The “American Dream,” a phrase coined in 1931, in a best-selling book entitled Epic of America, remains a part of the American ethos nearly a century later. Author, James Truslow Adams described it as, “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” Is it a figment of our imagination, or is achievement in the hands of those willing to take the risk?
A mere 30% of Americans believe the American Dream to be personally achievable, while 9% feel otherwise. You could ask 100 people to define “success” and you’ll likely get 100 different answers. What makes one person feel “rich” or “full” may not be the same for the next – life experiences, cultural background/religion, and age, amongst other things, play a significant role in perception.
What is your American Dream?
We asked a group of people to define their American Dream. What would make you sit back and feel like “you made it.” Some responses are as follows:
- Person A – Equal rights for everyone regardless of gender and/or background. Eliminating the gap between rich and poor.
- Person B – Nice house, family, and the ability to grow with my partner in our careers and achieve success. No “bread winner.”
- Person C – Everyone can live freely regardless of religion and/or culture. A world where people embrace diversity and there is equal opportunity for all.
- Person D – Not living paycheck to paycheck. The ability to not live in fear every time I leave my house. A world with no societal pressure to fit into a “norm” – relating to marriage, children, body type, etc.
- Person E – Affordable healthcare, cure for all types of cancer and disease and a big family living comfortably. A world with no homeless pets and where societal pressures don’t exist.
As shown above, though some responses have similarities, they all address a different point. While some relate it to upward mobility and economic success, others relate it to sociopolitical comfort.
Ask yourself, what defines your American Dream?
For assistance in a job search or finding qualified candidates to fill your open roles, contact us at (518) 275-4816.
LATEST READS FROM WALRATH RECRUITING:
