As a matter of fact, I do donate. I also much more than time. I volunteer many more hours than most people my age for charitable causes. To address your point about it being a disgrace to feel shame about my American citizenship on occasion, I believe that that is my right. Also, please note the fact that my age is somewhat prohibiting in being able to move to a different. I'm not saying that I hate America. America is a wonderful land of great opportunity. If it were not for this country, my Grandparents would not have survived the Holocaust and other relatives wouldn't have survived the atrocities committed by Stalin. I truly love this country, and I'm very politically involved for that reason. I would do anything in my power to improve the United States. I was simply attempting to point out that the opening poster seems to be too wrapped up in the excitement of material possessions, and I don't enjoy having those in other countries assume that all Americans are like this.
That all being said, to criticize him for wanting an iPhone while the world is starving and little girls are getting pregnant, and HIV is spread by multi-use needles just don't forget your a kid, and its our job to want stuff growing up is good, but damn if he wants an iPhone then by all means let him fundraise for his obsession!
It is not our job to 'want stuff.' If people our age grow up learning that other people will take care of their needs (and frivolous wants), yet it's just fine to be indifferent to the more serious needs of others, our world will be a sad place.
