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The American Dream was one where success comes through hard work. But it now faces a pivotal moment of transformation. Recent surveys, such as the Wall Street Journal/NORC poll, have unveiled a striking shift in perception. Less than half of the respondents now believe in the viability of this dream. This is a significant decline from the views held in previous years.
This evolving sentiment is more than a statistical change. It reflects a deeper, more profound disillusionment with the conventional pathways to success that once defined American life.
The nuances in these perceptions are particularly evident among different demographic groups. Women and young people, for example, are notably more skeptical about the American Dream. This skepticism seems to stem from the rapidly changing socio-economic landscape. They find the traditional markers of success and prosperity are unrealistic.
In stark contrast, the Axios-Ipsos Latino poll reveals that despite facing formidable challenges like the pandemic’s impact and systemic barriers, a majority of Latinos in the US continue to hold onto their belief in the American Dream. This optimism, rooted in a strong work ethic and the support of family, offers a counter-narrative to the prevailing skepticism.
However, a deeper look into the American socio-economic fabric casts a longer shadow on the dream.
Economic mobility in the US has decreased over recent decades. Now lower than many industrialized countries, indicating a predictive relationship between an individual’s initial income position and future earnings. Intergenerational income correlation in the US is significant. The US. ranks near the middle in the World Bank’s ranking of economic opportunity, trailing behind countries like Norway, Italy, Poland, and Hungary.
A poll found a record-low 19% of respondents said they were confident their children’s generation would be better off than their own.
This changing narrative of the American Dream compels us to question the core values and promises of opportunity. As the perspectives embodying both skepticism and optimism coexist, the need to evaluate and perhaps forge new pathways to healthy living become evident. The dream, while evolving, calls much of what we believe into question. Is it time for a collective effort to nurture a society where pursuing a healthy life is accessible to all, unbound by the constraints of the past?
This moment in history is an opportunity to shape a future where dreams embrace a broader spectrum of aspirations and realities. Is it a time to envision a new ethos, one that aligns with the needs and aspirations of healthy people? Maybe in this transformative time, the pursuit of a healthy, fulfilling life remains a guiding principle. Inspiring us to imagine and craft a dream that truly reflects the diverse tapestry of our lives.
At the end, what defines our success? Maybe it’s time to dream with play and opportunity rather than hard work and a need to solve the problem of success?
Related: Embrace the Enlightened ‘Fool’: Wisdom in Wandering