| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/5/2008 10:39:36 AM | | I know the Jones'. They asked me to tell you to stop keeping up with them .They are very tired and would like to rest now. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/5/2008 12:47:54 PM | Yes, yes, yes, I want it all,
lettuce and tomato in my salad and a biscuit under the gravy.
Oh and I'll have a blue-eyed hunk too, he doesn't have to be 6 feet tall and I don't even care if he has hair or not..
I'm not out to impress anyone so the Jones' are off the hook. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/5/2008 12:53:37 PM | "Living in the suburbs, having 2.5 children and a dog. "
I thought it was 'two cats in the yard' and at some point 2.5 kids becomes 3 kids...yeah?...I'd hate having half a kid forever!
"Driving the newest "fad-mobile", and having a second car as a "grocery-getter" and taxi for the kids."
That is the Joneses again. Them dadgum kids can walk to wherever. They need some walking with all that MickyD fat they've been consuming. The second car is required for her to get to that second.five job too.
"Too bad it takes both people trying to hold down 2.5 jobs just in order to survive.."
Actually it doesn't. With one person at home finding bargains in shops, doing the 'yard sailing' cooking fine meals on the cheap...survival becomes mighty nice.
".add kids to the equation, or a mortgage (more costs than rent...got upkeep, taxes, etc...)"
Rent costs more...there is a federal tax deduction still for interest on loans and home taxes. I miss the deduction for credit card interest tho. It needs to come back. Write your congressman ( uh woman? person?).
" and you have a burnt out couple that can't stand the sight of each other after a couple years and then the "dream" becomes a nightmare...broken families, homes bitterly fought over, the "toys" suspended because of lack of money...busy paying lawyers...
Yep...the American dream is for those rich enough to afford it...not for those trying to et it."
It's called the dumbing down of America. There is a book from way back on this subject. Stop trying to make a life of more toys for yourselves and the kiddies. You don't have to buy everything that the corporates are selling.
"Remember...it says "The pursuit of happiness"...it says nothnig about actually catching it. "
Damn skippy. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/6/2008 11:38:47 AM | Great question. My definition of the American Dream is being able to obtain a lifestyle or job of my own choosing regardless of my age, race, gender, educational background, family heritage, religion, etc.
For many people it is a home of their own, white picket fence and a family of their own.
I've achieved MY definition of the American Dream. But whoop de doo....it doesn't guarantee happiness. Nor does the definition for most people who want the house, car, spouse & kids. People still have problems, get colds and flu, get unemployed, etc.
Here is a sampling of my American Dream achieved: television spokesmodel and cheerleader, business owner, married, being able to change my religion without church/govt approval, driving and owning a car without needing permission of the government or the male head of household, wearing the clothes I want when I want and how I want, travelling the world when I want without needing permission, performing worldwide, in a movie, professional writer, etc.
But I'd trade it all just for love. But love isn't the American Dream. It never was. And that is the biggest flaw in America. Love is not what most people strive to achieve. Where is there a university where you can get a Bachelor's Degree in LOVE. That'd be wonderful. Meanwhile we can brag about our accomplishments but the only true winners are those who have families of their own. That, I never got.
So I guess I'm a failure by my standards but a success by most of society since I've achieved lots and lots of stuff which is just that: stuff. Worthless and meaningless. But stuff and accumulation of it is the American Dream for most people. So I guess I have what most Americans want. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/6/2008 5:18:40 PM | The AQmerican ream to me means that in this country you have the freedom and opportunity to be as good as you can. For some that might mean middle class for others a penthouse overlooking Central park.
The opportunity is there, it is up to the individual to make something out of it.
My dad who was a depression era kid, graduated High School and through hard work, diligence and simply out working his collegues, became the Senior Vice-President of an international Corporation. That is the American Dream. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/6/2008 7:30:20 PM | | I believe the "American Dream" is a myth. It is something that is used to brainwash people into buying, buying, buying, and trying to "keep up with the Joneses", and keep them all so deep in debt that they don't have the time to get involved with affairs in Washington. The "American Dream" is destroying this country. There is nothing wrong with living within your means or below your means or on the "wrong side of town". I live on the "wrong side of town" and I love it. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/9/2008 2:07:53 PM | "I believe the "American Dream" is a myth. It is something that is used to brainwash people into buying, buying, buying,"
And there is an old book on that called "The Greening of America". | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/9/2008 4:05:21 PM | I'm amazed how incredibly bad most people are with money. I recall watching an Oprah episode on finances and 70% of americans spend more than they make. This is just plainly idiotic!
Let me give you all some advice: If you don't have the money saved today to buy that new TV or dress, Ipod, Blackberry, or slammin' wristwatch - then you DON'T BUY IT!
People nowadays seem to have this sense of entitlement and impatience that they gotta have "it" right now and not 6 months from now. Today, generally speaking, people are not savers.
It's a proved fact that a very high percentage of multi-million dollar lottery winners end up in worse financial shape then before they won within a few short years. If any of you win - spend and live on the interest you earn and not the principle. Don't ever spend the principle. For example: if you won $10,000,000 and only got 3% interest(you'd get more on that amount) that is $300,000 a year for sitting on your ass! Can most people not have a wonderful life on 300k a year?
