When did the American dream become so materialistic? Have we evolved or regressed through time?

The American founding fathers sought the American Dream to be freedom. Freedom from religious persecution, the freedom to dream, the freedom to be free, the freedom to be a better human being.

This was not indicative of what material things or social class one would be in. Those are choices. Everything we do, every second of every day is a choice, and choices or those actions will yield results. Some are emotional, some are physical, and some are financial. Some will be triumphs and some will be trials.

Through time the ‘original’ American dream of freedom, it seems, would be replaced by those material things. Debates, even today, would result not from what people have worked hard to EARN but what they feel they have the RIGHT to. Even in my daughter’s sophomore class the other day they were given an essay question about what the ‘American Dream’ meant and she told me this morning she was concerned that depending on which teacher read her response, it would be indicative of her grade. You see, I have taught my children to truly dream. To find what makes them happy not what society says should make them happy. To be independent of their happiness, not to depend on others’ happiness. To stand up for what is right and for others that can not stand up for themselves. To TAKE ACTIONS to make their dreams a Reality. To USE their freedom to do these things. These things do not include material items.

You see based on what my daughter’s class has been learning and discussing the ‘correct answer,’ she said, would have been to conform to what most kids had responded about buying a home, having a couple children, and even a dog. Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting those things and working hard to attain them but they are dreams, not rights.

My daughter responded that the American Dream should be whatever the individual wants it to be, because things and people don’t make you happy, you do, so it will be different for everyone. That is the freedom to dream.

Although it would truly sadden me for any teacher to have forgotten the original meaning of the American Dream and down grade her for her response; I know as the teacher of my child, as a parent, my daughter has learned well and will lead in all she does as long as she holds on to HER American Dream.

If we don’t continue to teach our youth to dream and take Actions to attain their dreams, we will continue down the path we have seen in recent years of more people in society looking for what they believe is their right to own or have. Then we wonder why we have decreased self confidence and increased anxiety and depression? We have taught them to rely too much on other things and people. We need to break cycles of thought. We need to interrupt even our own thoughts if they have gone astray. We need to build our own confidence to lead by example to all. Maybe that needs to start with the lesson of the American Dream?

Your RIGHT is to Dream, your RIGHT is to take Actions, your RIGHT is to yield the Results those Actions make. Good, bad, or indifferent.

Dream Big, Take Action, & Live YOUR Dream!