The American Dream's Not Dead, Just Different

ByRashiid K Coleman

The "American Dream" is a mantra, an ideal, a national ethos in which the citizens of this great country believe they have an equal opportunity for liberty, prosperity, and success. It is founded upon the bedrock of the United States Declaration of Independence, that declares "all men are created equal", and that they are "endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights" including life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Don't worry! I'm not writing to give a lesson on American history. However, I felt it necessary to address the single, most important reason Americans think the way we do about the context of our lives in this country. Our American sub-cultures are, in part, the derivations of this mindset that our lives should be better, fuller, richer, and all without restriction from government or others.

We have been softly or subliminally programmed from our youth to embrace certain images of success and freedom. You know, we should strive to have a house, with a white, picket fence, two cars, and two children. The dream extends to our hobbies and past times, the types of social affiliations we should belong to, or not, but all in the service of our attaining the "American Dream." Many seek the proverbial carrot of the "American Dream" whether we do so consciously, sub-consciously, or unconsciously. As Americans this ethos is hardwired into the very framework of each aspect of our lives.

The means by which Americans were taught they could have or achieve such a dream was simple in a seemingly distant past. We were taught to go to school, get good grades, work hard, go to college, then get a good, secure job with great benefits. Upon checking this off of our mental checklist, we were then expected to stay on that job, with that company or employer for 40+ years and retire from that job to receive a guaranteed pension until we later expired.

In comes the drama, the tension, the conflict! While this approach to life in America was reasonable for our predecessors, innovating the industrial revolution, leaving their family farms for the allure of jobs in huge factories, it makes little to no sense for all of us in this America Nuevo. America, in its post-modernity, is presented with a most interesting dilemma. Do we change and evolve with the times, or do we ignore the rapidly changing landscape of our business, economical, and financial realities?

In December, 2007 the country slid into one of the worst recessionary periods since the Great Depression, according to experts. This was no spontaneous event! The experts weren't surprised at its unfolding. There were many benchmarks that were trending in ways to reveal a dynamic financial and economic down turn was under way.

This recession was building as the housing market was at an all-time high. Seekers of the "American Dream" were realizing fulfillment. They were making billions by way of "aiding" Americans secure one aspect of the "DREAM", owning a house. Well, the housing market began to experience a huge decline between 2006 and 2007, and the housing bubble actually burst in December, 2008 according to experts.

When this occurred, the "American Dream" turned into an "American Nightmare." Millions of overzealous Americans and their families were rocked by the collapse of the housing markets. Home owners were devastated as they were turned upside down in their mortgages. Banks were failing at an incredible rate, and they were calling out for government aid. We were in the midst of an administration change, and there's absolutely nothing worse than crisis amidst transition. As all of these events converged they seemed to combine to create a figurative Molotov cocktail, and businesses, banks, and households were scorched as a result.

The aftermath or wake of the crash played out in layoffs of over 100,000 American citizens, the closing of many small businesses, the devaluation of major banks and corporations, the closing of large and small banks, the economic decimation of entire towns or cities, the unemployment rate rising to over 10%, and the American confidence being shattered. Credit markets froze as people were afraid to spend in fear they may be next on the chopping block. American cynicism rose, and middle-class American families were devastated as they had their lives redefined in a flash.

Many would believe the "American Dream" is dead. Many would estimate America has taken a turn for the worst and cannot or will not totally recover. Well, if America attempts to maintain her former ideals then we may be in for some real trouble. If we hold onto the philosophies that made our country great forty or fifty years ago hope might be lost. But, if we're willing to redefine ourselves, our culture, our sub-cultures and embrace the new context thrust upon us by head-spinning change, we'll come out of this differently but stronger.

The "American Dream" is just different. I'm amazed at how many Americans have chosen to follow the paths that are crumbling before them. People are going back to school to make themselves more valuable in the market place. While I certainly applaud their drive to achieve and grow, it's simply a move in the same direction. Not to mention, many of the people going back to school are in classes with kids half their age, and they'll be competing with them in the shrinking job markets. People are surprisingly still looking for jobs and they're forced to accept jobs far below their worth or former income margins. All this is happening because we're blind to the new reality, the "New Deal."

