The American Dream

I listen to a lot of talk radio, as many of you know, especially if you've read this post.

This post isn't about talk radio. It is, however, about the commercials I hear on it, over, and over, and over. Actually, just one in particular.

The ad in question is for a local home-builder's association, and they have this pleasant, (but annoying after the thousandth time you hear it), jingle in the commercial. One of the lines in the commercial is that "a quality home is the American dream."

That is totally bloody wrong.

This isn't the first radio, television, or print as I've heard or seen this type of thing in. Leave the American dream out of it. The American dream has nothing to do with whatever good or service you're trying to sell.

The American dream is to have the opportunity to better yourself, and do as you wish, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. That's it. Nothing more. There's no mention of any specific items you must own, or services that must be rendered to you for you to achieve the American dream.

That's not the only place the concept is taken wrongly, either. Political candidates routinely change the use of the term to whatever they currently need to raise their poll numbers one point.

(Okay, so politicians will take anything and use it however they can to get a vote, but that's not the point.)

The American dream isn't about owning things, it's about a state of mind, or a state of being. When you feel that you have bettered yourself, you are living the American dream. Everytime you go to the church of your choice or buy Penthouse, you are a part of the American dream. You are doing what you want, and, (in your own terms), bettering your situation.

That's the end. Now go live the American dream...unless you're not from America, in which case, feel free to live your countries' dream as you will.

...or, heck, hurry up and come over here*, and you can have some of ours.

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*This offer only intended for those who enter the country legally. Terms and conditions apply. For official rules and entry form, please see the United States Immigration Bureau. Member FDIC. May cause drowsiness. If you're still reading, you must really, really be bored. No exclusions, exchanges, coupons, or refunds. Viva la small print.