The American Dreamed

What is the American Dream?

My definition of the American Dream, though i don't fully know where i got it, was a pretty simple cycle of life that we all aspire to fulfill as Americans. Grow up, get educated, get a job, get married, get a house and car, have kids, retire, and die. Essentially its a "fit the system" and "love this role" ideology that really serves to inspire normalcy in people. I never agreed with it since its such a hollow way to live, not changing your aspirations to defer from the norm in any way. I'm not sure where i got this notion though I'm sure it was through the media at some point in my life.

A lot of people define the American Dream as an aspiration to build from rags to riches and acquire "wealth" almost always being monetary wealth. Personally this is my definition of wealth as it is the American definition of wealth as well. Now there are many different ways to define wealth but in regards to the American Dream and its economic focus, this is how i would define it.

While i disagree with the economic notion of wealth it is apparent that American's view wealth as something to admire. Poverty is, while supported like a pitiful bottom to society through donations, seen as something undesirable and normally embarrassing. This is the whole of American society's view on poverty and wealth and doesn't necessarily reflect my own. Poverty is not something many people can control, most are likely born into it, while wealth is an equivalent birth-rite (this obviously has exceptions for both poverty and wealth). I honestly hate the divide between people that forms as a result of fiscal inequality and hate to label people based on their monetary ability. Though i do aspire to find myself economically sound in the future, i wouldn't be heartbroken if i had to move away and live my life in poverty, finding wealth in other forms.