It's time for Americans to gather ourselves, come to our senses, and instead of just looking for another job that will put you back in the situation you were just in, look for a real "opportunity." Opportunities are plenteous! Opportunities are all around. You just have to be looking for one that fits you and for what you have passion. The United States unemployment rate, although dropping, is still at over 8%. Our government and the experts are constantly talking about job creation. Doesn't that seem like a sign we need to make a change?

The "American Dream" is different in that you can't rely or depend on something or someone else to provide you the realization of life, liberty, or your pursuit of happiness. Unscrupulous company executives spend pension funds now. Greedy business owners lay off hard-working, loyal employees to fatten their bottom lines, and jobs are scarce. It takes more than one job, in many instances, just to make ends meet. Former VP's and upper management have gone from earning six figure incomes to delivering pizzas to keep food on the table.

So if you're still hopeful for and desirous of realizing the "American Dream" you still can. But, open your eyes, your mind, and your heart to realize you won't have it the old, conventional way. You must look for your opportunity, and you must seize it when you find it. Don't let anything or anyone stand in your way. Resist the temptation to fall back on the familiar. The familiar is no longer what it was! To have the dream and have time to be able to enjoy it you'll have to look for a way to start and own your own business. You will have to develop an entrepreneurial spirit. You'll have to look for ways to service the needs of as many people as you can. You have to become your own boss!

So, it's time for you to clearly identify your dream life. It's time to alter your disposition so you can drastically change your position. It's time for you to get unstuck from the rut developed from many years of doing the same thing, the same way. It's been said, "A rut is nothing more than a grave with the ends kicked out." It's time to feel alive again! It's time to reignite the fires of excitement and joy in your life. It's time for you to commit to working your full-time job, if you still have one, while you work part-time on your fortune. It's time to start your own business, to set your schedule, to remove all limits on your income, and to realize the fullest expression of your worth.

If you're interested in reclaiming your power over your future, if you're ready for a radical change, if you're ready to free yourself from the grips of the "American Nightmare" you can contact me using the information provided below. I'll be waiting for you on the other side.

If you're ready to live the most incredible life you could imagine, a life fit for royalty. Contact me at rashiidkcoleman@4regalliving.com or 484-693-1616. http://www.4regalliving.com

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Finally some good news about the American economy

Posted: Feb 15, 2012 |Comments: 0 |

Cranes clutter the skyline along northern Virginia is busy carapace. On Friday evening, holiday shoppers thronged Northpark centre more in Dallas Texas buying Lego and luxury soap. Tables in the better restaurants on the west side of Los Angeles can be booked without Hollywood connections. In places, America shows clear signs of returning to a kind of economic normality.

Not long ago, a double dip into recession seemed possible. On November 22 bureau of economic analysis revised its estimate for GDP growth in the third quarter down, though still to 2% annual rate, from the earlier reported 2.5%. According to another measure of output, gross domestic income, growth was only barely positive in the second and third quarters of the year. Yet an improved outlook for release in the future is now showing up all over the economics.

America's trade deficit declined the third month running in September, thanks to rising exports. Industrial production rose strongly in October. Mortgage delinquencies in foreclosures continue to kick down. The microphone occupied homes remains weak, but construction of multi-family residential units which are attractive to renters may end the year over 50% from 2010. Residential building improvements are touching record highs.

In these improved economic conditions are helping to boost confidence. University of Michigan's index of consumer sentiment has risen sharply since August. In October, growth in personal incomes accelerated. Consumers are feeling quite a bit perkier. Car sales in October to their highest level since February and are projected to recover to pre-financial crisis levels in November. Retail sales were up more than 7% in October from a year before.

the key question has long been whether growth will translate into new jobs. The signs are encouraging; payroll employment growth has accelerated from early summer, and initial claims of joblessness benefits are dropping. All told, gross domestic product is forecast to rise more than 3% per year in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, inflation is dropping. A less federal reserve with more room to focus on employment side of its mandate.

Yet the recent good news may be but a brief break in the clouds. The legislative battle over America's finances, which contributed to America some sort of, is raging again. If Congress fails to extend key stimulative measures, it may settle a vulnerable economy with fiscal drag of more than two percentage points of growth.

Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/economics-articles/finally-some-good-news-about-the-american-economy-5663014.html" David Coleman - About the Author:

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The Face of The Average American Is Changing Due to Economic Chaos

ByPaul Vann

Now more than ever, we see the faces of the average American, who if they have a job they consider themselves to be very Fortunate. On the other hand, Americans without a job not only face overwhelming odds of finding employment, they will be needing assistance today as well as in the future.

The face of the average American has changed, so what are we going to do about it? Do we ride our this tsunami of an economic disaster, or do we take it upon ourselves to help those who are in need.

Sure the banks received monetary bailouts and yet, many of the banks are still closing. Make no mistake about it, Wall Street and the financial sector received record bonuses in 2011 and the beat goes on.

Has anyone, including the presidential candidates mentioned the word, poverty? Neither of the presidential candidates have whisper not spoken the word that hurts the most, poverty. People are talking about jobs and discussing ways to get the economy jump started again, however it is all talk.

Meanwhile, back to reality men and women are struggling on a daily basis to maintain a semblance of respect and dignity as their unemployment check and job search is close to ending. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out if we do not address the exponential increase in the poverty level in America, we will have failed the generations coming up behind us.

Giving a speech about what one is going to do if they are leading America and or will prospectively lead our country is alright, however reality dictates future speeches must include a discussion about poverty. We can mutually agree Occupy Wall Street was viral in nature and it is not to be dismissed because some people do not what to see others protesting.

If one cannot peaceful protest in America, then they likely cannot protest anywhere in the world. The bottom line is this, if a dog walks up the steps to the porch and sits down on a nail it will either immediately get up or it will sit on the nail until it gets so uncomfortable and unbearable and at some point the dog will get up and run to alleviate the pain.

The American people who have lost their jobs have sat on a nail of joblessness, outsourced jobs, bygone opportunities and they are uncomfortable and can no longer bear the pain of the nail which is lack of job opportunities. and something must be done about it.

Before the average hardworking American lost his or her job, our economy was doing great, productivity was up and communities were strengthened as a result of people being gainfully employed. The employees could not control their employers who shipped jobs overseas in order to gain a larger profit margin because of lower wages.

It is easy to blame the average American, he or she cannot defend themselves against a big corporation, if they could they would. We the American people can either sit on the sidelines and watch the annihilation of the average American or we can speak up and make a difference.

One thing is for sure, the face of the average American will be front and center when the election for president and for congress comes up in 2012. Get your popcorn, because this is going to be a really big show and deservedly so.

It is high time the average American have their say and I know they will be eloquent in their delivery. The deliver will consist of a dialogue about poverty and how we can stop the bleeding and remove the bandage from what should be major surgery.

To all of the average Americans, keep your head, maintain your dignity and respect for your self and keep the dialogue and activism moving forward in a positive manner. I will see you in a few months having your way, the right way with jobs and more opportunity, it is all on us average Americans and that is the way it should be.

Paul Lawrence Vann is an inspirational speaker, author and certified professional life coach. He is a leadership and workplace diversity expert with extensive academic and practical experience that positions him to solve issues for organization. He is author of the book, Living on Higher Ground and co-author of 101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career. Paul is an in demand speaker, trainer and coach and is an international speaker who delivers high energy messages that resonate with his audiences. Subscribe to the Living on Higher Ground Ezine and enjoy inspiration, motivation and empowerment, visit: http://www.paullawrencevann.com or call (240) 416-5077.

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Email Address:SubscribeEconomics Article FeedFind More ArticlesSearchRecent ArticlesHow To Solve The Homeless SituationProgressivism Isn't Progress, VIIIHow Secure Is Your "Secure" Job?A True Comparison Of Increasing Debt Between Bush And Obama AdministrationsHow To Compete With ChinaWould Einstein Think Us Insane?What Will Happen If Greece Defaults?A Cluster of (Minor) ErrorsThe US Recovery Is Producing SurprisesA Sigh Of Relief For The Economic Status Of The USSubmitted On January 13, 2012. Viewed 11 times. Word count: 691.

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Vann, P. (2012, January 13). . Retrieved January 26, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-­Face-­of-­The-­Average-­American-­Is-­Changing-­Due-­to-­Economic-­Chaos&id=6814845Chicago Style Citation:
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