher the ranking.
However, it you like your woke shithole of a city, stay there and pay there. Our only interest in that city is that it is where we will depart for a freer and better life abroad.
@calstan86 you are one of the toxic people Steve is speaking about.
Opposing POV's, is not an issue. Opposing morals, that is an issue. At the p[resent itme, at least in America...you have 2 distinct positions. 1) is pro-Authoritarian, dictatorial, and intrusive. the other side, wants to allow individuals to BE indivuduals. Side (1), would mean the end of the America that has existed for 245+ years.
You are spot on with your observation of timing. The 1990s...Karl Rove, and Newt Gingrich quite deliberately made it an us-v-them process.
There is something I learned in life there are 2 different types of friends in life. The ones you can call for help till about 6pm Monday - Friday and there are the friends you call Saturday at 1 am saying you need help and the only thing they ask is do I need to wear old clothes. Want to take a guess on the ones who I’m still friends with.
Great video, Steve! I'm sure so many people echo your feelings about the world being so toxic now and how we all hoped things would turn around after 9/11. I agree with dann547. He made some good points.
Thank you, Steve, for some interesting insights. I have always held the opinion that leaders will set the tone for the people. That includes not only political leaders, but also CEO's, managers, supervisors, teachers, and others. I don't think the media helps either. There have been stories posted in Facebook and X about people who have shown love for another person. But they are so few; hopefully they are only the "tip of the iceberg". But we have forgot to love one another and we have become self-centered. "Everything is for me and about me or it's worthless" seems to be the attitude of people. Whether a person is religious or not, there is some good wisdom in the Hebrew and Christian testaments. There is also very good wisdom in many Buddhist writings. And many others have written about what life can be, if we are willing to take the time and remember that other people are humans too.
Great video Steve.
Some of these issues are fueled by the perpetual growth model. Western economies, the US in particular, are designed to grow in perpetuity economically. This causes many companies to only focus on the current or next quarter. This model also causes the government to operate short term. A lot of solid middle class jobs in tech have been eliminated in the last year. That doesn't even get into jobs being automated or outsourced. A lot of young people feel like they don't have job security in the US right now. That coupled with an ever increasing cost of living contributes to social unrest.
I was laid off middle of last year and haven't found something new yet. I hope to find something new soon but I'm waiting it out in Thailand to conserve my savings and investments. The standard of living in general seems to be quickly declining for many people in western countries. The only reason I go back home is to make more money because I'm way too young to retire.
The best days of the Philippines are ahead of it. The opposite is true back home in America. Broken Americans will keep coming to the Philippines to try to repair themselves. Some will succeed. Others will fail.
Thoughtful comment here that I agree with mostly. I hope you find a new groove professionally that you need Alex so you can keep on going in a way that works for you. My situation was a little different but I live abroad for the same reasons pretty much and moving to a place like the Philippines has worked out beautifully for me. There are some guys that end up pulling a difficult and heavy load however and my heart goes out to them too. I cannot and do not wish to relate to them personally and what they are going through but my heart goes out to them none the less.
Both comments here are very thoughtful. Both of you made great points.
@@dgibbsfl Thanks so much for the kind comment!
@@tombkk1322 Thanks so much for the kind comment!
@@EasternDreamer615 Thank you too.
Nothing stays the same
9/11 was a Tuesday morning. Michael Jirdan was announcing his coming out of retirement. It was a ckear blue sunny sky over Manhattan. I was at work for an hour when i heard the news.
I "just arrived in Phil" for R & R; woke-up in Barrio Barreto, on 9/11 .. So many Filipinos, Europeans & Aussies were paying me such heart felt Condolences (amazing).. Fast Fwd (next R & R) Phil Vaca , After US-Iraq Invasion & War (Fiasco Chaos & Civil War) .. Allies were "Pissed at the US" .. I've never personally experienced & felt Allies "that Pissed Off at America" .. What a "Monumentally Blown, Monumental Opportunity" ..
People should occasionally challenge their own beliefs. If they listen to only sources that reinforce what they believe, then any other opinions will seem extreme and ridiculous.
Almost like a trial of sorts, if you find someone who can enage in an intellectual, not heated emotional, conversation, This is quite valuable.
Take notes if you need to. Verify if what is said to you is factually correct. Especially if you are the kind of person who wants to know reality, the truth, regardless of if it aligns to what you think is real. That's the kind of person I am, if I am seriously wrong about some important issue, I would want to know that as soon as possible so I can do a course correction.
