The American Dream...Is...? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

H12 · 07-22-2003, 10:53 PM

Okay, so all my life I've heard people use the phrase "the American Dream", and I've never really known what it meant, exactly. I've always assumed that it was just a saying that people used, like "Ole' Junior, he's just living the American Dream". I've heard it be used for rich people and poor, black people and white, successful and failing, hard-working and lazy...about every genre of person I can think of, I've heard that phrase be used, and that's what makes it so hard to tell exactly what it means.

I've also heard many answers on its meaning...everything from becoming famous to looking good naked. So what's YOUR opinion of the American Dream?

DoomzDayz · 07-22-2003, 10:57 PM

to be content with one's self. well, i'd just say thats the common goal of everyone, vastly different per person in how it is achieved.

grayman · 07-22-2003, 10:59 PM

To start with nothing and rise up out of the muck and mire and become successful.

thephuse · 07-22-2003, 10:59 PM

my opinion? well my opinion of the American Dream is that its a point that is unattainable for any person. the American Dream in my mind is the perfection and happiness that everyone strives to achieve, but because the human mind works, no one is ever satisfied. :-D In the end, losing sight of that dream... Juss like James Gatz

Phaenx · 07-22-2003, 11:01 PM

Two chicks at once.

Actually, I think the term refers to the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy here. As a 3rd generation immigrant family kiddo, I doubt most people really know what it means, but I'm sure there's plenty of people living in some piece of shit foriegn country wishing to come to our country for a job and a sense of stability.

Mael · 07-22-2003, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phaenx
Two chicks at once.

damn, beat me to it.

darkshade · 07-22-2003, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by grayman
To start with nothing and rise up out of the muck and mire and become successful.

that's the definition that I am familiar with as well, but it seems that people's view of the "American Dream" have been broadened a bit

stroke9413 · 07-22-2003, 11:14 PM

I agree with the general consensus......The American Dream to me is to have the opportunity to make whatever you want to of yourself, with only yourself being held accountable.

Buk · 07-22-2003, 11:16 PM

Why stop at two chicks? If we're having a 'dream' why not an entire room?

Mael · 07-22-2003, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Buk
Why stop at two chicks? If we're having a 'dream' why not an entire room?

because any more than two and i'd probably have a heart attack!

Phaenx · 07-22-2003, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by darkshade
that's the definition that I am familiar with as well, but it seems that people's view of the "American Dream" have been broadened a bit

Yes that's true. Some men prefer 2 dudes at once nowadays.

H12 · 07-22-2003, 11:32 PM

2 dudes at once? Um...one dude alone would be my Personal Nightmare...yikes.

(not meant to offend anyone)

platypus · 07-23-2003, 04:36 AM

It's a personal thing. Everyone has their own dream of what they want out of life. Whether you attain it is mostly dependent on how high you set the goal and how hard you work for it.

You are guaranteed nothing but the right to the pursuit.

Rodney · 07-23-2003, 05:22 AM

Post WW-II, the American Dream was explicitly defined as a house in the burbs, two cars, kids, a good job, and a stay-at-home wife. Oh yeah, and although you were a factory worker, your kids could go to college.

Sounds pretty mundane, but remember that a lot of folks back then had been raised in urban areas in the Depression, and the suburban lifestyle seemed like an incredible advancement to them. Cheap loans, cheap land, the development of the freeway system, and strong unionism meant that the average factory worker could move out of the city to afford a much bigger and better house than he could ever afford in the city center), would have the means to pay for it, and -- with freeways -- could still have his old job and get there easily. In most areas, freeway systems didn't really begin to clog up until the late '60s to the mid-70s.

Of course now the wheel has turned again, and the American Dream is now unattainable for many, or very distorted (like, you can afford your house but only if you commute 70 miles to work through hideous traffic).

Rodney · 07-23-2003, 05:31 AM

Okay, I had to research it. Term was coined by a guy named James Truslow Adams in 1931 in a book called "The Epic of America." If you really want to know what he meant....

http://courses.lib.odu.edu/engl/jhrichar/as300.html

Cynthetiq · 07-23-2003, 06:34 AM

i have always thought of it as being able to own your own stuff...from homeownership/land to cars...

i'm a 1st generation born here from the family...

Troublebot · 07-23-2003, 06:53 AM

I think it's constantly changing.

These days, becoming famous and looking good naked probably fit's the American Dream to a "t."

Mupwah · 07-23-2003, 07:00 AM

Winning 300 million powerball

ninety09 · 07-23-2003, 08:57 AM

.. driving the biggest SUV possible.

