The American dream is different for every American. It is symbolic of fact that you can be whatever you want to be (within your power and within reason). It is the fact that any American is free to start a business of the own. Entrepreneurs are one example of the American Dream. The opportunity to be a NBA star, a movie star, a rock star and many other things fuel the American Dream.
In my Philosophy class I learned a very interesting fact that many people are not aware of. The Americans Dream is what keeps 95% of the population pacified by 5% of the population in the world owning the majority of the money. That 5% have to make sure that the rest of the population doesn’t get out of hand so they make sure the following takes place. The opportunity to get the house with the white picket fence, a family, a college education, a career, a boat, a camper, a vacation every year, sports and hobby equipment is what the average American desires. The process of acquiring these things keeps people busy and pacified while the very rich and movie stars own castles in England, etc. They accomplish this though media advertising; flooding Americans with new technology toys to keep people happy and stimulate the economy. Makes you think twice now, if you really want to buy that updated pricey phone!
Wow, I always thought the government was trying to keep everyone fed and entertained(so we'd be happy with whatever they are doing), never thought of it being the 5% of people with the most money pacifying the other 95%. Scary
ReplyDeleteI can see the possibility of what you are saying being true. I don't want to believe it though. I hope that The American Dream is not just a pacification, but something that is truly achievable.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that people like Donald Trump and Bill Gates make up more of that 5% than movie stars, and of course all that "old money." Most film stars are rich not wealthy. But Nora, I think you make an excellent point that relates at least to middle class Americans and perhaps the working poor. Sink lower in our caste system, though, and you won't find pacified citizens; you'll find the disenfranchised who have become convinced that the American Dream is something they can never have. Is it any wonder, then, that some people try to take it by force?
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, sometimes the government is part of that 5% Nora is talking about. The Bush family definitely qualifies, and they ran this country for a total of 12 years. Kinda scary.
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