There are lots of people in Canada who live the same way but I don't think the percentages are anything like in the USA. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/9/2008 5:07:50 PM | I think that so many people get confused about the meaning and purpose of living the American Dream ... far too many are quick to define the American Dream as "having it all" ... in other words, consuming yet more and more without caring about or being consciousness of the ramifications associated with living in such a manner ... we are conditioned to have bigger better more more more ... which makes us easy prey for those entities that profit from or derive their power from capitalizing on our wanton desires and false sense of entitlement, all in the name of living that dream.
Could living the American Dream actually mean capitalizing on the OPPORTUNITY to live better than we could if we weren't afforded those opportunities to better ourselves ... yet doing so in a responsible ... and ethical ... and balanced ... manner ... and that it has little to do with "having it all" or mass and unrestrained consumerism?
As I stated in my first post, there is a great price to be paid in having it all ... making a butt-load of money in today's society isn't necessarily all that hard to do ... there are plenty of unscrupulous ways to become rich and afford all of those luxuries that go along with attaining and living that lifestyle and unfortunately, no one is guaranteed a life of luxury simply because they work hard, are smart or give it their best shot ... but becoming rich and generating wealth by conducting your business and personal affairs in an ethical / moral / intentional way ... that could be a little tougher, perhaps ... the opportunities to do so are forever present yet so many people could never be satisfied with simply living well ... or even better than most ... and that misconception could very well be the path that leads to our downfall on so many levels ... with the uncertain economic times ahead ... not only here in America but throughout the global economy ... many are going to have a really REALLY hard time adjusting their reality and becoming comfortable with just being comfortable and not living beyond their means ...
jeffery | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/9/2008 9:03:00 PM | AMERICAN DREAM,it can go up in flames...as my house did one yr,bought it as asingle woman, later got married,husband built a fireplace,it burned down, lol.. Lost everything,but a few pieces. A house i thought i would live in forever,not anew house but one built in 1896,but nice,renovated,lots of flowers in the yard,good garden spot in backyard,but the strain of all that happened broke up the marriage, even after i purchased another house with my insurance money, their went my AMERICAN DREAM... | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/9/2008 9:15:40 PM | being poor ... is far better than being a member of the working middle class ... those who are well off have the ability to manipulate the system and exploit certain loopholes that exist so that they can generate yet more wealth ... those who are poor have an easier time qualifying for assistance and can exploit certain loopholes that exist so that they can rise above poverty but, as often than not (in my humble opinion), those very programs tend to work as an incentive to play the system, keeping them bound to a lower socio - economic class
 Really? The poor have an easier time? I must've gotten on the wrong boat then...
My *American Dream* is three boys & myself, a roof, food in thier stomachs, and a decent job. I'm @ the crosswalk between poor & struggling to be mid-class. So far, I'm holding my own just fine.
The rest is gravy.
Who are the Joneses anyway? | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/10/2008 6:54:30 AM | I am Native pre- American..
My American dream has been changing lately.
I dreamed of owning a commercial place that would make the money to support me and my family.
I bought it and have had nothing but trouble ever since because of the local government being run by crooks that want all the best property in the county for themselves.
They have been trying to force me to sell for over 20 years.
Every time I try to get a good business going, I have more trouble thrown at me .
A friend of mine that wouldn't sell his property to them is in jail and another one who refused them just got out again.
My new American dream is getting out of America !!!
They should make a movie..
Escape from the United States of America.
Argentina is looking better all the time... | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 10/10/2008 2:42:48 PM | | As far as the 'American Dream' goes-well,I think all will agree that the Native Americans were left out of it!-in fact-decimated from the idea-but we cant turn the clock back.Surely the idea of an 'American Dream' has run its course?-Isn't it now more of a case of-'Being Innovative' an really that applies to wherever you live in this world?-I mean the days of 'Land Grabbing' are far over-whats left is for us individuals to use our brains to further ourselves and achieve our dreams-whatever they may be?. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 7:47:12 AM | slip - sliding away ...
slip - sliding away ...
With yet more dire news regarding our current financial situation and the downward spiral of the markets and everything connected with that, both on a national and global stage, the state of our country is in serious peril and many, many people are going to have to adjust their lifestyles in order to make ends meet over these next few years ... anybody here contemplating asking the government for a bail - out because their economic future has been compromised by the decisions made by politicians or big businesses that are only looking after their own agendas.
As things stand, it certainly has me wondering about the direction of our society is taking and the way things (financial, political, social) are moving ties in with 2012 controversy ... perhaps it won't be the end - all that many believe but it certainly may be more reality based than anyone cares to realize or admit.
jeffery | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 8:03:22 AM | | I'd like to think we may find it again through hard times, yes a depression. I t will bring out the good in people again, sure there will be some to not like being poor and will rob to have $$ in their pockets, but the dream died from greed , americans wanted too much,and lost much ,family suffered ,divorce was in most families, drugs became more used even in our school systems and not by just the students but faculty. Yes i believe we will have it once again,when we get back to where life was good, in the great depression. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 12:21:48 PM | Even as I realize that this moment in time, as with most things, are cyclical in nature, the very fact the majority of our social and economic woes at present ... and throughout much of our past history ... come as a result of ill intent, greed, corruption, mis-management and lack of simple common sense ... and I'm sure that there are far more appropriate descriptives to add to that list ... well, it just boggles the mind.
