dream american
Written by Stephanie Velasco
What happens to a dream deferred? What is in a dream? A dream can be described as a cherished aspiration or ideal, and it is the vehement belief in one that keeps it alive. The American Dream is no different. Its prominence is mostly due because it is highly romanticized and this prevalent romantic aspect has led to the belief that this Dream is within arm’s reach for everybody. However, it is the older generation of Americans that believe this Dream is highly achievable because it was for them. The younger generation (known as Millennials) know that the eventual goal of the American Dream – glamour, opulence, and social mobility – is highly out of reach and this difference between generations has led to political strife between the ages. As stated, the American Dream is all about opportunity in a land of opportunity. According to TIME, the older generations associate it with home ownership and comfortable retirement. However, after the Great Recession and the burst of the Housing Bubble, these older generations have seen that job security is something that is not guaranteed as it once was in previous decades. According to an Allstate/ National Journal poll, 70% of Americans believe that Millennials and future generations will have far less financial security. What does this mean? Why does it matter? This means that future generations will not have the money or work ethic to own houses or maintain lifestyles that are enjoyed now. It matters because the standard of living will be far different than what it is now and far less achievable. The American Dream, as the Baby Boomers and older generations know it, no longer exists for the modern youth.