The DREAM

1. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 2 years ago

   
   Ahhh, the American dream.   Is the American dream a reality or is the American dream a myth?  Was there ever an American dream or was the American dream a limited construct invented by those in power to lure the masses?

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   1. 84

      Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      In my view, the "American dream," which so many achieved during all these decades, was the result of freedom. Humans proceed in a positive direction or a negative direction. Momentum. They never sit still. America has been going in a very positive direction ever since it became a nation.
      
      However, as a young nation, we are currently learning from the school of hard knocks. We have been playing like young children/adolescents with no concern for the future. We will have to learn from our mistakes and learn fast, or wake up to a self-created nightmare of dire pollution, AI robots taking control, terrible wars and famines and people becoming enslaved by those who would rule the world.
      
      While obtaining speedy travel on and above the earth, developing methods and machinery for feeding the masses, producing goods, granting equality and equity for all, providing welfare for the underprivileged and over printing money to do so, we have no idea how to maintain our positive momentum.
      
      So, they want us to go to digital currency to solve the 31 trillion dollar national debt which long ago emptied the coffers. One can only hope we will learn what it takes to maintain our positive course of reaching for all that humans can obtain, (within boundaries of common sense/laws,)
      and not loose it.
      
      How?
      I have no idea.

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   2. 84

      Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      The American dream in my view is a true reality. Do all achieve the dream, no. Has the American dream become more elusive, to some? I say, yes.
      
      Not sure if the American dream was invented to draw the masses?  May, have been, but I think it worked... So, many came to America, worked and thrived, and obtained their dream.
      
      In my view, there are a lot of Americans that do not believe in the American dream and think it is unachievable. I feel some people lack seem the pure concept of faith that if one works hard they can achieve the American dream.   While others believe anything is possible with determination and overcoming obstacles. 
      
      So, is the mindset the key? I mean does it all come down to how one thinks?   "I can do it"  "I can't do it".

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      1. 84

         Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         It is about the development of that mindset.
         Hearing, "You cannot do it," from parents / family members ...
         or over and over from a certain political party, does not help.

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         1. 84

            Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, Kathryn I agree, I feel mindset is the key to how one achieves and thrives. And mindset is formed, In my view, through life experiences. And family, peers, teachers, and relatives can play such big parts.

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   3. 82

      Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      George Carlin — 'That's why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.'......

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      1. 84

         Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         And if you are awake, you believe in ... ?

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         1. 82

            Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acLW1vFO-2Q
            
            I will let George tell you (advisory: Adult Language)

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2. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   In short, I believe, yes, there is the "American Dream." It includes owning a home, having a good job, good neighborhoods, schools, parks, water, electricity, gas, recreational/sport centers/endeavors and a percolating economy.
   Will we be able to keep such a good life alive?
   
   That's a good/relevant question.

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   1. 84

      Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Will we be able to keep such a good life, ( the America Dream,) alive?
      
      - of course, most would answer, "No," at this point. I mean, most of us have known pretty darn good times ... until now.
      
      I suppose the youth would say, "Whatever works."
      Are they open to a future world which includes:
      digital currency
      electric cars
      electric stoves
      live-where-you-work communities
      bike-riding all over the place
      open borders
      single currency for Mexico/US/Canada
      chips implanted into hands or wherever
      "owning nothing and being happy"
      animated cars and trucks
      animated/robotic receptionists, etc.
      etc.

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3. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   Q. 1. "Is the American dream"... reality or myth? (Present)
   Q. 2. "Was there ever an American dream?"(Past)
   Q. 3. "Was the American dream a limited construct invented by those in power to lure the masses?" (Past)
   
   To answer those questions we need to answer these:
   
   A.  What makes (made) the American dream either real or mythical?
   B.  What is the nature of a "limited construct?"
   C. "Lur(ed)the masses" toward what? By what means?
   D.  Who are (were) "those in power?"

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4. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   Seems to be an issue of the past versus the future.
   What features will we keep?
   What will we discard?
   By gaining in a "progressive" way what will we lose in a traditional way?
   
   The nuclear family containing both mother and father?
   Happy childhoods for our children?
   Good jobs?
   A percolating economy?
   Our democratic republic by and for the people?
   Freedom?

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5. 84

   Kathryn L Hillposted 2 years ago

   I really wonder if the American Indians thought their life was a dream ...
   Eventually, the British/European way flourished on their beautiful land, and they found themselves on reservations ... where it was impossible to flourish: No freedom.
   
   Now, the knowledge and traditions of their ways has faded. They have forgotten how to be warriors and survivors, conquering earth/nature, conferring with Great Spirit.
   
   And where are we in the sands of time? What position do we find ourselves in?
   Strong in our convictions of how to live? Strong in our wisdom of how to survive?
   Good in habits and intentions toward others?
   
   - or bitter, jealous, insecure and petty.
   Lazy and stupid, spoiled and entitled.
   
   I guess time will tell. The strongest do survive and prevail, after all.

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