Comments on: Is The American Dream Dead?

By: Fred H. Schlegel

Fred H. Schlegel — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:18:05 +0000

Nicely put Debbie. Family, self satisfaction, meaningful days. Goals that put money to shame sooner or later. Thanks for adding to the conversation.

By: Debbie Yost

Debbie Yost — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:32:02 +0000

I’ve never really thought about this, but I did have the reaction “why is it all about money” when you listed the first few ideas. For me, money is nice, but I don’t know that my kids have to do better than me. Money can only give us so much happiness. I sometimes get frustrated by all the people out there shouting about being your own boss. If we are all our own boss, then who is going to work for us. Personally, I’ve always been more comfortable in the support position. We each have our own personality that makes us right for different jobs or positions. Is the fact that someone works as a checkout person at the grocery store make them less important than the owner? Without good employees, where would we be. And frankly, without the checker how am I going to get my groceries? I think we need to concentrate more on doing something that we believe in and find pride in than in how much money it makes us. If what we do supports our family and gives us a sense of accomplishement then that should fulfill the American Dream, even if that job is collecting other people’s garbage.
.-= Debbie Yost´s last blog ..Math Teachers =-.

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Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:58:10 +0000

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By: Fred H. Schlegel

Fred H. Schlegel — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:31:36 +0000

Hi Meryl, Great thoughts. I like the idea that we are becoming more aware of the need to find satisfaction on the journey as well as pointing to a goal that seems to make sense. In today’s world the goal can move and change so quickly that the journey never ends. Thanks for commenting.

By: Fred H. Schlegel

Fred H. Schlegel — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:27:53 +0000

Hi Andrew, Thanks for passing this along. “Stability” and “To Do Good” are common motivating factors around here but it is interesting that different groups see different pathways to those goals. I’m sure that would be true among different individuals around here as well.

By: Meryl K Evans

Meryl K Evans — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:35:38 +0000

Fabulous and thought-provoking, Fred. Brad, LOVE “The American Dream dead? Balderdash.”

First, technology is advancing at incredible rates. They get shorter and shorter between discoveries. Think how long it took to invent incredible things up to the Ford car and a little after that… not as much and took years.

Second, American Dream today means fulfilling our hopes and dreams. It doesn’t necessarily mean someone from outside of US coming here to start a business and become rich. That’s old definition.

Your hopes and dreams can be very different from mine.

For me, it means having the resources to provide for my family and enjoying the journey rather than shooting for an ultimate destination (other than graduation and college). It means helping my community every chance I get. It means being able to run a successful business (success = salary that lets me provide for my family).
.-= Meryl K Evans´s last blog ..Books and eBooks: Keep or Purge? =-.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:18:04 +0000

Fred,

France and Korea might provide an interesting contrast in this regard.

As I understand it, being a government worker or civil servant is amongst the most preferred occupations for amongst young people in both countries.

But there is a stark difference between the two countries in the reasons underlying this desire. From what I have heard about the French situation, many nominate this as there preferred path because of a desire for secure employment. By contrast, in Korea, whilst (and probably in a lot of surrounding Asian countries), the desire for security may certainly play a part – they certainly do value ‘structure’ and ‘stability’ in their lives, something which working in government does provide – the primary reason underlying this drive is that civil service is considered to be very honorable in their society, with civil servants enjoying a high social status.

Whilst the desire for security is natural, I am much more comfortable with the reasons underlying the Korean approach in this regard. Any desire to be in public service should be driven by the desire to make a positive contribution toward society and to rightfully receive a high level of social recognition as a result.

(P.S. My commentary about the French situation is based on a survey about youth ambitions which I read about four years ago – it is quite possible that this is not entirely reflective of the current situation)
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..Private security contractors are not paid to stand and watch assaults =-.

By: Fred H. Schlegel

Fred H. Schlegel — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:44:18 +0000

Hi Anne, Sustainability is the issue that will drive prosperity for grandkids around the globe. And sadly the U.S. seems to be focused on taking a follower’s role. Taking up a cause that matters can make one feel so alive! Thanks for commenting.

By: Fred H. Schlegel

Fred H. Schlegel — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:40:27 +0000

Andrew, Thank you for such a thoughtful analysis and comment. Now I’m really curious, what are all the ‘dreams’ from around the globe? In the U.S. we are indoctrinated at a young age about how the American Dream drove development and opportunity in our country and that in many ways it was somehow unique.

Of course not.

Every land must have it’s own set of dreams, and probably most are more similar to your ‘Great Australian Dream’ and my ‘American Dream’ than they are different. Could sharing those similarities and celebrating the differences bring the world a tad bit closer together. I would hope so. You’ve sparked my curiosity.

And your closing line is fine advice – focusing on the unsolvable and the negative will never get anyone moving. It is belief in the possible that gets us out of bed.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:08:26 +0000

You said: If the American Dream is the chance to do something extraordinary no matter where we are in life — Then sign me up.

Amen, and I keep wondering where I can sign up. I fear so much for my grand kids… and the world.

As an American I keep trying to pick my issues carefully. Currently in addition to sustainability it’s the move to amend the constitution to deny corporations personhood. But that’s only part of the problem, or one of them.

Thanks
.-= Anne Wayman´s last blog ..Freelance Writing Jobs For Wednesday, February 17, 2010 =-.