The Modern American Dream
The American Dream is an iconic ideal that dates back centuries and has come to be defined in different ways since its conception. In modern times, the American Dream is perceived in many ways and has been adapted to encompass each person’s individual goals and aspirations. Americans can choose their own paths and are empowered to pursue their dreams.
The built-in flexibility of the modern American Dream allows for immense creative drive. An individual aspires to make an idea come to life and provide social, financial, and personal benefits to the greater community. The United States is built on the principle of providing equal opportunity to all, making the “American Dream” an attainable and realistic goal for citizens all over the country. After the civil rights movement, this dream then shifted to include non-white citizens and genders, striving towards total inclusivity and giving everybody a chance to pursue their given dreams.
The traditional American Dream of working hard, exploring new opportunities, and earning success is still relevant and commonplace in today’s definition. National efforts have been made to reduce the disparities of wealth and poverty, granting equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The modern American Dream allows each individual to chose how they want to view success and life as a whole. Everyone, regardless of gender, race, or economic status can choose their own destiny, so long as it is built out of hard work and dedication. Innovative thinking and creativity are necessary components of a successful journey to living the American Dream.
Today, the American Dream is often seen as having a good job, a stable family life, a house, a car, and access to quality education and healthcare. But, some people have shifted their American Dream to include more than just the monetary gains that accompany a job or a substantial investment. This entails that the American Dream is individualized and open to interpretation, promoting and encouraging every citizen to chase their own vision of success. For instance, some people find joy in adventure, others in travel, and many more in activism.
The American Dream is a concept that constantly evolves with the times, creating a deeper link between the people of our country and the teachings of this timeless theme. It is a reminder that you can do anything when you apply yourself, and offers a degree of connection to those that have come before us, and those soon to follow. The American Dream is a spiritual tapestry of all our different paths and goals, inspiring us to bridge the gaps between our own individualized dreams and create a better world for all.
