N
noname223
Archangel
- Aug 18, 2020
- 5,001
This might become a controversial thread. I am from Europe so why should I have the right to judge? I asked about your opinions on my country so I will give you my opinion on the US. Noone is forced to read this thread.
Maybe it is insightful to read the opinion of a foreigner. On the other hand it also can be full of false prejudices and stereotypes.
In school we have talked a lot about the US. Also about the Amertican Dream or gun laws. Like 99% of students and teachers had the opinion that the American gun laws in many state were insane. Sometimes the criticism sounded kind of arrogant. The same applies for the monarchy in the UK. However I am glad that both is different in my country. I am glad we don't have liberal gun laws and that we don't have a monarchy. Still many people were way too arrogant about another foreign culture. Typical German (arrogant) sentiment of moral superiority.
Now to the main topic. Is the American Dream dead? First I will define what it means for me. It is the story from rags-to-riches. I think there is the possibility that you can be one of these successful people. There are many examples for that.
I think in contrast to my country it is easier in the US to gain a lot of money despite the fact you don't have a college degree. However (in my opinion) the inequality in the US is insane and ruins the American Dream. I am a lefty (just to be transparent with it) and I think rich people should pay higher taxes. This money should be invested in free education. This would help to revive the American Dream a lot (in my opinion). It is really unfair how expensive higher education is in so many countries. It is (obviously) easier for poor people to become rich when higher education is free. (It would improve the Social mobility in a positive way.)
I don't think we live in real meritocracies due to the fact that a lot of wealth is inherited. Just look at at the dynasties which rule US politics. The Clintons, Trumps etc. most of them come from very rich families.
However (as I have read about it) in the US more people grant rich people their wealth. In my country there is a lot of envy towards them. They need to justify themselves for their money. It is up to you how to judge about this (alledged) difference of these mentalities.
What are your thoughts about that?
Maybe it is insightful to read the opinion of a foreigner. On the other hand it also can be full of false prejudices and stereotypes.
In school we have talked a lot about the US. Also about the Amertican Dream or gun laws. Like 99% of students and teachers had the opinion that the American gun laws in many state were insane. Sometimes the criticism sounded kind of arrogant. The same applies for the monarchy in the UK. However I am glad that both is different in my country. I am glad we don't have liberal gun laws and that we don't have a monarchy. Still many people were way too arrogant about another foreign culture. Typical German (arrogant) sentiment of moral superiority.
Now to the main topic. Is the American Dream dead? First I will define what it means for me. It is the story from rags-to-riches. I think there is the possibility that you can be one of these successful people. There are many examples for that.
I think in contrast to my country it is easier in the US to gain a lot of money despite the fact you don't have a college degree. However (in my opinion) the inequality in the US is insane and ruins the American Dream. I am a lefty (just to be transparent with it) and I think rich people should pay higher taxes. This money should be invested in free education. This would help to revive the American Dream a lot (in my opinion). It is really unfair how expensive higher education is in so many countries. It is (obviously) easier for poor people to become rich when higher education is free. (It would improve the Social mobility in a positive way.)
I don't think we live in real meritocracies due to the fact that a lot of wealth is inherited. Just look at at the dynasties which rule US politics. The Clintons, Trumps etc. most of them come from very rich families.
However (as I have read about it) in the US more people grant rich people their wealth. In my country there is a lot of envy towards them. They need to justify themselves for their money. It is up to you how to judge about this (alledged) difference of these mentalities.
What are your thoughts about that?