Corrupting The American Dream
by Miki SaxonDo you watch Shark Tank? I do, but there is one thing that drives me nuts.
It’s the constant reference by all the Sharks, especially Mark Cuban, to the American Dream.
It’s the idea that starting a business and financial success is proof that the American (every country has it’s own version) Dream is alive and well.
Only problem is that making money and owning a house were never what the original dream was about.
The term was popularized in a 1931 book, “The Epic of America,” by James Truslow Adams, and referred to far more intrinsic values and I seriously doubt that even .05% of people are aware of the original meaning.
Mr. Adams emphasized ideals rather than material goods, a “dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.” And he clarified, “It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and recognized by others for what they are.”
We’ve come a long way since 1931, but seem to have forgotten to bring our values along.
Thanks to KG for sending the article.
Image credit: ethos.org