Since I can remember, my upbringing has had one constant message: if you get good grades, work hard, choose a good career, and raise a family, youll be happy. This is sometimes referred to as the American Dream.
The ideals of the American dream go back to the pilgrims and our countrys early settlers. They set out to find liberty and a better life in the new world. A century later, the idea that all men are created equal was written into our Constitution. Equal men, equal opportunities. This promise was the beacon of hope America offered the world.
But throughout our countrys history, the American dream hasnt been available to everyone. People of color, women and homosexuals have often been denied opportunity. One constant theme since Americas foundation is the story of an ever-expanding idea of who belongs here, and who gets the chance to achieve their dreams.
American trumpeter Louis Armstrong experienced the American Dream after spending his youth in poverty. After playing his music in the streets and churches of New Orleans he decided to go out on a limb and get on a bus to Chicago, where his career took off. Armstrong would later become a poster child for the American Dream, displaying his optimism in the jazz anthem, What A Wonderful World.
Thirty years later, after being liberated from the Birkenau concentration camp, Elie Wiesel, an aspiring Jewish biographer and human rights activist, came to the United States in search of publishing his familys account of World War II. Wiesel quickly became one of the most prominent names in Holocaust literature, recognized by several U.S. Presidents and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Kansass own Dwight D. Eisenhower is an example of how an impoverished son of a small town can rise to become the most powerful figure of the free world as our 34th President.
The American Dream is still possible. But our country is now at a point where its not as easy anymore, and its not about the same things. The dream used to be a lifetime job at the town factory after high school. But its more now. Those jobs are gone. And my generation is pushing America to fulfill even more of its promise.
Whats standing in our way? Outrageous costs of higher education. Low wages for workers while corporate executive pay and inequality soar. Overwhelming levels of debt. Its no wonder why young adults have trouble believing the dream is still alive. A recent study by Opportunity Insights showed that 90 percent of children born in 1940 earned more than their parents. Today, only half do.
But the American Dream isnt dead. Not even close. Many of its key facets equality of opportunity, the promise of a fair shake still matter today. In fact, Id argue the American Dream is more ambitious than ever.
My generations American Dream has become much more than the hope of a house with a white picket fence. Were interested in economic equality. We care about Americas role in protecting the earth for future generations. Young women today expect to be a part of the workforce and to be paid fairly for it. We cant stomach discrimination, whether its based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. These are things that havent always been a part of our society, and Im proud my generation is pushing America to further expand its notion of who gets a seat at the table.
Marmaton Valley junior Rachel Shaffer told me, I view the American Dream as the idea that as long as you are a contributing and hardworking member of society, you will live a stable life.
The dream is, as long as you give something to your country, your country will give something back to you as well. Financial security, personal freedom, and everything in the middle. Above all, it allows you to be whoever you want to be. Not just professionally speaking, but giving you the right to be gay, straight, Mexican, Jewish, and anything else you would aspire to become.
So yes, my generation has its work cut out for it. The American Dream is harder to achieve than in times past. But in our efforts to achieve it, Im hopeful young people will also push America to become, as the founders wrote, an even more perfect union.
Allie Utley is currently in 11th grade and is a communications intern for Thrive Allen County. She writes a bi-weekly column focused on issues that matter to young people.
