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When you hear the words, “American dream,” what comes to mind? Most would say owning their own home, driving a nice car, and being free from debt, or have little of it.
Christine DiGangi, a blogger for Credit.com, conducted a survey about what Americans believe the American dream is. The questions apply not only to adults, but to young people as well.
The survey showed that most respondents, approximately 27.9%, said the American dream is retiring financially secure at age 65, while 23% defined it as being debt-free. The survey also asked people to identify their top short-term financial goal, what they hoped to accomplish in the next two years. A quarter of Americans aimed to be debt-free — it was the most popular choice among all age groups and income levels. Other responses for short-term goals include paying off credit card debt, sending children to college, paying off mortgages, and buying a second or vacation home. The remainder of the poll consisted of owning a home, graduating college, and paying off student loans. When it comes to living debt-free, the survey showed that optimism diminished with age. The majority of those surveyed,18-24 year olds, said they would likely live debt-free.
Now that we have received insight on how the majority of Americans feel about this topic, here are the voices of a smaller body of Americans, here at Bob Jones High School. Senior Casey Marley believes that the American dream is to have a successful career and a happy family. “By the time I am 30, I want to have lived in multiple places, have a cool career and be starting a family. By the time I am 65, I want to look back at my life and have lots of stories I can share with my children and grandchildren.” Sascha Kirkham, who is also a senior, has a similar ambition. “By the time I am 30, I hope to have a good foundation of who I am and what I want to be in the future. I hope my career fosters that, and will help to better myself and other people.”
It is obvious that our generation is abundant with ambition, drive, and firm belief in the pursuit of happiness. It is important for us to be aware of the society that surrounds us so we can better prepare for the future, young people and adults both. It is never too late to dream, to desire, or chase after a challenging goal. Whether for better or worse in our country, the American dream has changed. Happiness and prosperity would sum up what that dream used to be. In a society that is changing, growing, and pressing forward, the dream has evolved into a dangerous desire for power and wealth. Mrs. Neilson, a substitute teacher at Bob Jones, put it simply yet powerfully. “What American dream?” she responded when asked what she believed the dream is in today’s society. “I remember when this great country was based off of Christian principles- when there seemed to be a better since of order, loyalty, and integrity from our government officials. When our people were not so quick to judge one another. It really is sad to see how fast our country is dwindling. If trustworthy men and women were elected into these government positions, our country would probably be a much better place, and our people would be happier. If we were to go to other countries then come back to ours, a lot of us would realize, ‘wow, we really do have it made,’ yet so many of us take all of it for granted. We are a blessed people to live in a country of prosperity, and I believe the true American dream would be to honor God and thank Him for blessing us with the lives we lead, and to have to have the wisdom to make the very best of it.”
In a changing world, we often find it difficult to achieve greatness as individuals. Despite our origins, how we were raised, the principles our lives are based on, or our financial and social standings we as Americans, young and old, have the potential to go as far as our desire and drive will take us. Some have more benefits and opportunities than others to be prosperous and go far, but that does not make them better people.Everyone has an equal opportunity to live in comfort with a stable job that is sufficient for supporting themselves and their families. However, it all depends on the person and how many sacrifices they are willing to make to live out that life that in full. Debt is nothing more than an obstacle, a challenge to be overcome. It should not be the deciding factor on the quality of our lives. In the end, our success boils down to and ambition and hunger to overcome the challenges we face.We must rise up to become greater Americans and a greater nation.
