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Is the American Dream Still Possible in Today’s Dependent Society?

Who is going to make your dreams come true?

By Thomas EgelhoffPublished about a year ago 4 min read
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Is the American Dream Still Possible in Today’s Dependent Society?
Photo by Armand Khoury on Unsplash

Most of us heard about the American Dream growing up.

The big white house with the picket fence, a dog, 2.4 kids, Dad working, and Mom staying home to raise the little rug rats.

What could be a better goal than that?

The American Dream – Everyone’s dream goal.

The American Nightmare?

Not everyone lived the American Dream. Some lived the American Nightmare.

The civil rights conflicts of the 60s and the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII were hardly a dream come true for them.

The discrimination against the Irish and Italians at the turn of the 20th Century was real.

Jewish persecution by the KKK and others didn’t destroy their faith.

Not everyone got the dream white house and the knight in shining armor.

What About Today’s American Dream

Our current society has become a society of dependency on the government.

How much free stuff am I owed?

Are you having to tough time?

The US Government has 126 poverty programs waiting to help you.

When immigrants came to America in the 1900s, they found no safety net.

There was no housing, utility, or childcare help for anyone. You were on your own.

The land of milk and honey became real for them when they made it happen.

And the greatest generation did just that.

They built the greatest nation on earth with sweat, tears, and a dream.

Every generation believes the next generation won’t do as well as they did. But somehow, many seem to do as well — or better.

Every generation wants their kids to have it better than they did.

But today’s generation believes the only way they will be successful is by winning a lottery or getting a big inheritance.

Few think you can make your lottery by setting goals and working toward them.

Existence has replaced ingenuity and forward thinking.

For those, the American dream is just that — a dream that will never happen.

So Why Is the American Dream So Elusive?

I don’t think it is.

If I took everything you have and dropped you in the middle of nowhere with nothing but the clothes on your back, you could probably work your way back to the level you are today within five years.

What does that say?

It says that based on what you know now, you have the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to find success at the same level you are now.

Why? Because you know how you got there in the first place. You know where the potholes and speed bumps are.

So, what makes others do better than just reaching the same level?

Some people have “goals and dreams,” and others have “hopes and dreams.”

There’s a big difference between the two.

Hoping your situation improves and setting goals that cause your situation to improve separates the successful from the not-so-successful.

It’s never crowded on the extra mile.

The American Dream Is Visible to Those Who Look

But to reach it, you must build the path to it.

And along the way, you must cut some trees and cross rivers without bridges.

Some have a more challenging path to success than others and might take longer to reach their goals but staying the course eventually gets you there.

Many give up the goal before they even start the journey.

Some Final Thoughts on The Future You Make for Yourself

Every day we hear heartwarming stories of those who overcame monumental challenges.

Some mental and some physical.

Those people are an inspiration to others, as they should be. We all need inspiration from time to time.

Sometimes we get it from others, and sometimes it comes from within.

All things being equal, those with something or someone to measure themselves against usually go farther faster.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. How are you going to spend it?

I’m writing this — What are you doing?

Are you chasing the American Dream? How’s that workin’ for ya??

Pledges, follows, tips, and subscribers are always welcomed and encouraged. Thanks for reading and supporting my work.

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About the Creator

Thomas Egelhoff

Author, Radio Talk Show Host, blogger, YouTuber, Vietnam Vet, half-fast guitar player, average cook, and a really nice guy. I read all my articles; you should too and subscribe. Thanks very much.

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