Throughout the world, Americans are held to high standards. America is a country where, according to James Adams, “life should be better, richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement,” regardless of social class. When did Americans turn this simple statement, known as “The American Dream,” into a pressure to compete in order to become successful? The “American Dream” now includes advanced education, an impressive financial portfolio and a high social status. While “The American Dream” is a great ideal and an awesome goal, when are high standards high enough?
Forty years ago, education was not always deemed necessary. Now, a high school diploma simply is not enough to support a family. A college degree is required if you want to succeed financially and compete in this ever-changing society. Even when a BA is earned, advanced education is strongly encouraged. I believe learning is a never ending process, but today, it’s hard to find an expert in one field of study. Instead, people are learning a little about a lot in their field. Competing academically can be inspiring and can drive a person to succeed, but when is enough education simply enough?
American’s are also expected to “keep up with the Jones’” so to speak. Buying a nice home in a nice neighborhood simply isn’t enough. It’s expected you update the house to keep the neighborhood desirable as are additions to the home to retain or add to its value. Not many individuals earn a six figure income, yet we feel forced to spend as though we do. In order to do so, we don’t live within our means, instead use credit cards and ruin our credit scores. In a society that values a high credit score, which many times is used to determine a person’s fiscal responsibility and employment considerations, this behavior can be detrimental.
In a society that values material objects, we tend to judge other members on their physical appearance. While owning name brand clothes is encouraged, in order to wear them you’re required to be physically fit. Most fashion designers don’t make clothes for the “plus size” individual. While stressing out about academics and finances, we’re also expected to work out and eat healthy every day, visit a salon for the newest hairstyle and rip hair out of pores on a regular basis. If you are overweight, a smoker, suffer from acne or the like, society deems you lazy with no self control.
I believe Americans are encouraged to compete, in general, over the wrong things and this is counterproductive. While we’re working so hard at making insurmountable amounts of money or trying to gain respect from society, who is spending quality time with our children? Imagine living in a world with people that, instead, compete to succeed in world peace, with strong family values.
~Amanda Fellows
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