The American Dream

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:42 pm

What exactly is that?

Is there a specific enduring dream?

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:51 pm

Nope.

As I understand the American Dream:

Everybody has their own dream. In America, everybody has the chance to realize their own individual dream, whatever it may be, and can be relatively sure that no one will stand in their way. Indeed, in America, we root for the underdog, hoping he/she will come out on top. So then, the American Dream is success as that individual defines it for herself.

Scrat · Post by **Scrat** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:20 pm

I think AC has a very accurate interpretation of it although in reality it is much different. I'd just say it's a combination of bad humor and propaganda.

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:51 pm

The Daily Show had a clip where they talk about the capitalist dream pyramid scheme

Haves

Soon To Haves

Somewhat Later To Haves

Soon To Haves, Geologically Speaking

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:54 pm

I always thought the American dream began with (preferably owning) your home, happiness in career and financial reward & security in these main areas.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 5:27 pm

One of the things I do like about America Is the American dream.

It can be anything. The little girl who wants to sell the most cookie's at her school fete or the black man aspiring to be the President.

The dream Instills a love of their country, a desire to succeed at what ever path they choose, do their best and give something back to their country and more Importnatly, Pride. Pride In their country and themselves.

If we had that In the UK, It may solve many Inner city Issue's. It may give hope to disenchanted youngsters. Hope Is everything.

koan · Post by **koan** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 7:03 pm

One of the points they make with their pyramid chart is that it's impossible for a pyramid to stand unless it's on the foundation of the "soon to haves, geologically speaking." The pyramid was built for the glorification of the ruling class and built by the slaves who laboured until they died.

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Mon Feb 13, 2012 9:40 am

I think everyone has a dream but I think the "dream" in the context most see it is most assuredly one with merchantilist overtones...Which is to say that one's dream is entirely dictated by the society they live in. Having said that it's easy to see that the American dream is one filled with "new beginnings" and "plentiful resources" giving the sense that anyone can succeed monetarily.

But to think that the American dream is somehow the same as it was in the 19th century is surely mistaken as, I think, can best be symbolized by debates over economic theories and what can be described as a distinct understanding of "value" and even if it has a micro-sociological definition at all.

I'd say the "American dream" is no different than any other dream, as mentioned before, rather "dreams" must be the product of what one's society has to offer in an economical sense thus highlighting the differences of what we may view as an otherwise accepted definition by all engaged in such a question.

To look at it in retrospect the "American dream" is one attained by sheer luck which I think goes lightyears beyond any reasonable justification in why anyone not called "American" takes offense to the very "ownership" to a dream entitled by everyone.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Feb 13, 2012 3:58 pm

I watched a BBC Panorama programme tonight about the American poor, frightening stuff.

Panorama