American Dream?

Re: American Dream?

• bunnybean member

  

  October 2008

  I think some combo of all of the above.  I chose "better work/life balance," because I think we take work too hard and often to the detriment of too much else.  However, environmentally friendly living is great, too.
  

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• LittleMissWifey

  October 2008

  Ditto Bunny. The American Dream isn't just one thing....but a combination of many things. This is a dumb poll.
  

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• IrishBrideND

  October 2008

  I don't see it tied to assets or work hours. It really bothers me that so many see it tied to how much they can get physically.

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• Big T (aka Mr.P)

  October 2008

  I think that a poll to "pick" the American Dream doesn't get the principle of the American Dream.  I have always viewed it as the dream to do whatever you aspire to and/or makes you happy and to be successful (financially) and happy doing it.  For some it is going to Hollywood, for others it is opening your own accounting firm and putting your kid through college.
  

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• Pescalita

  October 2008

  IrishBrideND:

  I don't see it tied to assets or work hours. It really bothers me that so many see it tied to how much they can get physically.

  Ditto. I see it as the opportunity to go after whatever you want, whether it's a big house with a picket fence (although our houses are larger than our parents', but that's a personal pet peeve of mine, whatever), or a one bd in NYC or traveling the world. Living in a van down by the river or baking cookies a la Donna Reed or climbing the corporate ladder, you get to decide.

  These options are various other people's ideas of their own American Dreams. 
  

  

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• jlaj617

  October 2008

  Big T (aka Mr.P):

  I have always viewed it as the dream to do whatever you aspire to and/or makes you happy and to be successful (financially) and happy doing it.  For some it is going to Hollywood, for others it is opening your own accounting firm and putting your kid through college.
  

  Ditto.  As a person born outside of the United States, my understanding of the American Dream was always tied to the ability to follow your desires, whatever that may be.  IMO, the American Dream is about opportunities and the ability to chase said opportunities with the least possible social and institutional barriers. 

  I was born in a country where living with indoor plumbing and consistent electricity is still considered a luxury, so the financial success aspect of the American Dream never meant a McMansion, 3 cars, and 2.5 kids.  It meant that you could feed your family and live inside a solidly built shelter and provide other basic necessities. 

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• Emmybean member

  

  October 2008

  IrishBrideND:

  I don't see it tied to assets or work hours. It really bothers me that so many see it tied to how much they can get physically.

  I couldn't agree more. Possessions are highly overrated.
  

  So it goes.

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• Sibil

  

  October 2008

  I like how the 2.5 children with the white picket fence can't be your own dream, but has to be your parents' and your own.

  

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