Does the American Dream Necessarily Sustain Inequality?
The concept of the American Dream, often heralded as a beacon of hope and opportunity, carries with it inherent tension regarding economic and social inequality.
Will the American Dream perpetuate inequality, or will it stoke suppressed anger, violence, and societal dysfunction? The answer lies in how we define and understand the American Dream and its underlying principles.
The Existence of Inequality as a Reflection of Success
When the American Dream is realized through a system based on maximizing opportunity, rather than equal outcomes, we witness an acceptance of inequality as a natural byproduct of individual differences and freedoms. In such a system, the existence of inequality is a testament to the diversity, freedom of expression, and the pursuit of personal ambition.
In a hyper-personalized environment where success is encouraged, people's genetic makeup, parental effectiveness, familial wealth, and social connections all play a significant role in determining their outcomes. Few constraints to personal achievement mean that individuals can pursue their ambitions freely, leading to a natural distribution of success and failure.
Individual Differences and the Drivers of Success
Some individuals possess innate advantages over others, including intelligence, physical health, and temperament. These attributes often align with more successful pursuits, such as a career as an engineer rather than a 'gender studies' program. This natural advantage and drive to excel contribute to the inequalities observed in society.
These disparities, however, do not negate the fundamental principles upon which the American Dream stands. In fact, they highlight that success can be a result of personal effort and opportunity, rather than external constraints. The American Dream celebrates the idea that with hard work, one can achieve a decent quality of life, which is often encapsulated by homeownership, adequate transportation, and the ability to provide for oneself and one's family.
The Cycle of Privilege and Inheritance
Success can also be passed down from generation to generation, as successful individuals use their resources to bless their children's future opportunities. This inheritance fosters a cycle of privilege that can be envied and resented by those who feel underprivileged. However, it is this actionable inheritance – not a static, guaranteed outcome – that defines the American Dream.
Societal debates often focus on who truly constitutes 'privileged,' and voices that might challenge the status quo are often marginalized. This discourse is crucial, as it highlights the need for a more inclusive and cognizant understanding of what qualifies as privilege in a culturally diverse and rapidly changing society.
Life as a Game: Winners and Losers
Life can be metaphorically viewed as a game, where some players have a natural aptitude or advantage over others. Over time, this leads to inequality, as different players navigate the game with varying skills and resources. Such inequality is not unique to the United States; it is a universal phenomenon that re-emerges in different forms across societies.
Imagining a 'commie apocalypse' where everyone starts over with equal status would merely postpone, not eradicate, the emergence of inequality. Throughout history, societies have grappled with the question of how to balance opportunity and equality. In the United States, the ideal of the American Dream has provided a framework for accepting and structuring these inequalities in a way that promotes personal and collective growth.
The American Dream is a complex and nuanced concept, capable of coexisting with and occasionally struggling against inequality. By understanding and embracing these contradictions, societies can work towards a more equitable and just future while honoring the principles that have made the American Dream a powerful ideal.