The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the American Dream as “a happy way of living that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S.” However, as we look into the future, we see that dream slip away from common people’s grasp. Millions of people don’t have enough money to become happy with their lives in America, and if they do, the current political environment pushes the Dream further away.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022, 11.5% of Americans were in poverty. Being a citizen in poverty means they can’t afford to survive in society’s standard of living. Housing, food and medical assistance become unaffordable. About 37.9 million U.S. citizens are living like this. How can people who can’t even pay for food be living the American Dream?
To achieve the American Dream, one must be able to feel not only financially secure, but happy in their lives. In poverty, that’s completely out of reach. The notion of the American Dream is that it’s obtainable to everyone, but as the cost of living inflates, there is seemingly less hope now than ever before for low and even middle class citizens to achieve this Dream.
“In order to make sure everyone has a chance for the American Dream, we have to lift people out of poverty,” California Congresswoman Barbara Lee said at a Poverty Council meeting at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
There’s a common misconception of the American Dream that anyone can achieve it if they simply work hard enough. However, when people in poverty apply for jobs, it’s often an entry level position paying a minimum wage that isn’t even livable. And, according to the U.S. Census Bureau,
after two years of poverty, the exit rate drops below a 50% chance of climbing to a higher class. There has to be an easier way to get out of poverty. Otherwise, 37.9 million people could be barred from the American Dream. That certainly does not seem “achievable by anyone” anymore.
Politics also have an impact on the American Dream. The division between political beliefs in America makes it almost impossible to live happily under either party. No matter who wins, supporters of the other side may not feel happy with their government. That eliminates the American Dream for the entire other party. Political division and poverty contribute to a general sense of unhappiness in America.
When we look at people around us, how many of them look like they have “a happy way of living?” Looking at our family and friends, how often do you feel they are happy about their financial situation or the political environment of America?
When we consider the origins of the American Dream, colonizers settled in America and dreamed of life beyond the persecution they faced in England. Just being in the New World gave them hope that their lives were going to be exponentially better simply because they were here. Sure, the American Dream has changed over the years, but the premise of it is the same: Anyone can achieve happiness in the U.S. The reality, however sad it is, is that it’s unreachable for many.
The American Dream has become so unrealistic that it’s barely a goal that many citizens can consider. “Achievable by anyone” is a bigger lie now than it ever has been. If its own definition isn’t true, how can some of us even think of obtaining it?