I think this toxicity started with the rise of the internet and social media. Perhaps even slightly before that with the cable news networks... I don't remember our world and our communities being so polarized before the mid 80's to early 90s. The only thing that would really divide us back then was sport. Which is how it should be. Now there are powerful people and organisations who need the polarization and feed the fear to make money. So, after 30 years of this, we have this society with it's toxicity. Inevitable? From an Australian perspective.
My late aunt Audry used to say "the world's going to hell in a hand basket". Yet she was one of the most up beat people I knew. The world always has been and always will be a toxic place. Still a great many live happy and productive lives.
In the early 1990’s Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s journal article,” Defining Deviancy Down” drove home the point that society was normalizing behaviors
that were not good for us or society. Some of the behaviors or policies he cited were single parenthood, deinstitutionalization of mentally ill patients, lowered school standards and a growing acceptance of
criminal violence. Thus began the normalization of bad behavior. Now
the destructive diversity, equity and inclusion movement has turned what was previously normal behavior into deviant behavior. People are angry
and frustrated; they just want to live
their lives in a safe and meaningful
way without these kooky elites corrupting everything they touch.
Bullseye!
You realize, your quoting "an Elite" ..
@@enzos711 Ya, I know. Back in the day even elites got it right once in a while.
Moynihan was still old school at the time he wrote that incisive journal article. He later made a Faustian bargain with the Clinton’s over abortion . It is a big world; there can be both
sensible, pragmatic Elites ( ie. V.D.Hanson) and irrational ( AOC) Elites.
With all due respect, you know which party emptied all the mental hospitals, right?
Couldn't agree with you any better than what you're sharing with us! America has changed so much, need I say more? one of the things lately here where I am, autonomous vehicle yayy then this AI what's going on?
My first trip to the Philippines changed my life in a better way. I want a retirement in peace not hell
Yes, after the 9 11 tragedy,,people are good for a while and then we’re back to ourselves we easily forget.
The expat community has always been toxic for as long as I can remember. I remember one guy talking over his issues with me when I was visiting. He told me he couldn't talk to anyone there because they were like a bunch of old ladies in a knitting circle and I always kept my mouth shut. Best to always avoid people who talk about others behind their back.
Crosby Stills & Nash were on the first episide of the Tonight Show that Jay Leno did a week after 9/11, along with senator John McCain. I remember that episode like it was last week!
Toxicness has been there for a long time ago in planet earth.
Our generation has really screwed thins up for our children. That should always be the the most important thing that drives our actions and decisions.
Thank God our parents are no longer alcove to see how we desteoyed their legacy.
It has taken a long time for it to work, It's called "Mass Psychosis"
A good description of MAGA!🤣
@@bigjohnson7415 MAGA doesn't control the Media and our Colleges. TDS is real, there is help out there, go find it.
Steve, we must always remember that in most cases there are other people who are in worse condition than ourselves: that applies to a relationship breakup, a vehicle accident, a lost/late document/visa, or a corrupt robbery like a land-deal swindle. cheers.
We definitely live in a toxic world. I am a Filipino and living in the US for the last 20 years. The culture and political climate in the US has changed so much. I am 3 years shy from retirement and am strongly considering retiring in the Philippines. I want to escape all the craziness being a Conservative living in Los Angeles. I am a very political person and person who will defend my Conservative values. I wish I could shut things off and just live my life. I know that this is a touchy topic that might raise some eyebrows. God Bless you and stay safe.👍
I see nothing wrong with being conservative, or liberal for that matter, so long as people understand there are differing viewpoints and respect them as well, instead of trying to impose their will on others.
For example, everyone is pro-choice. Especially conservatives. Liberals want to choose for themselves. Conservatives, want to choose for everybody.
Most people have so many of the same beliefs, doesn't matter if you are a Conservative or Liberal. I'm not a crazy left wing liberal, but a left of center person with many Conservative values. The problem today is the MAGA "Republicans" really don't share the belief that you can argue the merits of policies, but respect the others right to their beliefs. With MAGA, it's just a Con job and millions following a Con man for only one reason. Their hate of the "Others", and only think THEIR beliefs should be allowed. A "Conservative" is fine, but a brainwashed nutjob isn't, in my book.
America is a very unique country. If you look at it's history it has been at war with somebody through most of its history. Overall the people are very aggressive, there is a lot of anger always brewing just under the surface that can erupt at any time.
I'm an RN who plans on moving to Colombia, Peru, Thailand, or PH someday. I've thought about this a lot. One thing I always thought would be beneficial is to not have to talk to expats. Those are the kind of people I want to move away from. I want to assimilate and gain foreign friends in the local community.
Hi Steve, Thank you for the topic, it's important to talk about. Since you only spoke in generalities, not specific issues, I could only reply in generalities. So it may not be very helpful for specific problem. In general, I found the only real way to end the gulf between viewpoints, is to have sincere, serious, fact and evidence-based conversations. And not many people are willing to do that, and I think it's because they know they are on the wrong side of the facts, and it takes a certain strength to consider that one's own perspective is wrong. There is a cognitive dissonance that feeds the division. For example, people who engaged in insurrection because they don't like who won an election, these are not patriots. Even though they call themselves such.
It's easy to understand how people who served in the military, and actually support the Constitution, would have problems with such people.
Regarding personal matters, it depends on what the 'hell' the person was going through. If it's a divorce with no criminal conduct, then of course good friends and families should support the person having the tough time.
Regarding race, people must remember that someone is not an ambassador for their race. Treat people as individuals, regardless of race. Easy. I will say, that in your example it was quite extraordinary that the Muslims helped the gentleman who was injured, in Islam blood is considered unclean. But to use my philosophy, why identify them as Muslim? This is a group of individuals, whose religion shouldn't be thrown shade because of their good deed. Put a different way, wow, even these Muslims would help this guy, is sending a mixed message, partly negative. Especially because you've identified as Christian. Just because they are of a different religion, shouldn't mean you should have lower expectations of them and greater surprise when those expectations are exceeded.
Toxicity is derived from dissatisfacion with one's own life. It is derived from the unwillingness to accept the existence of different socio-cultural-political perspectives. When I lived in HK there was a wide range of ethnic/national/racial backgrounds. What united us was the fact that we had all chosen to leave our home countries and make lives for ourselves overseas. Politics, as opposed to political discussion, was largely off the table in the wider social forum, which included Republicans, Demeocrats and Progressives, but we did engage in that discussion on a personal level with no recourse to mindless didacticism. I have my own beliefs, based on education and personal experience. Boston Dan, Denver Steve and Texas Andre from the US, for example, had their beliefs and positions, some of which I vehemently disagreed with, but we discussed issues, as opposed to arguing about them. The Chinese, Indians, other Europeans and the guys from the West Indies (an odd bunch, to say the least, but good guys) in our group also had their positions, based on their experience and background. However, we still enjoyed a beer together, held barbecues and parties for the kids, introduced one another to our own traditions, such as Hogmannay, Burns Night, Divali, Thanksgiving, etc., and usually ended up ditching politics and talking about sport and music and how much our wives/girlfriends/kids vexed us. Then there were the Canadians! Here in the Philippines I keep to myself. There are no foreigners in my neighbourhood. My past is my past and that's where it stays. My wife knows it but it's not discussed. I keep quiet but one should not confuse being quiet with being weak.
I blamed the internet. Not entirely, not for everything, but it has a big negative impact in some ways.
1. It's easy to find people that will support whatever extreme fringe beliefs you have from every angle
2. You can easily avoid any opinions that you don't like by clicking away and the social media sites actively try to feed you things that agree with what you already like so, it's self-reinforcing
3. It's easy to be anonymous which encourages cowards to sling mud
4. Those that are the most vocal and most willing to sling the most mud often win the online conversations because more reasonable people will just give up rather than face the onslaught
5. The slightest difference of opinion can start the biggest of flame wars because of people without anything better to do
6. Too many people think that social media actually matters. It doesn't.
Let the flame wars begin. Just FYI, I usually don't read the responses.
Exactly.. Add Cable "News" .. We're living in "The Attention Economy" .. "Whatever it takes" to get your Attn & keep you hooked ..
Pop Culture Infotainment (Info Wars) gone Digital ..
God bless you man. Tookb a real man to make this video.
I made it a point to watch your videos before coming over and I'm glad I did.
You've saved me thousands of dollars.
With that said I knew I would never be friends with you. Probably never meet you in person, why because I'm not interested in getting to know any expats. None.
I moved to the Philippines to get away from all the drama your talking about.
I came to the Philippines to live my life out in a stress free peaceful environment that I've set up for myself.
I don't have drama in my life.
I have 3 different homes on 3 different islands for a reason.
To not be so involved with my wife's families that they become toxic.
