The American Dream
What the American Dream is, depends on who is the dreamer.
It could be, "a better place than where I am now."
For others, it was a bit more specific, "a place where the streets are paved with gold."
For still others, like the Puritans, it was a place "where we can be ourselves."
As a national dream, I think that 99% of Americans would have their American Dream fulfilled if they were solidly and securely middle class.
People who are solidly and securely middle class (SSMC) are not afraid of the police because they know that as long as they obey the law, the police will leave them alone, unless they ask for help, in which case the police will be helpful, courteous, and respectful, and about little things, will give them the benefit of a doubt.
Someone who is SSMC does not want to get sick or be injured, but they know that they will not have to declare bankruptcy because they will be covered by insurance that will deal with then fairly. And that if they should die, their family will be adequately cared for.
People who are SSMC can occasionally enjoy themselves, even to the point of being annoying to others because they will reign themselves in before their behavior becomes too annoying or when someone has a legitimate complaint. They can afford to go on occasional trips to far away places or to simply take time off from work and relax at home.
People who are SSMC can get loans or credit, because the people who would give these things know that the person is SSMC.
A child who is SSMC will go to a school whose teachers are patient, compassionate, creative and well-qualified, who will act in the best interests of their students. They will be able to take classes that will expand their knowledge, pique their curiosity, help them to be better human beings. They will generally get along with the class mates and teachers; they will have friends. hobbies, interests. They will be able to pursue whatever level of education or training they desire without incurring crushing debt.
When someone who is SSMC looks for a job, they will find one, and be hired based on their qualifications. On the job, they will get along with their co-workers. They will be treated fairly.
It could be, "a better place than where I am now."
For others, it was a bit more specific, "a place where the streets are paved with gold."
For still others, like the Puritans, it was a place "where we can be ourselves."
As a national dream, I think that 99% of Americans would have their American Dream fulfilled if they were solidly and securely middle class.
People who are solidly and securely middle class (SSMC) are not afraid of the police because they know that as long as they obey the law, the police will leave them alone, unless they ask for help, in which case the police will be helpful, courteous, and respectful, and about little things, will give them the benefit of a doubt.
Someone who is SSMC does not want to get sick or be injured, but they know that they will not have to declare bankruptcy because they will be covered by insurance that will deal with then fairly. And that if they should die, their family will be adequately cared for.
People who are SSMC can occasionally enjoy themselves, even to the point of being annoying to others because they will reign themselves in before their behavior becomes too annoying or when someone has a legitimate complaint. They can afford to go on occasional trips to far away places or to simply take time off from work and relax at home.
People who are SSMC can get loans or credit, because the people who would give these things know that the person is SSMC.
A child who is SSMC will go to a school whose teachers are patient, compassionate, creative and well-qualified, who will act in the best interests of their students. They will be able to take classes that will expand their knowledge, pique their curiosity, help them to be better human beings. They will generally get along with the class mates and teachers; they will have friends. hobbies, interests. They will be able to pursue whatever level of education or training they desire without incurring crushing debt.
When someone who is SSMC looks for a job, they will find one, and be hired based on their qualifications. On the job, they will get along with their co-workers. They will be treated fairly.
posted by Godel at 11:57 AM
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