MacGnG · 07-23-2003, 10:17 AM

"Mom, Dad, 2.5 kids, 1/2 a dog, 1.5 cars and a house."

...but i think im gonna agree with Troublebot: "These days, becoming famous and looking good naked probably fit's the American Dream to a 't.'"

Ishamael · 07-23-2003, 11:26 AM

The American Dream, as spoken of quite often, is to be rich while never having to lift a finger to make it.

Forget dreams of Freedom. You'll all just kidding yourselves.

Free money. That is the american dream.

vinnyferrozzo · 07-23-2003, 01:39 PM

My take on the american dream is to have a job you like, a loving family and a comfortable home. People from other less fortunate countries come here wanting to achieve those things.

90degree · 07-23-2003, 05:33 PM

Twins...

naw.. alot of it has been said.. but .. for me it is not having to depend on anyone for your freedoms.. your domicile.. your food.. not fearing for your family from some dictator.. etc. and of course .. being able to work hard .. and attain those freedoms for your efforts.

stuckshut · 07-23-2003, 05:56 PM

I always took it to mean successfully living out your own dreams and goals. So that the American dream is really our collective dreams.

World's King · 07-23-2003, 07:19 PM

Pabts Blue Ribbon
Car on blocks in the front yeard
Dorritos
Shooting stuff
Oversized truck tires
Jerry Springer
and Country Joe McDonald

Any Questions?

Cynthetiq · 01-10-2006, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodney

Okay, I had to research it. Term was coined by a guy named James Truslow Adams in 1931 in a book called "The Epic of America." If you really want to know what he meant....

http://courses.lib.odu.edu/engl/jhrichar/as300.html

thanks! I didn't read this before and it's quite interesting to read.

Carno · 01-10-2006, 03:59 PM

The American dream is to get fucked over by policiticans and send your sons to die in war.

Tachion · 01-10-2006, 04:46 PM

I believe America was founded will this dream in mind for its people. (or at least that is what the US constitution says)

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Has it been achieved?

tecoyah · 01-10-2006, 04:54 PM

The American Dream...Is...Dying a slow death for the entire middle class, it is already out of the reach of the poverty stricken.

la petite moi · 01-11-2006, 12:55 PM

American Dream, eh? I would say being able to TRY to obtain one's goal. In our country we have the freedom to do pretty mcuh everything short of killing people or raping animals, etc. If we want to run for president, we can. If we want to study a certain topic, we can. The ability to do this is the American Dream, despite the fact that we are becoming less and less of a democratic nation.

raeanna74 · 01-11-2006, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tachion

snip...Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...snip

That's what I would have said. The 'American Dream' changes with the times and desires of the generations. I think my (I'm 31) generation is much more driven to aquire stuff, especially electronic stuff. This results in so many being in debt over their heads and using credit cards so much. Our parents generation were driven by success - ex. the influx of women into the general workforce. The generation before them (my grandparents, who are nearing 90) wanted stability and financial security. We respond to our parents outlook and the way we are brought up to determine what our picture of 'American Dream' is made of. But in the end it's all about living, being free to live how you want to, and being able to pursue Happiness. I think it's important to note that it's not BEING happy that is the American Dream but the pursuit thereof.

I am personally working on being, not pursuing. It's harder than one might think.

splck · 01-12-2006, 09:26 AM

The American dream is to move to Canada...yup that's it.

serlindsipity · 01-12-2006, 07:15 PM

I had a professor who put it well.... The New American Dream is to win the Lottery or the Powerball. Instant money, instant freedom, instant comfort/laziness.

Impetuous1 · 01-12-2006, 09:35 PM

The American Dream is repealing all the new laws that have been put into effect -with the help of this administration- that affect our personal liberties. Let's actually go back to utilizing the bill of rights. When you can go to jail for up to 2 years for annoying someone on the internet we no longer have freedom of speech.

analog · 01-13-2006, 03:34 AM

The love of my life, no kids, and whatever comes my way- rich, "getting by", whatever.

As a famous guy once said,

"All you need is love."

...a saying that I firmly believe in (despite an otherwise total lack of interest in that band) and in which I have, at least once, felt embraced.

Xazy · 01-13-2006, 04:05 AM

American dream is to own your own home. I being a realtor am proud of that official line. Same thing as diamonds are forever is an awesome phrase for the Jeweler.

little_tippler · 01-13-2006, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodney

Okay, I had to research it. Term was coined by a guy named James Truslow Adams in 1931 in a book called "The Epic of America." If you really want to know what he meant....

http://courses.lib.odu.edu/engl/jhrichar/as300.html

I'm not American but this is an excerpt from the link above which I would say sums it up:

"the American dream, that 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. . . . 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 be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."

