The "American Dream" Is Dead

I have thought this for sometime now. Not every one is supposed to have the big house with the white picket fence, the two car garage with one parked in the driveway, and the 2.5 kids. This consumerist, suburban attitude is how we got into trouble in this country in the first place. First of all, no one is entitled to anything, no matter what country you are a citizen of except for the basics-Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. The pursuit of happiness is not a guarantee of happiness.

I am personally content. I am not trying to keep up with the latest fashion, electronics, etc. I personally could not care less. I care more about trying to reduce my carbon footprint. The environment is the most important factor in how I live my life. How what I do, what I buy, how I live from day to day impacts the world that I share with 6 Billion people and Billions of plants and animals. I am not so naive or arrogant that I think I am the only one that matters.

I am glad that the current economy is putting the last nail in the coffin for the "American Dream." I think it was manufactured by corporations anyway to get people to buy stuff. Have you ever noticed that more stuff does not make you happier? Working harder to pay for more stuff seems like a terrible way to waste your life. I would much rather spend my time reading, writing, taking pictures. spending time with friends, family and Mickey, my cat. I also enjoy cooking, walking and exploring the city that I live in, there are just so many things that I would rather do than work for 8+ hours a day at a job that sucks out my soul. There is no contest-I would much rather live my life.

Now people are moving closer to the urban centers again, downsizing-getting rid of excess cars, house, stuff. People want to commute less, spend more time with family and friends. My boyfriend and I live in a 400 square foot apartment in a big city with a great view, steps to public transportation, shopping and nightlife. We have never owned a car-we have never needed to. There is always an Enterprise a few blocks away if we really need a car. We make a conscious effort to only buy what we need. Most of our purchases are from the grocery store. I feel like I am living my "American Dream." I would not want it any other way.

Check out Anya Kamenetz's take on the death of the "American Dream."