Every day in America huge efforts are being made to preserve the American Dream. But what is this dream exactly?
Many individuals would say the American Dream includes the following: the freedom to acquire wealth without it being taken away, the freedom of choice and an equal opportunity to climb the ladder of success.
Therefore, the American Dream is striving toward both wealth and equality – but we can’t have both.
For every individual that hoards away wealth for themselves, another is robbed of their chance to access those resources, which strays from the idea of equality.
Americans have grown up hearing phrases like, “Money doesn’t buy happiness,” and, “The best things in life are free.” This outlook has proven to be correct time and time again while lavish living has proven to be empty and dissatisfying. Yet so many still struggle to believe it, and continue to strive after wealth. Students entering the career field are still expected to secure a high salary and, thus, be successful.
On the other side of the spectrum, some are now seeking after socialism because they want to create equality among all citizens. But that sounds a lot like what democracy was created for: to give people an equal opportunity and an equal voice.
In order to embrace the element of the American Dream that promotes the well-being of the nation, and the world as a whole, through equality and fair opportunity for all, Americans must abandon their obsession with wealth.
Maybe it will require going back to the roots of the American Dream to refocus on providing everyone with the ability to prosper, not just financially but spiritually. What if the American Dream we chose to adopt was a vision that empowered each man and woman to grow and become all they can be?
Maybe then it will be so evident by our generous actions and humble lifestyles that the whole world will look at America and see a nation that prioritizes other’s well-being over its own wealth and security.
We have been given a call, to use our wealth and privilege to do something other than protect our wealth and privilege. So much energy is spent fighting for the wrong American Dream, the dream of materialism. Not enough energy is spent fighting to preserve the American Dream, the dream that values uplifting people to become all they were created to be, the dream that embraces servanthood over comfort and security.
Gandhi said, “There is enough for everyone’s need, but there is not enough for everyone’s greed.”
Which are we fighting for: meeting a need or appeasing greed? Resources are available to help reduce poverty, but it calls for a change in the dream.
