# of Words: 813

The American Dream is the promise to have it all and love it all. It has been glorified and sentimentalized as a utopian goal not just by the media and Hollywood celebrities, but also by businesses and politicians, such as the President of the USA. Initially the American Dream concept was born from shortage and a real need for safety soon following the Great Depression and WW2.

Because jobs were rare, the greatest aspiration for many Americans was securing steady job and owning their own home. As a result, work ethic and integrity were rather strong. The attention was on a wholesome values system, community and family, all of which generated pride, real prosperity and real happiness. But over time the identical wealth which resulted in being a nation of manufacturers, also made a nation of consumers, driven not by desire but rather from the need to 'keep up with the Jones's.'

Today, the American Dream is much more of a marketing concept, where Madison Avenue and authorities alike, have convinced people that they need to get a particular standard of living (such as a second home, a vacation in Europe, expensive jewelry and other 'toys') to be able to be fulfilled and happy. Even the Christmas vacation has lost its original meaning and has become highly commercialized.

By taking on even higher quantities of personal debt, Americans are more worried and not as optimistic and fulfilled then ever before despite their high quality of living. That is because 'toys' (material goods), without purpose and a wholesome values system, only create an artificial joy that's as fleeting as it is cruel.

The American Dream as we know it, is no longer something that's born out of lack and need but rather from greed and want. Therefore, it does not represent the real soul of America, that was based on perspiration, innovation, risk and benefit with the attention on a wholesome values system, ethics, family, community and a strong work ethic.

In an Enron economy and huge government deficits, to our failing educational system and also the break down of the family system (where children are left home alone to develop with their own peers, gangs and TV), practically every aspect of our lives is negatively effected with the pursuit of materialism, and it can be a by-product of the American Dream. At a materialistic-driven society in which there is an obsession with fame and luck and winning at any cost, the prevailing wisdom is to do what's politically correct, rather than doing what's in the best interest of the area.

The concept of The American Dream (as we know it today) isn't only a marketing concept but it's also used by politicians to getting votes and maintaining constituents contented. As such, the unique political parties have their own agendas when it comes to helping particular members of society attain the American Dream. The Democratic party on the one hand affirms labour unions and union contracts which provide for large wage increases to the common worker so that they can attain a sheet of The American Dream. In so doing, they promise work and salaries for men and women that aren't always that effective, at the cost of everyone else. Their vision is to have an economic system which rewards mostly individuals that are effective, which means mainly wealthy folks, at the cost of everyone else.

In other words, both political parties and the particular interest groups that contribute to their election campaigns want to attain the political version of the American Dream because of their constituencies at the expense of everyone else. Ironically, the two political parties realize that because the pie is restricted, which makes the American Dream a reality for many Americans is practically impossible. As a matter of fact, the majority of individuals are kept in eternal debt their entire lives to be able to keep up a standard of living consistent with the brand new ideal of the American Dream. It is this unattainable fantasy that compels both parents into the work area, working longer and harder than ever before, which contributes to the ills of culture.

So to be able to make the American Dream possible for as many Americans to reach, consumerism had to be made. The purpose of consumerism is to get visitors to invest more by going into debt. The logic is the higher paying generates wealth for a number of people. Eventually the economy becomes a 'house of cards' because it's not able to make 'jobs of value,'(based on generating, creating and production). Instead a growing number of jobs are in the services sector, catering to our insatiable desire to consume. Eventually this kind of flawed economy is going to result in financial chaos in which institutions, banks and even governments neglect, as we have seen by what's happening in California.

Related Papers

Kane, Gatsby, And The American Dream

Taking action, and taking opportunities. This isn't great news for a number of people. In fact, every time that I give an escape, or provide a new program, I hear from people that are scared to take a chance on themselves or their ability to uplevel. They've been educated - by their culture, by their families, or from their teachers - not to trust in their own ideas and dreams. This breaks my heart. Here's why. When it comes to your dreams and needs you need to act. At some point you may need......Read More

The Definition of the American Dream

The American Dream is the promise to have it all and love it all. It has been glorified and sentimentalized as a utopian goal not just by the media and Hollywood celebrities, but also by businesses and politicians, such as the President of the USA. Initially the American Dream concept was born from shortage and a real need for safety soon following the Great Depression and WW2. Because jobs were rare, the greatest aspiration for many Americans was securing steady job and owning their own home.......Read More

The American Dream is Built on Family Bonds

It is THE AMERICAN DREAM, to own one's home, work for a good dwelling, develop a profitable portfolio of investments for a successful retirement, develop the rose garden, nourish loving, obedient children, fund their school education, keep a few critters, consume at least 2 cars in the garage, or a family mobile phone plan and also a TV in every area of the home. OH YEAH? Sounds like a wonderful life really, however, we Americans are no longer the cheerful consumers we have been around for the......Read More

Related Topics