... in giving this time in history and our current state of affairs some amount of consideration, I always seem to come back to the same statement ... if one wants to get at the root of most problems, just follow the money.
On a smaller community - base dynamic, I feel that this will be a time of transformation as we, the common people, do come together in ways not seen for a long, long time ... communities tend to move inward and adopt much different lifestyles during times of duress ... which may serve as some of "the good" that may come of this present moment of financial uncertainty and social discontent ... pull together and get to know and care for your neighbor if you don't already ...
... but I can't help but feel that, on that higher level of government and business, we are pretty much in a faster and faster downward spiral ... the system is so broken and the process is so corrupted that no one entity is going to be able to what needs to be done to adequately affect real change ... and, of course, if left to the will and demands of the people, the Powers That Be would certainly try to present and protect it's own agenda ... there is just too much money and power invested in the current system and manipulation of such ... which, ironically, is supported financially by many of those (you and I) it oppresses and serves too undermine our best attempts at living our lives intentionally and with some sense of security and peace of mind ...
... guess it's the price to be paid for unrestrained consumerism and unregulated credit ...
IMO ... for many, the American Dream got mucked up in the process ...
jeffery | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 2:56:26 PM | | Its always been about keeping up with the Joneses. Now a lot of the Joneses are going bankrupt. For a lot of people, the American Dream has been a house of cards; credit cards that is. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 3:01:33 PM | kneehigh66 on 6/16/2008 3 35 AM
Subject: Your thoughts on the American Dream
Message: My take on the 'American Dream' isn't like yours at all, he's muscular, bald headed and blue eyed
Call Joe the plumber,, | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 3:23:00 PM | | Most Americans are too damn stupid to have an original dream. They just do what the media tells them to. They do what everybody else does. They think the way way everybody else does, which is in reality no thinking at all. | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 5:25:39 PM | As someone who travels quite a bit and who has the opportunity to meet and engage so many people and experience the different cultures and lifestyles as I move about the country, I strongly believe that most Americans AREN'T stupid or lack having their own original dreams ... we just see the enormity of what we have to go against too even kickstart those dreams ... so many people lack the opportunity, fortitude, discipline ... and the faith ... to just jump in and go for it, despite knowing that the odds are stacked against them. They buy into the marketing / brainwashing that manipulates us into believing what we are supposed to have, how we are supposed to look, the way we are supposed to present our lives ... yada ... it's mostly smoke & mirrors, I do believe ... and then they offer that illusion on CREDIT ... ouch!!! That one is gonna leave a mark.
We are jaded by the system, which in itself becomes so mucked down in process and special interests that it is seldom effective or efficiant ... we are so busy with our lives that it is far too easy to lose focus on those things that have real importance and value because we are being blindsided by the day ... we are overwhelmed at the IMMENSITY of these present moments and how they are affecting us on so many levels ... and we are scared and uncertain because we are not sure who to trust or turn to ... we are inundated with so much stimulus so often that it basically fries the spirit and leaves us with that zombified feeling ... we are conditioned to have every convenience and expect our lives to be comfortable at our whim, so it's an expected part of our day and something we feel we deserve, regardless of our actual contribution to our local, regional and global community ... it's all too easy to compromise the American Dream for the sake of idols and fairy tales.
I truely believe that if any large entity, be it business or government, really wants to control the way we think and act and consume, in essense owning our azzes AND our souls, that mission is best accomplished by offering you an excess of so many conveniences and creature comforts that Average Bob & Joan will likely NEVER rock the boat or step outside of that perceived comfort zone ... even as the System is roaring out of control and common sense dictates that it is so yet we seem to be so powerless in it's scope ... I don't think that anyone can truly wrap their minds around the state of our present situation and how it will impact us down the road.
I think that, for many, the American Dream is very much alive ... with every change there will be opportunities ... and there will always be those who role with it and are content to live simply and intentionally ... I'd like to believe that the present chaos of the here and now will be the vehicle to really initiate positive change on so many levels as we move away from this process that is obviously broken ... it's time for us to become reacquainted with our humanity.
jeffery | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 11/21/2008 7:14:25 PM | Snicker. Thinking of one of my favorite scenes in [I]Watchmen[/I]. Which took place in the middle of a major riot.
Night Owl: What happened to the American Dream?
The Comedian: It came true! | |
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| Your thoughts on the American Dream
Posted: 12/6/2008 8:44:55 PM |
I think the main problem is America is not turning out how the founding fathers intended
Well all I can say is Thank God for that!!! or else some of us would never attain the so called American Dream.
I do pretty good for myself, Im comfy and thankful! | |
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