Submitted by Andrea Perrault

Today, the American Dream seems to be vanishing for so many; articles and books decry economic disparity in America. However, many baby boomers benefited from the American Dream that was codified into federal legislation after World War II, with education and home ownership opportunities made accessible to so many veterans (our parents). Thinking about what these veterans and their spouses sought for their children’s future and how their children then internalized the message for their own children may provide insight into what happened to today’s pursuit of the American Dream, and why it seems so remote for so many.

I recall a time when teachers, nurses, police officers, social workers, and firefighters held what were considered honorable professions; for most, their parents had encouraged their career paths. Heeding their parents’ suggestions, many baby boomers swelled the ranks of public sector employment, having sought and attained the training or degrees that were required for such careers. Such work was viewed as a career or a vocation. The roles commanded respect, and those holding such jobs believed in their inherent importance to society. Definite problems existed, such as wide-spread gender discrimination and lack of access for minority candidates. However, for many, a sense of progress, of moving from one rung of the social ladder to another was achieved. Many attained a degree of security and then promoted the American Dream to their children. However, often their children’s “American Dream” took different dimensions — the dreaded unintended consequences.

The 1960′s brought a broader specter of liberation to America’s social reality from the civil rights, women’s, anti-poverty and anti-war movements and greater possibilities seemed to be real for so many more Americans. Security was no longer a sacred goal for many college-educated young adults. Social change and justice became important causes. Being part of the system in social service jobs was not as valued, although it was not necessarily demeaned.

Today, the promises of past social justice struggles seem unrealized, as fewer people are making it to the middle class, and professions that were respected a generation earlier are now disrespected and those that hold them are often disrespected as well. How did this happen?

Examining the concept of the “dream” and its progression over generations shows how unintended consequences continued to affect society and created a generation for whom public service is not laudable, but almost contemptuous. Commerce became the new focus for social betterment, spawning a glut of business administration programs in colleges and universities. Now the private sector held the keys to prosperity for the children of the teachers, nurses, social workers, police officers and firefighters. The new generation climbed the ladder as their parents had; however, the result is a new social order where strong bank accounts and million dollar bonuses are valued over a strong social fabric. Progress is not measured in moving from one rung of the ladder to another, but by vaulting into the sacred 1%.

The many recent fiscal crises show that “progress” can be a dangerous thing. It’s important to examine what we are “progressing” toward, what we are leaving behind, and where we as a society needs to be to promote justice and equality for all. Let’s beware the unexamined American Dream and its unintended consequences!