Englishman
Member
I’ve asked this to several folks I know over my years here and generally I get a different answer each time……………………….
So what is your vision of the American Dream?
So what is your vision of the American Dream?
The American Dream
- Thread starter Englishman
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You will get different answer due to age, education, upbringing,etc.
I was raised in post ww2 era,most were happy with a modest home,one car, Tv, 40 hr week job, family time, vacation, freedom from government interference, that would be considered the American dream to most my age however that has changed in past 40 years and yet even those basics are becoming more difficult to achieve regardless of education, huge changes face America in the future, I believe personally there will be some very difficult times before we see some light.
I was raised in post ww2 era,most were happy with a modest home,one car, Tv, 40 hr week job, family time, vacation, freedom from government interference, that would be considered the American dream to most my age however that has changed in past 40 years and yet even those basics are becoming more difficult to achieve regardless of education, huge changes face America in the future, I believe personally there will be some very difficult times before we see some light.
+1. American dream to me is government protects us from our enemies, secures our boarders, the populace is willing and eager to fight if called and is actually allowed to do harm to our enemies without fear of legal action.
The average "Joe" that "works" hard can earn a good enough wage to have a wife, a house, two cars and 2.25 kids, and take them on a little vacation now and again. He is able to put a few bucks away to help his kids through college if they so wish (college is NOT for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with that, and those that choose a vocation should not be looked down on) This hard working guy is not looking for a hand out. Just says, give me work, and I'll support my family.
Navy I am afraid I may be a little more cynical than you considering how well you stated that vs my rant - LOL!!!!
To become more than you are, without worrying about being pidgeon-holed by your status in society like the way it is in Britain or India. Unfortunately the politicians have all but destroyed that ability/dream: The state now tells you how to jump...and how high....
I was intrigued by the definition of "the American Dream" for a while, and did a little thinking on it.
IMO, the original definition of the American Dream was nothing more than upward mobility. It was the uniquely American experience of being able to make a better life for yourself and your family through hard work, intelligent decisions and maybe a little luck.
I can't disagree with the millions who came to our country seeking just that. To me, that's the American Dream.
IMO, the original definition of the American Dream was nothing more than upward mobility. It was the uniquely American experience of being able to make a better life for yourself and your family through hard work, intelligent decisions and maybe a little luck.
I can't disagree with the millions who came to our country seeking just that. To me, that's the American Dream.
If you wish to partake in what our forefathers wanted for us, you only get this as an American citizen. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thats it. Between Federal and State and local government, you will be protected foreign and domestically to pursue whatever legal means you choose to make a living and provide for your family if you so choose to have one. You pay taxes to pay for such protection. Your law and policy makers are elected. If you dont like it, there is nothing you can do about it until the next election provided that the people in office are following the rules. There is no law preventing stupid people from voting, and, therein lies the problem. The government has completely overstepped its boundries but they have been doing it for the last 60 or so years and we have allowed it to happen. We now are sponsoring a lot more than we are supposed to.
The American Dream is inseparable from "traditional America" IMO. Both have been rejected and ridiculed by the younger generations. Mention any standard feature of the American dream or traditional life and you'll receive a roll of the eyes, some derisive comment about how soooo yesterday it is, or be called a bigot. Not much left of the American Dream, unless your desire is to achieve your 15 minutes of fame on a "reality" tv show, drink the Cool-Aid of climate change, or welcome government control over every aspect of your life. Those people are rapidly becoming the majority.
Rant over.
Rant over.
There is no doubt some truth in your insight. A sad commentary for sure. But I still think a good deal of our young (especially those raised in the heartland not the ultra liberal costs) have some belief in the dream. To get married, have kids, raise them to be good productive citizens, so they can move ahead and do the same. All the while having something better for each generation. If we just followed the constitution, I think we would be okay. But, some are compelled to screw with what has worked for a very long time.
There is a lot of truth to what you said as well. Out here in California, forget it: the under-30 crowd is precisely as described. But in other parts of the country, younger people who still retain traditional values can be found with ease. That's one of the reasons I enjoy traveling down south or to the midwest, because it recharges my batteries to experience a totally different world from California when encountering, for example, teens who open doors for adults and say "yes, sir" and "no, ma'am." Wow.
to me the american dream lived the most back in the 40's and 50's when America was America there was no b.s. political correctness, no out sourcing, just none of the crap that goes on these days. im not saying it was perfect but to me it was dang close for me. im only 26 but my grandparents always lived like it was the 40's and 50's i learned alot about the old days from spending time with them.
