The American Dream has been a big part of our culture for quite some time now. Ever since the baby boom, people have become obsessed with achieving this ideal, which they believe will truly make them happy.
But exactly what is the American Dream? Is it money and power? Is it having the picture perfect family in a house surrounded by a white picket fence?
Actually, the American Dream has different meanings to different people, and can sometimes be as elusive as it is desirable.
Last week, this very discussion of the American Dream came up in my English class. Each student was to create a collage portraying what the American Dream was to them. The next day each collage was presented to the rest of the class.
As I had expected, many of the collages were mostly materialistic. The American Dream portrayed on those pieces of paper included expensive cars, huge houses, fashionable clothes and beautiful women or men. It made me wonder what has become of our society. What happened in the past to make it that success is measured largely by one's possessions?
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I believe Hollywood and the media play a big role in influencing people's wants. How many times have you looked at a magazine in the grocery store and pined for Jennifer Aniston's hair or John Travolta's new airplane?
When we watch television, we see lavish displays of wealth, whether it is the characters on Days of Our Lives or Las Vegas.
I know I have been influenced over the years. There have been many times when I have thought I had to have a certain car or wear a certain brand of clothing to be happy.
However, as I get older, I am beginning to see there is more to life than having the finer things (much to my checkbook's relief).
Obviously, the sense of materialism that has taken over American culture is not always carried out to such an extent where nothing else matters to a person except having the latest model Mercedes.
But even though many people put their needs before their wants, deep down they still may wish for a condo in Mazatlan or an authentic Gucci purse.
Perhaps it is in our nature to want what we do not have. Such a thing can actually be healthy to a point. If it were not for the wants of consumers, our economy would fall apart.
But even so, people should start re-evaluating their vision of fulfilling the American Dream. The American Dream should not only include having an abundance of cash and nice things, but it should also include finding true happiness.
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There are millions of people who get everything they want, but are still not happy with their lives.
People should take long hard looks in the mirror and decide if having wealth is more important than having people with which to share it. Finding one's bliss is something that each and every person needs to achieve.
Whether it really is all material for them, or something more, it is just important to see that there is life beyond riches. Money cannot always buy love, and the same can be said about happiness.
Michael Dodes is a senior at Frazee-Vergas High School.
