The American Dream and American Values

Core Values

• The USA is highly diverse but united by core values.

• The American Dream varies for individuals but centers on freedom and opportunity for a better life.

• Freedom encompasses:

  • Freedom of speech

  • Religious, political, and economic freedoms

  • Personal freedoms

Central Features of the American Dream

• Seizing opportunities is crucial; individuals pursue happiness based on their efforts.

• The "self-made man" is a significant image.

• A common belief: hard work and self-reliance lead to success.

• The notion of "the sky is the limit" inspires ambition.

Success Stories

• Noteworthy examples: Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, LeBron James, Oprah Winfrey.

• The concept of "rags to riches" is integral to American identity.

Inherited Wealth vs. Self-Made Wealth

• Inherited wealth is often downplayed; many exaggerate humble beginnings (termed "self-mythology").

• Example: Donald Trump claimed minimal assistance but benefited significantly from familial wealth.

Realities of the American Dream

• A 2018 YouGov poll indicated:

  • 51% of Americans aged 18-34 view the American Dream as unattainable due to income inequality, student debt, and high living costs.

• Alternatively, an AEI/University of Chicago study found:

  • 81% of millennials optimistic about the American Dream, emphasizing freedom and family life over material wealth.

Generation Z Perspective

• Generation Z (born 1997 or later) shows less optimism:

  • 73% express positivity towards the American Dream.

• Race and ethnicity had minor impact on these views, with high percentages across different demographics feeling achieving the Dream is possible.

Influence of Location and Outlook

• Perceptions of the American Dream vary significantly by location:

  • Positive views in areas with greater economic opportunities.

  • Negative views in regions with limited upward mobility.

• Overall sentiment remains complex and dynamic, with views on the status of the American Dream varying widely.

The American Dream and American Values

Core Values

The USA is highly diverse but united by core values. The American Dream varies for individuals but centers on freedom and opportunity for a better life. Freedom encompasses freedom of speech, religious, political, and economic freedoms, as well as personal freedoms.

Central Features of the American Dream

Seizing opportunities is crucial, as individuals pursue happiness based on their efforts. A significant image associated with the American Dream is that of the "self-made man." There is a common belief that hard work and self-reliance can lead to success, with the notion of "the sky is the limit" inspiring ambition across the nation.

Success Stories

Noteworthy examples illustrating the American Dream include individuals such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, LeBron James, and Oprah Winfrey. The concept of "rags to riches" is integral to American identity, highlighting stories of individuals who have risen from humble beginnings to significant success.

Inherited Wealth vs. Self-Made Wealth

Inherited wealth is often downplayed in discussions about success, and many individuals exaggerate their humble beginnings, a phenomenon termed "self-mythology." A notable example is Donald Trump, who claimed minimal assistance in his rise, despite benefiting significantly from familial wealth.

Realities of the American Dream

A 2018 YouGov poll indicated that 51% of Americans aged 18-34 view the American Dream as unattainable due to factors like income inequality, student debt, and high living costs. Conversely, an AEI/University of Chicago study found that 81% of millennials remain optimistic about the American Dream, emphasizing freedom and family life over purely material wealth.

Generation Z Perspective

Generation Z, those born in 1997 or later, exhibits less optimism, with 73% expressing positivity towards the American Dream. Race and ethnicity have had a minor impact on these views, as high percentages across various demographics maintain that achieving the Dream is possible.

Influence of Location and Outlook

Perceptions of the American Dream vary significantly based on location, with positive views in areas offering greater economic opportunities and negative views in regions with limited upward mobility. Overall sentiment regarding the American Dream remains complex and dynamic, with opinions diverging widely on its status.