Fear, Happiness and the American Dream: the Difficulty of a Simple Life

So, the American Dream has become something of a nightmare. But, as I mentioned before, there are voices of dissent. For example, The Center for the New American Dream is trying to redefine what the dream is, trying to turn the tide. On their Website, they say:

For our parents and grandparents, the American dream meant hope – an unshakeable belief that happiness and security were truly possible. They knew they had a unique opportunity to make a better life for themselves and their families. That dream still exists. But these days, it has some competition.

The original focus on security and personal well-being is giving way to an obsession with “more.” More work. More material goods. Bigger cars, bigger houses…bigger everything.