The American dream once gleamed like a lighthouse, representing social mobility and equal opportunities for all. From schools to election kiosks, it does so with immense scrutiny in our society today. This idea used to be understood as meaning that every successive generation would be better off than the one prior. Now, the provision appears to be under threat. Critics argue that the realities of the past decade reflect a growing disparity between the ideals of the American dream and the lived experiences of many citizens.
Donald Trump personifies the layers and contradictions of this story. He has become the avatar of a gilded age life—imagined and real—that stands in jarring juxtaposition to the pain and hardship experienced by most Americans. His surroundings exude wealth, with gilded ceilings and imitation Roman wall paintings. It stands in jarring contradiction to the day-to-day reality of his fellow citizens. Within this bubble, Trump has surrounded himself with sycophants who echo his sentiments, leading to midnight rants on social media that often touch upon themes of imperial conquest.
For the last two decades, American elites have put freedom first. At the same time, they’ve adopted the mantle of impunity, calling into question the very notion of accountability for our nation’s leaders. Countless Americans have experienced that these elites sometimes preach about liberty and opportunity. All too often their ensuing actions are a testament to their flagrant disregard for the very foundations of our democracy. They have fostered a political climate in which accountability tends to disappear, letting the people of their states feel frustrated and disheartened.
The American dream is often linked to the idea that success can be achieved through hard work and determination, regardless of one’s background. The more time goes on, the more this idea seems stuck in the past. The text of the American experience is not yet out of ink, it is filled with tales of perseverance instead of preeminence. Europe and Canada warned of arbitrary detentions and deportations that flout due process. In doing so, they are shining a spotlight on a culture of impunity that many argue threatens the very core of our democratic values of justice and equality.
In recent years, a growing sentiment has emerged that there is little incentive for American politicians to resign or take responsibility for their actions. It’s the sense that this ever-present lack of accountability fuels frustration and angst in citizens. That’s why so many are understandably disillusioned—they once believed that their meritocratic society had fulfilled its promise. Too many Americans of all stripes believe they’re losing their shot at the American dream. The hopeful promise of the American dream feels further out of reach than ever as a result.
The belief that America is a promised land of opportunity and freedom is cast into doubt by dismal facts. Yet, the hard empirical evidence is clear — those barriers to success are still deeply embedded, standing in the way of so many Americans’ ability to reach their full potential. As Andy Warhol famously suggested, “A Coke is a Coke. No amount of money can purchase you a superior Coke than the one sipped by the hobo on the street.” This statement underscores a fundamental truth: certain experiences remain uniform across socioeconomic divides.