We live in our home for two weeks on Samal Island then we fly to one of our other two homes and stay there for a week.
Then back home to Samal Island for two weeks and then fly to our other house for a week.
We have friends and family near each of our homes that we enjoy seeing and spending time with.
Nice to go away and come back seeing that the people you love and care about actually missed you while you were gone and are happy you've returned.
The expats I know and interact with during the year I can count on one hand.
That's the way I like it, and don't plan to change it.
You've talked about renting another apartment in a different part of the Philippines just to get away from your life and expats where you're living at now. Do it.
I would never do what you do or live as you do, too much expat drama for my taste.
Good video Steve.
Thanks
I just finished reading an interesting book about the different generations, not surprisingly, called “Generations”. It described a rather precipitous drop in trust of institutions coupled with rising individualism. If you don’t believe in government, schools, media, etc and you are only in it for yourself then that, to me, has to be a part of what is causing the proliferation of toxic individuals/expats.
In the bible, it said in the end days that love for others would wax cold.
It has been like that for a long time people hate other people for having a different skin colour or race.
Look in the Mirror no matter where we travel on this Planet "Your Always There" Blessings :)
Yes your right some expats need to go back where they come from I don't hang around with to many foreigner only have one I call a friend otherwise problems I have 2 Filipino people I can trust them with my life and yes life in Philippines is great place
I've heard it said that the good guys lost ww2
I will never disrespect someone or be rude to them unless they disrespect me first.
I talk the same online as I do in person.
Most ppl are toxic. I struggle to find good company.
"unless they disrespect me first." Then you will become like them?
I had a conflict with my neighbor. He called the city about the work I was doing in my yard. My first reaction was to call the city about the second shed he had on the property line when only one shed is allowed. But I decided then I would be like him and I didn't want to be like him.
@@RayH- Good for you. I bite back
I'm learning (at 61) "Better to be Kind than Right" .. Unfortunately "The Exact Opposite" is becoming "normal" ..
If you love USA and care about your children's future, you have to make a choice. I'm a veteran and I took an oath. I won't give away my political affiliation, but I will say it is important to have a political affiliation. The people we elect are making laws and policies that our children and grand children have to live with. Anyway... That's my opinion. See you 9 Feb Steve :)
Dallas is bad now, because of the border being open. Its crazy here now. Plus what covid did.
So far I’ve found one expat who is 77 and he is a good guy and his wife is just as kind. I’ve waved at a few expats I’ve seen and they actually ignore me, so I just move on and never invade their privacy.
See ppl avoiding the GENDER CONFUSION DIVISION topic which is so prevalent in 🇺🇸
wonder if the culture of some of the countries where it’s subtlety accepted
in the culture ESP Philippines 🇵🇭 Thailand 🇹🇭
Steve that story was both interesting and very true .
I am just curious what state you were living in at the time of 9/11 ?
I was in New york and just started raising my youngest of three children with my ex .
Anyhow your story really took me back a moment there and brought some tears .
Keep the faith brother . Thanks !
Massachusetts
To add to this, I saw a recent debate online where those on the Right and those on the Left argued which side the Philippines is more aligned with. I don't think either side really fits the Philippines.
in part, I agree with you about things getting worse.. but toxicity has been a part of the US for years.. it was just less obvious to me. there has been finger pointing at "the other" for as long as I can remember.. historically, look at how the blacks were treated.. then the Indians.. the segregationists.. the vietnam vets.. all of them were subject to attacks based on who they were perceived to be as a group.. rather than who they are as individuals. Things have escalated because the veneer of 'trying' to be considerate of others has been thrown out the window.. tribalism is taking over in the US and I would not be at all surprised if violence escalates.
Omg the first part yes I remember that day .
I went to work at the fire station not knowing about the news . A co worker was having a temper tantrum because they wouldn’t let him go home.
He hated the Department for what they had done to him. But the fact that US stole Hawaii it was a little
Quiet peace .
I feel fortunate that I can insulate myself from so much of the Western toxicity while enjoying my senior years in the Philippines.
Time to hunker down
We live in a dysfunctional society,always was always will be..have some MEANING ,DIRECTION,PURPOSE,STAY IN YOUR LANE...BE A PERSON OF PRINCIPLES.END OF STORY
Hi Steve, I've wrestled with this issue for many years. Why is so much evil done by those who self proclaim there virtue and why do so called normal people go along with their lies. Check out " Why do we get the wrong leaders? Brian Klaas at science and cocktails. Cheers Aussie John
I was born and raised in Lowell Mass...I guess I tune in because the familiar accent
Also good content.
