Is the American Dream Still Alive?

The New York Times compilation, Class Matters, takes an in-depth look at America's class system. It aims to debunk unfounded claims and reinstate hope in the "American Dream." But are the ideals this country was founded upon still at work in our society today?

I say no.

The idea that hard work, determination, and a little bit of faith are all you need to carve yourself a niche in America is completely outdated. There are plenty of hardworking people who will never do as well for themselves as they want. Sometimes, hard work is necessary to just tread water, just pay the bills.

I know this reality. I live this reality.

I just returned from a trip to Naples, Florida with my best friend from high school. We stayed with her grandparents at their newly-purchased home. I spent a week in one of the most beautiful towns I have ever seen. If there is one word to describe Naples, it's upscale. I lost count of how many BMWs, Lexuses, and Beamers we passed on the road. The shopping centers were brand new. We passed a bank on every corner. The movie theater had leather seats and a full-course menu. The highways were impeccable, and the beaches were littered with designer bathing suits and family-owned boats. A meal at one of the many restaurants down there cost no less than $20.

I should talk. I rode around her grandfather's classic BMW convertible. Preferably with the top down.

My friend praises her grandfather, lauding how hard he worked his entire life to be able to afford such great circumstances. And that's true. Her grandfather did work very hard, and he continues to work while his wife is retired.

But I couldn't help my lower-middle class self from being slightly resentful. As much as I loved Naples, I found myself becoming angry that this kind of happiness seems so unattainable. I'm hoping to work in the publishing business. Not a lot of money there. I'll end up right back in the middle class once I get out of college--if I'm lucky.

My father has been working for 40 years. My family is buried under a mountain of debt. We've never taken a vacation to an island or Europe. We've been to Disney twice. My mom drives a mini-van and my dad a Ford. We live in a 3-bedroom house that barely holds us all in. We hardly go out to dinner. My father is one of the hardest-working men I know. He's 61 years old. Sarah's grandfather is 67.

And I know that unless he wins the lottery, my father will never have a second house, let alone one in Florida. I could argue that he's worked just as hard, if not harder, than Sarah's grandfather. But he will never have that kind of luxury. My family will never have that kind of luxury. And we don't even need a house on Florida's coastline. How about just being debt-free? How about being able to afford our education? A good house? A meal out? A vacation? We don't need much, but the basics are hard to come by. How is that fair?

American Dream? I don't think so.