“…The United States is a land of opportunity that allows the possibility of upward mobility, freedom and equality for people of all classes who work hard and have the will to succeed.”
This is the textbook definition of the “American Dream” from Britannica. This ideal was initially coined in the Revolutionary Era, yet only rose to prominence in the 1930s. It may have been a truthful statement nearly a century ago, when this enticing land seemingly promised a shiny new life filled with endless possibilities. However, we now live in a time where financial instability, unreasonable societal expectations, college inaccessibility and difficulty in securing well-paying jobs are skyrocketing. The American Dream was clearly built on an idealistic, romanticized image of what people wanted their futures to hold, but it grows increasingly unreachable today.
Success is inextricably linked to wealth, even from the very beginning. The route to prosperity begins with attending a notable high school to earn a coveted spot at an elite college. Then working your way up to a well-paying job that ensures financial security, while raising a family and attempting to meet the relentless expectations of society. One could argue that even gaining admission to a good college is becoming increasingly difficult due to outdated traditions such as legacy points and alumni donations. “…it has become such a competitive environment. There is more pressure to stand out and excel, and this has impacted students’ mental health significantly,” freshman Gowri Chandrashekar said. However, financial struggles are unabating even when the admissions process is completed. College tuition has surged in recent years, and is now at an all-time high.
According to the College Board, the average in-state tuition in 1980 was estimated to be just over $2,000. In 2020, it grew to over $10,000. Out-of-state students experienced an even more extreme shift, from $5,000 to over $27,000. Living expenses further exacerbate this strain. “I think the cost of living, from housing costs to food to health insurance, is so high, having financial security and stability is very difficult. Many people also struggle with stagnant wages and huge student loans,” IB AAF teacher Hannah Vogel said. Excessive student debt, coupled with heavy living expenses, makes the path to higher education and, by extension, upward mobility, much harder to achieve.
The American Dream was meant to represent the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, regardless of their background. Yet social media entirely distorts this perspective, portraying people living with the utmost of luxury and expense, through no work of their own. Influencer videos tend to capture idealized snapshots of their lives, and constant exposure has created an environment of comparison and the feeling of inadequacy.
“I think that social media is adding unnecessary stress and anxiety because we are comparing ourselves with these unrealistic expectations that humans believe they should have by looking at other people,” freshman Ariana Losada said.
Social media is also the foundation for consumerism, where it is constantly used as a platform to promote certain products and services. This has led to the rise of unachievable beauty standards, material wealth and socioeconomic status. “I do think that a certain image has been built up over time. I feel like people dream of a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence and two kids or something like that. I think a lot of people feel like they need to achieve that to be happy which can probably lead them to have a close minded view on different lifestyles,” sophomore Sonia Pinto said.
The American Dream is now akin to chasing a mirage; deceptively tantalizing yet never attainable, apart from the fortunate few. Although it began as a hope for equality, opportunity and success, it has instead evolved into unrealistic expectations of the “perfect” lifestyle. Society must stop promoting these unachievable ideals and presenting a distorted perception of reality. Only then will attaining the American Dream truly be more than just a dream.
