For the last 250 years, the United States of America has been painted as a “land of opportunity and prosperity,” society and national leaders have compacted this ideology into the concept of the American dream.” But what does it mean? An average American may see it as an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder and be able to support a partner and kids. Still, someone else might see it as a delusional blanket that covers the underlying issues in the country in which they were raised. Though these perspectives can be true, the issue of defining the “American dream” falls into the hands of America’s people and the evolution of its society.
Presently, how does the nation’s populace define the “American dream”? Is it the daily news headlines that glide across our screens every day? Is it the first responders that are ready at a moment’s notice? Is it the families that struggle with putting meals on the table? Many people come to the United States hoping to find relief and hospitality but are then faced with the struggles of inflation, rising house prices, low wages, and a competitive job market. Yet, people all over the nation still put their right hand on their hearts and stare at the stars and stripes. They recite the pledge that’s been a promotion of unity, ignorant of the division and hardship beneath the 31-word statement. Perhaps the U.S. population has claimed the “American Dream” has not changed because they see how it was defined over 50 years ago, but the only way to cater to and progress the ideology of the “American Dream” is to evolve with it.
One of the concerns of evolving the “American Dream,” is the generation gap. But, with the birth and coming of age of Generation Z and Generation Alpha, new experiences and perspectives have entered the pool of thought, these generations are the only ones to grow up with touch-screen devices, the climate crisis, and practicing active shooter drills. These generations have also witnessed the inauguration of the first African-American President, and the first felon to become the President of the United States. They were one of the first generations to experience a worldwide pandemic during what is arguably the most crucial stage of their life. The new generations of children and adults will be able to shape the evolving concept of the “American Dream” with their newfound experiences that have shaped a new age of social justice and global movement. Generation Z and Generation Alpha are rightly impatient for change, which will be the leading catalyst for reshaping this concept. They have seen holes in the system of democracy and the inequality of the national population. If these generations take charge, the “American Dream” will evolve into a personal ideology that adapts to the country and its people; to change the preconceived notion is to observe the present-day issues and change in the face of adversity. A generational catalyst must occur.
Some may say that the “American dream” should simply stop existing; that is because the concept has been compartmentalized, and the idea is not personal to the constituent anymore. They argue that it is creating false hope for those who dream of opportunity and liberty but then experience harsh oppression. Also, the fact that “climbing to the top” is unattainable in this period of the country. Though this perspective is very much agreeable, a certain sense of optimism is lost within it. Political, economic, and societal turmoil has been abundant in the last twenty years, but with innovation and ideas, a new concept of the American dream can be reworked and revived.
The classic “American dream” has been a problematic blanket that’s been draped over the United States for over a hundred years, but the product of a longitudinal shift would bring a developed “American dream.” The “new American dream” is a nest that feeds opportunities to the needs of individuals, it is a net that catches those who chase a new beginning, and it is a platform for those who seek to empower, advocate, and inspire.
