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posted by Meagan Frye in Lifestyle

American Dream or American Fantasy?

January 23, 2012

I recently watched Van Jones, co-founder and president of "Rebuild the Dream" campaign, give a compelling speech on the American dream.  As Americans, we grow up believing if we go to school, get an education, and go to work, we will be happy and prosperous individuals.  Jones struck a chord in my heart when he began orating on how the American dream has become the American fantasy.  This American fantasy, he stated, could become American's greatest nightmare if we don't wise up and have the courage to stand for what we believe in and the values this country is based on.  We have the privilage of enjoying freedom and justice for all, but we must not forget the price that was paid to ensure these rights.  Jones remarked that for many, the American dream means buying large flat screen televisions and other expensive "necessities", while riding their credit card all the way to a mansion in the suburbs.  The American dream has become consumer based instead of value based, and, as Jones puts it, threatens the future of this country in ways we can only imagine.  We need to strive for a productive life, and not waste away in the shadows of our fate.  We are standing on the shoulders of giants that never gave up on this idea of the American dream, and it is time for courage, not consumerism.

 

What are your thoughts on this idea of the American dream? Do you think it's really become a fantasy that could threaten the future of this prosperous nation?

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