Gatorade Frost · 01-13-2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by splck

The American dream is to move to Canada...yup that's it.

Wrong direction. Texas is where it's at.

As stated many times, I've always imagined the American dream to be the ability to create yourself from poverty and achieve greatness despite race, color, or creed.

07-22-2003, 10:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
H12 I'm not about getting creamed, I'm about winning! Location: K-Town, TN	The American Dream...Is...? Okay, so all my life I've heard people use the phrase "the American Dream", and I've never really known what it meant, exactly. I've always assumed that it was just a saying that people used, like "Ole' Junior, he's just living the American Dream". I've heard it be used for rich people and poor, black people and white, successful and failing, hard-working and lazy...about every genre of person I can think of, I've heard that phrase be used, and that's what makes it so hard to tell exactly what it means. I've also heard many answers on its meaning...everything from becoming famous to looking good naked. So what's YOUR opinion of the American Dream? __________________ "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." --Aristotle

07-22-2003, 10:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
grayman you can't see me Location: Illinois	To start with nothing and rise up out of the muck and mire and become successful. __________________ That's right - I'm a guy in a suit eating a Blizzard. F U.

07-22-2003, 10:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
thephuse Psycho Location: NY	my opinion? well my opinion of the American Dream is that its a point that is unattainable for any person. the American Dream in my mind is the perfection and happiness that everyone strives to achieve, but because the human mind works, no one is ever satisfied. :-D In the end, losing sight of that dream... Juss like James Gatz __________________ b000yahed up your w000pah!! Joygasm~!!

07-22-2003, 11:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Phaenx The Northern Ward Location: Columbus, Ohio	Two chicks at once. Actually, I think the term refers to the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy here. As a 3rd generation immigrant family kiddo, I doubt most people really know what it means, but I'm sure there's plenty of people living in some piece of shit foriegn country wishing to come to our country for a job and a sense of stability. __________________ "I went shopping last night at like 1am. The place was empty and this old woman just making polite conversation said to me, 'where is everyone??' I replied, 'In bed, same place you and I should be!' Took me ten minutes to figure out why she gave me a dirty look." --Some guy

07-22-2003, 11:32 PM	#12 (permalink)
H12 I'm not about getting creamed, I'm about winning! Location: K-Town, TN	2 dudes at once? Um...one dude alone would be my Personal Nightmare...yikes. (not meant to offend anyone) __________________ "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." --Aristotle

07-22-2003, 10:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
DoomzDayz Banned Location: Laurel, MD, USA	to be content with one's self. well, i'd just say thats the common goal of everyone, vastly different per person in how it is achieved.

07-22-2003, 11:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
stroke9413 Upright	I agree with the general consensus......The American Dream to me is to have the opportunity to make whatever you want to of yourself, with only yourself being held accountable.

07-22-2003, 11:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
Buk Addict Location: Seattle, WA	Why stop at two chicks? If we're having a 'dream' why not an entire room?

07-23-2003, 04:36 AM	#13 (permalink)
platypus Essen meine kurze Hosen Location: NY Burbs	It's a personal thing. Everyone has their own dream of what they want out of life. Whether you attain it is mostly dependent on how high you set the goal and how hard you work for it. You are guaranteed nothing but the right to the pursuit. __________________ Out the 10Base-T, through the router, down the T1, over the leased line, off the bridge, past the firewall...nothing but Net.

07-23-2003, 05:22 AM	#14 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Post WW-II, the American Dream was explicitly defined as a house in the burbs, two cars, kids, a good job, and a stay-at-home wife. Oh yeah, and although you were a factory worker, your kids could go to college. Sounds pretty mundane, but remember that a lot of folks back then had been raised in urban areas in the Depression, and the suburban lifestyle seemed like an incredible advancement to them. Cheap loans, cheap land, the development of the freeway system, and strong unionism meant that the average factory worker could move out of the city to afford a much bigger and better house than he could ever afford in the city center), would have the means to pay for it, and -- with freeways -- could still have his old job and get there easily. In most areas, freeway systems didn't really begin to clog up until the late '60s to the mid-70s. Of course now the wheel has turned again, and the American Dream is now unattainable for many, or very distorted (like, you can afford your house but only if you commute 70 miles to work through hideous traffic).

