By Charles M. King
In this period of economic downturns and uncertainty, we hear much about the American Dream. Some say it is fading, others say it has become a nightmare while others proclaim it dead. Still some are now declaring it available only to a selected few “fat cats”. These numerous reactions and proclamations set my mind to wondering if I ever understood the meaning of the dream. In times like the ones we are facing, for the life of me, I thought there was no greater time to dream than the present.
Not long ago I read an article written by a syndicated columnist about what he perceived as a mar to the dream. He was writing about a situation in a midwestern city which, to him, doomed the dream as he knew it. This writer indicated that the town in question was divided by a railroad track. On the south side were the “have nots” and on the north side were the “haves”. As he perceived it, the gap was widening between the two groups.
This writer proceeded to lament over the fact that the people on the north side could afford to finance the dreams of their children, while on the south side the people were doomed to falling further and further behind because of the economic conditions among the inhabitants.
It is noteworthy that some parents can afford to provide assistance to their children in meaningful ways, but when did the American dream become something to be purchased. Since when did it become available only to those who “could afford it”?
In my view, if a count were taken, it would reveal that as many or more high achievers have emerged from underprivileged, or even disfunctional families as from affluent families. Material family status is not the means by which we determine the availability of the American dream. To proclaim such would be a discredit to all of the dreamers and achievers of humble beginnings.
During these difficult times it is important to bring the real approach to the dream into focus. Tragically, today many are proclaiming that the dream is dead because they have no job, or that the government is not doing enough to support them, or that the “fat cats” are depriving them of opportunities they might otherwise have.
In my study of history I find a far different meaning of the American dream than that which is being widely defined today. The American dream has been and, I predict will always be based on ideas, creative effort, daring, determination and and resolve. This is the stuff from which dreams emerge to become reality. Some would add breaks to this list. I agree that breaks are important as one progresses, but breaks can’t be planned. They may be there but one must rely on his/her own tenacity and initiative. Breaks make the journey more enjoyable as they give the assurance that there is a sure and certain Spirit on our side.
During these current days the season for dreamers proliferate. One only needs to look around and see the numerous possibilities for dreaming which will set this nation on course. The President mentions only a few possibilities as he addresses the many dilemmas facing this nation. Only a few are being exposed but there is room for many more. That which we are calling the American dream is the result of the right to live comfortably and independently as one makes his/her own creative contribution to the American, or global system of life.
The dream comes about as a result of a person seeing a need and searching his/her own creative mind to find an answer. Next comes commitment, preparation and effort to fulfill the dream. As a result of this person’s work and persistence, there is usually a payoff that is rewarding and fulfilling. The payoff, therefore, consists of contribution and reward.
American history is a history of a people who have put their ultimate faith in their own creative energies-and justifiably so. In his book, The Enterprising American, speaking of developments in America, John Chamberlain writes that, “For such a people a new frontier, the real frontier will always be open.”
Tracing this history back in time, some of the pioneers on the American frontier have given us interesting insights to consider. Dewitt Wallace said the idea for Readers Digest came to him “from the blue”. William Pauley said he had a “gut feeling that radio was on the threshhold of a great awakening”, that “marvelous things are about to happen”, thus CBS was born. George Washington Carver, a former slave remarked that he saw God in a peanut. Thus he looked inside and found more than two thousand derivatives from the peanut. In addition, his studies of agriculture enabled him to save Southern Agriculture from ultimate ruin.
Because of the innovation and pioneering of these and many other frontiersmen, new frontiers proliferate and spread opportunities across time in institutions that have emerged from their efforts. Robert Noyce, through the invention of the silicon chip, founded two companies, Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel. Says Royce, “only economically feasable products will become reality-where costs can be pushed down rapidly, great new vistas arise.”
Ray Kroc, of McDonald’s fame, personified mediocrity most of his life. A backroom piano player and low performance in ribbon sales were his best effort in early life; stymied by algebra, Kroc dropped out of school. From then until he met the McDonald brothers, he sought the American dream unsuccessfully. Because of his ingenuity he took the idea for making hamburgers and spread it across the world. Through the pioneering effort of Kroc, tens of thousands of others with meager beginnings have had their dreams fulfilled. The same can be said for numerous other institutions. Thus frontier opportunities exists in thousands of institutions across America and each time one is seized another dream becomes a reality.
Throughout the history of America this network of opportunity has developed. It cuts across class lines and there is no real barrier to entering it. As John Chamberlain further states, “It is creative busyness within the rules of the marketplace, which harness the hunger of man and his work together. There can be no fulfillment of the true dream without effort and sacrifice and making a way where there seems to be no way.” Such a view is most appropriate for these times.
A study of life in America and its development reveals certain common threads: daring, inventive and persistent people have survived and achieved, thus making a way for the masses to survive. We have survived through depressions, wars, slavery, famine and numerous other obstacles. Yet today wa ask where has the dream gone? The dream is hiding behind a need, a new concept or an innovation.
The American dream will always be just beginning. It continually cries out to you and me: be innovative, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened, ask and it will be given to you.
No, my friend, there is nothing wrong with the dream. The real problem is that too many potential dreamers are in a coma of dependency and shortsightedness. There are many, many frontiers, but too few frontiersmen. For everyone who dares dream, it is his/her privilege. Dream for yourself, for your organization, for your family, but dream and dream and create and create. America needs us all to dream.
“They are the architects of greatness, their vision lies within their souls, they peer beyond the veils and mists of doubt and pierce the walls of unborn Time. The belted wheel, the trail of steel, the churning screw, are shuttles in the loom on which they weave their magic tapestries. Makers of Empire, they have fought for bigger things than crowns and higher seats than thrones. Your homes are set upon the land a dreamer found. The pictures on its walls are visions from a dreamer’s soul. They are the chose few — the blazers of the way. Walls crumble and Empires fall, the tidal wave sweeps from the sea and tears a fortress from its rocks. The rotting nations drop off from Time’s bough, and only things the dreamer’s make live on.” Herbert kaufman
Every day is a Gift not to be judged by the amount of cash one has in their pocket. (that’s why the call it present) Look around, do we really see what our eyes take in…I think not. Look and listen to what is happening around you each day rather than anguish over the delays and encumberances . Look for the good or at least learn and apply from each and every situation, or become a victum…we have a choice.