The story of the American Dream is as old as the country itself. For many, it represents the essence of the nation’s promise: the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success if they are willing to work hard and persevere. However, the debate over whether the American Dream is still attainable has intensified in recent years, with many pointing to economic and social barriers that seem to be making upward mobility more challenging than ever.
Retired U.S. Army Captain and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Thomas Hiyil, whose facebook profile boasts “Indian by birth; American by choice” has a unique perspective on this topic. “The reason why you don’t see it is because you were born in the US,” he says. “The American Dream is alive & well for immigrants. Hence why millions are risking their lives to come here.” Hiyil’s sentiments are not isolated. Many immigrants believe that the opportunities offered in America are unparalleled, especially when compared to their home countries.
To many Americans, however, the dream seems increasingly out of reach. Skyrocketing education costs, stagnant wages, and an ever-widening wealth gap paint a picture of a nation where the deck is stacked against those who aren’t born into privilege. These concerns are not unfounded: studies have shown that upward mobility in the US is declining, and the wealth disparity between the richest and the poorest continues to grow.
A 2020 study by thePew Research Center found that the real median income for working-age adults in the United States has declined by 1.5% since 1970.
A 2021 study by the Brookings Institution found that the top 1% of earners in the United States now own more wealth than the bottom 90% combined.
A 2022 study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that the federal poverty rate in the United States has been rising for the past four years.
However, statistics can’t capture the entirety of the story. There are countless tales of people from all walks of life who, against all odds, have managed to forge their own path to success in America. Icons like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk serve as inspirations for many, proving that with determination and resilience, the American Dream is still attainable.
Ultimately, the state of the American Dream is complex. While there are undeniable challenges facing those who seek upward mobility, there are also abundant opportunities for those who are determined to seize them. As Hiyil aptly puts it, “The American Dream is having the opportunity to better yourself… if you are willing to work your ass off… you have to accept failure & continue pushing to reach your goals.” Hiyil now works as an entrepreneur and real estate investor in Houston, Texas.
So, while the American Dream may look different than it did a few decades ago, it’s clear that the flame hasn’t been extinguished just yet. For many, it still burns brightly, beckoning them to chase their ambitions and carve out their own slice of success in the land of opportunity.
Laban Johnson is a seasoned entrepreneur and polymath, leaving a trail of impact in every endeavor. With over 25 years of diverse experience in businesses of all sizes, local governments, the military, and non-profits, Laban has accumulated a wealth of skills in business administration, risk management, internet marketing, and more. As the founder of LJLearn.com, Laban channels his expertise into making quality educational resources accessible to all, empowering individuals and businesses alike to unlock their full potential.
His rich background as a business administrator, project portfolio manager, risk analyst, life coach, and financial advisor has sharpened his ability to tackle challenges head-on. A proud founder of ONPASSIVE and a philanthropist at heart, Laban is dedicated to revolutionizing businesses in the digital age while making a tangible positive impact on society. Through LJ Group and LJ Learn, he curates and shares the most valuable of his experiences, ensuring his clients achieve unparalleled success.
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The story of the American Dream is as old as the country itself. For many, it represents the essence of the nation’s promise: the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success if they are willing to work hard and persevere. However, the debate over whether the American Dream is still attainable has intensified in recent years, with many pointing to economic and social barriers that seem to be making upward mobility more challenging than ever.
Retired U.S. Army Captain and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Thomas Hiyil, whose facebook profile boasts “Indian by birth; American by choice” has a unique perspective on this topic. “The reason why you don’t see it is because you were born in the US,” he says. “The American Dream is alive & well for immigrants. Hence why millions are risking their lives to come here.” Hiyil’s sentiments are not isolated. Many immigrants believe that the opportunities offered in America are unparalleled, especially when compared to their home countries.
To many Americans, however, the dream seems increasingly out of reach. Skyrocketing education costs, stagnant wages, and an ever-widening wealth gap paint a picture of a nation where the deck is stacked against those who aren’t born into privilege. These concerns are not unfounded: studies have shown that upward mobility in the US is declining, and the wealth disparity between the richest and the poorest continues to grow.
However, statistics can’t capture the entirety of the story. There are countless tales of people from all walks of life who, against all odds, have managed to forge their own path to success in America. Icons like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk serve as inspirations for many, proving that with determination and resilience, the American Dream is still attainable.
Ultimately, the state of the American Dream is complex. While there are undeniable challenges facing those who seek upward mobility, there are also abundant opportunities for those who are determined to seize them. As Hiyil aptly puts it, “The American Dream is having the opportunity to better yourself… if you are willing to work your ass off… you have to accept failure & continue pushing to reach your goals.” Hiyil now works as an entrepreneur and real estate investor in Houston, Texas.
So, while the American Dream may look different than it did a few decades ago, it’s clear that the flame hasn’t been extinguished just yet. For many, it still burns brightly, beckoning them to chase their ambitions and carve out their own slice of success in the land of opportunity.
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labanjohnson
Laban Johnson is a seasoned entrepreneur and polymath, leaving a trail of impact in every endeavor. With over 25 years of diverse experience in businesses of all sizes, local governments, the military, and non-profits, Laban has accumulated a wealth of skills in business administration, risk management, internet marketing, and more. As the founder of LJLearn.com, Laban channels his expertise into making quality educational resources accessible to all, empowering individuals and businesses alike to unlock their full potential. His rich background as a business administrator, project portfolio manager, risk analyst, life coach, and financial advisor has sharpened his ability to tackle challenges head-on. A proud founder of ONPASSIVE and a philanthropist at heart, Laban is dedicated to revolutionizing businesses in the digital age while making a tangible positive impact on society. Through LJ Group and LJ Learn, he curates and shares the most valuable of his experiences, ensuring his clients achieve unparalleled success.