What does the American dream mean to young Americans today?

The definition of the American dream is changing — from the opportunity for material success and social mobility to the “freedom of choice in how to live” — and many believe that they are living it.

So what does the American dream mean to young people today?

Here are some interesting opinions on this issue, expressed by young Americans. Some shared intimate stories of their parents and grandparents immigrating to the United States and achieving success through hard work and sacrifice. Others dared to imagine lives that were about more than status and wealth.

Eleena John, Philly, Pennsylvania: The American dream has always been the motto that has pushed my mother and father everyday of their lives. My mom, a village girl from India growing up never gave a thought to come to America because usually it was impossible. Even though my dad had a good life growing up, in India usually the people who had a lot of money were only able to go to America. While my mother was in college she read through so many textbooks about American doctors and watched the news late at night to learn English dreaming one day to go to America. When my parents got married and came to America all they had with them was a suitcase filled with some clothes and a picture of their family. While settling in they were on their own to find an apartment, job, money and other necessities because they had no family or friends in California. There was also a case, when my parents got into debt and they even decided to go back to India so they cried for many nights as well. Thanks to my parents believing in the American dream I was able to become a US citizen and now live a happy life in Philadelphia.

Colleen, Northbrook, Illinois: I used to believe in the American dream; I used to believe that living in America meant that you could make something of yourself with ease. The American dream does not exist in my eyes, it’s a concept used to motivate people in a volatile economy and favored society. It used to exist, though … My grandfather came to the United States from Greece with not even a dollar to his name. He came to the “land of opportunity” in 1969, hoping to support his family and give them a life which was unavailable in 20th century Grecian poverty. Within a decade he created a family run pizzeria chain, bringing success to his life, his family’s, and the community. But, all of this came from tremendous hard work and determination, something I believe our newer generations lack. But what can one do in an era where cost of living is the highest it’s ever been? How much motivation can one hold when a living wage job is rare without a college degree, which leaves one in debt for years? The American dream existed in a time where it was realistic to live a balanced, successful life. Now, we’re in an age of economic bias with little social mobility; making it big is increasingly unachievable.

… Depending on your identity and background, it can be more difficult to achieve the American dream. It may be harder for women to achieve the same American dream as for men. In theory, the American dream is attainable for everyone, but I’m not sure everyone can achieve the same version of the American dream.

Tibor K, Northbrook, Illinois: Now that I am older and can understand what is going on in the world, I know that the idea of the “American dream” is different for everyone. People that come to America to live the “Dream” don’t have the mindset of a white picketed fence, these people are coming here for more opportunities. The “Dream” for some people is to come here for a more prosperous life, that includes having more jobs for that require many different skills, or maybe to leave a warring country. The more modernized “American dream” does not depict images of becoming wealthy, but more likely of having a happy, fun, and enjoyable life, which is also a healthier and more reachable goal of living than the expectation of living up to the classic “American dream.” I believe that whatever someone wants there “American dream” to be, that’s what it is to them. Everyone does not need to have the same dream.

Libby Roth, Augusta, Georgia: When I was younger, the American dream consisted of a few things: wealth, possessions, and power, all things similar to what was mentioned in the article. But as I’m getting older, and as our world is changing, my perspective is changing along with it. Of course it’s nice to have nice things. Who wouldn’t want to be able to buy whatever they wanted whenever they wanted for whoever they wanted? But today, as I see people in our world facing violence and injustice every day, my idea of the American dream is a little different.

To me, the American dream is having the ability to be safe and healthy, to not have to fear for my life every day, to have access to the basic resources I need to survive. When I see people across the world, people in the same country as me, even people in my own community faced with violence and injustice, I start to notice how privileged I am compared to others. Maybe I don’t have all the nicest things or all the money in the world, maybe I don’t even have a little bit of it. But, I have access to the resources I need, I have a family, and I have a stable home. And that’s enough for me.

Sarah G, Chicago, Illinois: I think the American dream has evolved throughout every generation and that it’s a relative concept. My definition of the American dream is different from my parents because when I think about my mom and my grandparents, their dream was to get to America and have a better life. They achieved their American dream. My parents have managed to give my brother and me a better life than they had, not just financially, but a different way of growing up. When I think about what I believe is my American dream, I picture myself fulfilled in whatever I choose to be doing in my future. Whether it’s having a successful career or a family, as long as I am independent and thriving I’ll achieve my American dream. I think the American dream is something worth striving for, but I also believe that it’s something people have to create their own definitions for; everyone is different, and people have different dreams.

Evin Berry, Kansas City, Kansas: I picture the American dream as equality and safety for all, with loving family and friends that are supportive of all endeavors. My current definition of the American dream seems attainable. I have loving, supportive parents and friends that care about me deeply. People of different ethnicities are climbing the social/political/economic ladder and beginning to reap the same benefits as others. As we progress in our efforts for true equality, I have hope that my generation will be able to make this not only the American dream, but the American reality.

Elona K, Austin, Texas: We have grown up having crazy imaginations. These imaginations were never destined to be our reality. We grew up dreaming of unicorns and princesses, luxury and wealth. Money and gold became our everything and that’s all we thought about when we were younger as if these dreams could arise. My sister, for example, loves to sing. Her whole life she dreamed about going on American Idol or The Voice. To pursue her dream of becoming famous and filling the world with her amazing voice. But once we are truly able to dissect the lives of those that are famous, surrounded by luxury, I feel very bad for them. Like a grotesque dream. The Kardashians for example. Their whole life has been on camera, all the bad displayed to the world the second it happens. Constantly changing their bodies with procedures. Constantly fitting the world and all of its desires. But imagine a world where you were with the person you love most, holding hands, never letting go. The touch and warmth of them making you feel like home. Like nothing in this world can ever inhibit your goals. The real American dream to me is to enjoy the happiness of life together with my loved ones.

By Gilber Castro | ENC News