My daughter lives there with a former professional boxer
I was born and raised in Lynn Mass, and boxed in the Silver Mittens and Golden Gloves, a lot of my fight's were up in Lowell Mass, the boxing city.
When you are taking the high road the devil don't like that. Just put your bullet proof armor on and go grab you some sidig. 😅
More world resources are needed to be used to get problems solved in other countries.. Before it reaches us. More talks and more cool tempers.
I usually just deal with such confrontations with a couple simple questions. I ask them why they left their homeland to begin with, and why did they bring those problems with them?
Be it political, religious, economical, or whatever the issue may be, it was obviously something they wanted to get away from in the first place. If they packed those problems up, and dragged them along with their baggage, then I just point out that perhaps they should return home and enjoy the 'discussions' they thought them wanted to leave behind.
Now, if they really want to have an globally concerning discussion, then bring up the topic of 'what is the best flavor ice cream' and watch the sparks fly!
We live in both worlds Steve. The Philippines for 10 months & 2 months in the States on the average..When we go to the States after we visit with our son & grandson..and other family members.. We take road trips to enjoy the beauty of the States we put on the average 9000 miles on the rental car..We have never had any trouble with people. Most people we meet are really good people..Now we never talk politics. What's the point in that.. You need to start enjoying your life being on Utube all the time is not doing you any good..Start traveling more go to Singapore, Australia. Get busy visiting other countries. Stop dwelling on all this crap its not helping you at all..
Zero is nothing we can do
Steve I don’t know you personally but I have been watching your videos for over 3 years and you even talked to me on the phone before I came to the PI and gave me great advice. I thank you for that. I hope to some day come to your town from calamba city and take you out for a coffee or some lunch/dinner as a way to say thanks. Don’t let the a**holes drag you down there are still many good people around. Just ignore those losers
I appreciate that
Too many expats with "issues". I used to socialize a good deal with other expats but have really curtailed this. Maybe I am old and set in my ways, but I value my peace, so I have limited my friendships to one or two other expats.
Toxicity isn't just in the USA, its a worldwide problem
As I said in the vlog
Politics has a lot to do with it. One party in particular, engages in culture wars, instead of addressing the major issues impacting all of our lives. I believe there is a reason for this.
The party in question serves wealthy people and businesses. So regulations and rules, so-called big government, makes it more difficult for these businesses and people to do what they want.
But rules are essential to keep things fair for everyone. For example, clean air act clean water act transformed The smelly, heavily polluted rivers and lakes in the US into a much better condition. Yes, this means that industrial dumping had to end, more expensive, proper disposal of hazardous waste had to result. But everyone had to do it. In the past, the heaviest polluters saved the most money by dumping their waste, putting honest businesses at a disadvantage. The rules create a level playing field.
But one side effect of pooh-poohing government, is that the party can't afford to let government seem effective. If government is effective, the other party wins. There's even a joke about this, from the Reagan days, the most dreaded phrase is, "hi I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Government not only should, but must help. We see disasters from hurricanes, how horrible would it be if the government did not help these people and businesses? I spoke of the environment already, encouraging green energy is important also. I've invested tens of thousands of dollars on my solar array, I'll get some of that back because of the inflation reduction act. Who here still believes that man-made global warming is not a thing? There have been multi-million dollar misinformation campaigns to mislead the public into thinking it was a hoax. But even lies can only go so far in the face of incontrovertible evidence. 2023 didn't simply break records, it shattered them. Do the research, spend a few minutes to understand the reality. And don't support the politicians who continue to deny it.
It doesn't matter which political party is the majority they are both in bed together. Divide and conquer. No one goes to jail whichever party is the majority. One party pushes through one aspect of the globalist NWO the other party pushes through a different agenda. They are all corrupted, millionaires on a $200,000 salary, exempt from their own laws and requirements. Neither party keeps their campaign promises. No one's doing anything about the border. They all support war except for the few to make you think they are trying to do something about it but can't. We are about to sign the pandemic treaty giving the WHO and NATO control over our government. We are facing bankruptcy and they keep spending or the system collapses and none are doing anything about it. Mini rant, I could continue. They want you to believe it's someone or something outside their control but it is all going as planned.
I think not only expat But also Filipino people can make your life miserable because of gossip. And also money problems.