07-23-2003, 05:31 AM	#15 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Okay, I had to research it. Term was coined by a guy named James Truslow Adams in 1931 in a book called "The Epic of America." If you really want to know what he meant.... http://courses.lib.odu.edu/engl/jhrichar/as300.html

07-23-2003, 06:34 AM	#16 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	i have always thought of it as being able to own your own stuff...from homeownership/land to cars... i'm a 1st generation born here from the family... __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

07-23-2003, 06:53 AM	#17 (permalink)
Troublebot Intently Rocking Location: Davey's	I think it's constantly changing. These days, becoming famous and looking good naked probably fit's the American Dream to a "t." __________________ Howard Moon: The wind is my only friend. Wind: [whistling] I hate you.

07-23-2003, 07:00 AM	#18 (permalink)
Mupwah Tilted Location: Rock Ridge	Winning 300 million powerball __________________ "Scuse me while I whip this out"

07-23-2003, 08:57 AM	#19 (permalink)
ninety09 Flavour of the Weak Location: Canada	.. driving the biggest SUV possible.

07-23-2003, 10:17 AM	#20 (permalink)
MacGnG Know Where!	"Mom, Dad, 2.5 kids, 1/2 a dog, 1.5 cars and a house." ...but i think im gonna agree with Troublebot: "These days, becoming famous and looking good naked probably fit's the American Dream to a 't.'"

07-23-2003, 11:26 AM	#21 (permalink)
Ishamael Tilted	The American Dream, as spoken of quite often, is to be rich while never having to lift a finger to make it. Forget dreams of Freedom. You'll all just kidding yourselves. Free money. That is the american dream. __________________ The Jimmy

07-23-2003, 01:39 PM	#22 (permalink)
vinnyferrozzo Tilted	My take on the american dream is to have a job you like, a loving family and a comfortable home. People from other less fortunate countries come here wanting to achieve those things.

07-23-2003, 05:33 PM	#23 (permalink)
90degree Insane	Twins... naw.. alot of it has been said.. but .. for me it is not having to depend on anyone for your freedoms.. your domicile.. your food.. not fearing for your family from some dictator.. etc. and of course .. being able to work hard .. and attain those freedoms for your efforts.

07-23-2003, 05:56 PM	#24 (permalink)
stuckshut Upright	I always took it to mean successfully living out your own dreams and goals. So that the American dream is really our collective dreams. __________________ fear the Ninja Pirate Monkey

07-23-2003, 07:19 PM	#25 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	Pabts Blue Ribbon Car on blocks in the front yeard Dorritos Shooting stuff Oversized truck tires Jerry Springer and Country Joe McDonald Any Questions? __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

01-10-2006, 03:59 PM	#27 (permalink)
Carno Junkie	The American dream is to get fucked over by policiticans and send your sons to die in war. __________________ http://how-to-spell-ridiculous.com/

01-10-2006, 04:46 PM	#28 (permalink)
Tachion Crazy	I believe America was founded will this dream in mind for its people. (or at least that is what the US constitution says) Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Has it been achieved?

01-10-2006, 04:54 PM	#29 (permalink)
tecoyah Illusionary	The American Dream...Is...Dying a slow death for the entire middle class, it is already out of the reach of the poverty stricken. __________________ Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

01-11-2006, 12:55 PM	#30 (permalink)
la petite moi Filling the Void. Location: California	American Dream, eh? I would say being able to TRY to obtain one's goal. In our country we have the freedom to do pretty mcuh everything short of killing people or raping animals, etc. If we want to run for president, we can. If we want to study a certain topic, we can. The ability to do this is the American Dream, despite the fact that we are becoming less and less of a democratic nation.

01-12-2006, 09:26 AM	#32 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	The American dream is to move to Canada...yup that's it. __________________ nice line eh?

01-12-2006, 07:15 PM	#33 (permalink)
serlindsipity Psycho Location: Boulder Baby!	I had a professor who put it well.... The New American Dream is to win the Lottery or the Powerball. Instant money, instant freedom, instant comfort/laziness. __________________ My third eye is my camera's lens.

01-12-2006, 09:35 PM	#34 (permalink)
Impetuous1 Insane Location: Arizona	The American Dream is repealing all the new laws that have been put into effect -with the help of this administration- that affect our personal liberties. Let's actually go back to utilizing the bill of rights. When you can go to jail for up to 2 years for annoying someone on the internet we no longer have freedom of speech.

01-13-2006, 03:34 AM	#35 (permalink)
analog Banned	The love of my life, no kids, and whatever comes my way- rich, "getting by", whatever. As a famous guy once said, "All you need is love." ...a saying that I firmly believe in (despite an otherwise total lack of interest in that band) and in which I have, at least once, felt embraced.

01-13-2006, 04:05 AM	#36 (permalink)
Xazy People in masks cannot be trusted Location: NYC	American dream is to own your own home. I being a realtor am proud of that official line. Same thing as diamonds are forever is an awesome phrase for the Jeweler.