The American Dream

The American dream and class jumping are closely tied. James Truslow Adams described the American dream in his book Epic of America. He said:

The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. […] It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of 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.

Class jumping is also the dream of moving up the social order tree. In Polyestra’s memoir she described her parents as desperately wanting to move up the social order. Her parents enrolled them in finishing classes, ballroom dancing classes, private schools and anything else that could give them the “better” life. Both her and her sister resented these activities and were rarely accepted by the other students. This method of trying to class jump obviously backfired in her case especially because it was something she did not want.

Class jumping and the American dream can become destructive when material wealth is the only focus. In Polyestra’s case her parents were never happy with where they were. They never stopped to appreciate what they had and actually enjoy life. Always thinking of counterfactuals, what they could have if they did something. This is true of many in America today I feel. Many people seem dissatisfied with their current standings, jobs, lives, et cetera. Thinking toward the future, to what one can have, can give motivation to work harder, save, invest and make good decisions to get there. While doing so however, it would not hurt to stop and think about where you are and what you have.

Education is most likely the best approach to class jumping and living the American Dream. By obtaining a higher education, you make yourself more valuable to employers. Generally the more valuable you are to employers; the more you will be paid. More pay leads to a surplus of funds and thus more wealth. A higher education not only allows for more pay, but it also allows for more choice in what one does. You can be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, astronomer, physicist, historian, or anything else that makes you happy. The American Dream is all about maximizing happiness not only through material wealth but also through enjoyment of profession of choice. Focusing on material goods and wages as Polyestra’s parents did led them to unhappiness. They were seeking recognition for something that they weren’t. The American Dream is about being recognized for who you are, not what you have. Only when you recognize yourself for who you are, will do the same.

Sources:
http://memory.loc.gov/learn/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html