Redefining the American Dream
The American Dream–it goes back for centuries, right? Well, not really. The American Dream (the capitalized, often air-quoted version) is a relatively new conception.
Take a moment to stop and think about the American Dream. Has it made you any happier? If it’s inspired you to dream big and work toward those goals, it probably has. But if it’s made you feel “behind” in the race of life because you don’t have a perfect lawn or 2.5 kids, then it’s time to reconsider the dream.
Do You Even Want the American Dream?
The first question to ask is whether the stereotypical American Dream is even something you want. Are you looking for incredible wealth? A comfortable home in the suburbs? A new car every few years? Or are you just looking for happiness, time with loved ones, and a larger purpose in life?
The idea of the “Father Knows Beaver Van Dyke” lifestyle isn’t organic. It’s, in large part, a marketing creation that fueled the economic boom of the last 50 years. It’s intrinsically tied to “stuff”: having the best stuff, the newest stuff, the most advanced stuff. Is that your dream? It sure isn’t mine…
Expect More from the American Dream
I’m not ready to throw out the idea of a shared national dream. But I think we can do better. What about a place where every person can choose to be happy regardless of their economic station? How about a dream where we don’t collect material goods, we collect answers to problems?
Create Your Own Dream and Start Living It Today
Take some time this Independence Day weekend and free your thoughts. What is your dream? What’s stopping you from working towards it today, and the day after, and the day after? In my estimation, once you realize that you’ve got the freedom to choose your own dreams, you are living the American Dream.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
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This post has 13 comments
July 3rd, 2008
Well said, time to live our own dreams.
Once you decide to live your dreams you gain a great energy, but then you face an equally great wall of fear.
The only way to your dream is to burn the fear and walk through fire
Such a hard worthwhile journey.
July 3rd, 2008
Very inspiring. Does it have to be *American* dream? Can’t it be just a DREAM? Oh, I guess this is just the point of this post, right?
July 3rd, 2008
To me, America is about core values of freedom and equality… not about materialistic aspirations. Thank you for an inspiring post!
July 3rd, 2008
There was a time when I wanted the “American Dream”. With all its stuff. And broken promises. I now see the American Dream - working toward purpose in my life, and sharing, and giving freely. And this is the type of dream that really fulfills.
I really like what you’ve said, but especially about freeing our thoughts — so that we can create the dream that sustains.
July 3rd, 2008
@Jerrod: You’re right about the fear. Some of us fight through it, and others just let it melt it away when they focus on the rewards of a meaningful life.
@Alik: I hope anyone, regardless of nationality, can apply the overall idea to their lives. In my area, there’s a ton of to-do around the Fourth, and it became very important to me to separate the meaning of the day from the marketing that often goes along.
@Vered: I love it! The American Dream can be so much more than commercials tell us. Freedom and equality are worth struggling for. A new deck from Home Depot, not so much.
@Lance: I love that you haven’t given up on the idea of the dream, just changed it to something more purposeful for you.
July 3rd, 2008
The original American Dream was to be able to follow your dreams - to live in a country where anything was possible because of the freedoms it afforded. Could these be materialistic in nature? Sure. But they were also religious, political, economic, intellectual, academic, etc.
I agree that we need to step back and evaluate not just “our American Dreams”, but why those things are our dreams in the first place.
July 3rd, 2008
I think the right to the pursuit of happiness means that everyone can decide for themselves what happiness means and live their life according to their own rules, as long as they’re not stepping on the right of others.
July 3rd, 2008
“…once you realize that you’ve got the freedom to choose your own dreams, you are living the American Dream.”
Beautifully phrase. This is the essence of the American Dream, to be able to choose your status in life, to pursue your passion, and the notion that you have a shot of making it big.
I feel like singing God Bless America right now…
July 4th, 2008
Hi Sara,
“The American Dream” is a bit of a fallacy. isn’t it?
To me, the American dream is living in a country whose doors have been open to people from all walks of life, from all countries, and from all religions. We have our freedoms, but to me living the American dream is learning to accept everyone as they are, without judgment. After all, we’re all living under the same roof. I want to see people getting along.
Have a very happy 4th of July! It’s time to celebrate an important birthday!
July 4th, 2008
“Do You Even Want the American Dream?”
Good question to ask. My dream has always been to further tap the simple essentials; to enjoy a rich life through empowered simplicity, and an appreciation for the beauty of basics.
I live very simply though I am not a simple person, and the simpler I become, the more life seems to open it’s storehouse of riches. The wealth is already there within us and in nature. Sounds trite perhaps, but trite in this case, is true
I honestly think that most people have not stopped long enough to ask the question, “do I even want the American Dream?” Habits die hard.
July 6th, 2008
Wonderful and inspiring post, Sara! I have recently realized that I don’t want the ‘American Dream’. I dream of a place where my little family can anchor our dreams and watch them grow into more than we could have ever imagined. I long for inner peace and the ability to reflect on my blessings and pass them along to those with less. Just like college, the ‘American Dream’ is not for everyone.
July 7th, 2008
I think a lot of people’s “American Dream” has caused quite the nightmare….I think the western world needs to re-stock and see that dreams shouldn’t be about buying, but about living!
Great post
July 7th, 2008
@LivSimpl: Loved the follow-up post on your blog. I’d encourage everyone to check it out.
@Marelisa: I’d agree that not infringing on others’ rights is absolutely vital to keep in mind.
@Chris: Thanks for the compliment and sing away!
@Barbara: I also love to see people getting along. It’s hard for me to remember that part of being free is being able to not get along (while remaining civil) if one so chooses.
@John: Your thoughts don’t sound trite in the slightest. I’ve felt exactly the same way as I’ve continued to simplify my life. You said it wonderfully.
@Tiffany: Your dream sounds absolutely beautiful!
@Frugal Trenches: I also wish that buying were eliminated from the picture. The best I can do is eliminate it from my goals.
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