Saylorsburg, PA USA I think the American dream is about living in a society where you can move about freely without fear of retribution for personal preferences in religion, where you can make a decent living and strive to have a comfortable savings, and where there is always hope for a brighter future. Fisch, 47
Preston, CT USA I do not know what 'the' American Dream as, as it is as individual as the person with the American Dream....my American Dream is to live in Alaska, writenovels for a living, be surrounded by five dogs, a Eskimo girl who likes pro wrestling and ancient history,and never, ever have to file again in life (or death, for what matter...ever...be surrounded by lots of snow and wildlife... Of course, the American Dream is Dusty Rhodes (a pro wrestler)...but I don't think that is what the question meant... Luki, 31
Valhalla That we are the greatest nation on earth (read w/ sarcasm). Actually, our vision of ourselves as country of equality, liberty and justice is pretty compelling. Felicia, 36
Lowell, MA USA To get through life, get married, have some kids, buy a house and work your butt off to support it all. Janet, 44
E. Brunswick, NJ USA I was born the year WWII ended and when my father came home from the war, the American dream was simple - to own a little house, to have a nice family, and to have a job to support that family. But today the definition of "the American Dream" is open to interpretation; it can mean what YOU want it to mean. My particular dream is to retire and live peacefully without the help of the government. Reba, 50+
Silver Spring, MD USA According to my high school English teachers: To make something out of nothing. I think most people think of the 2.5 kids and white picket fence and golden retriever, though. I think the first dream was to have the adventure of experiencing the untamed--and to have that adventure without fearing regulation. That one's probably mostly dead. Karen, 22
Ames, IA USA life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness Melodi, 19
Gahanna, OH USA I feel that the American dream is to acheive equality and peace through freedom and cooperatioin. Sarah Jane, 15
Preston, CT USA Hmm... to ultimately succeed? Jeremy, 14
Highlands Ranch, CO USA From "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" through "a chicken in every pot" it has generally been peace and prosperity for everyone. Jane, 62
West Linn, OR USA Freedom of religion (not from religion) and politics for ourselves and our families. Judy, 62
Easton, KS USA I feel that the American dream is to acheive equality and peace through freedom and cooperatioin. Sarah Jane
CT USA I guess it is basically just living prosperously and happily with individual freedoms you don't get anywhere else. Doug2, 29
Overland Park, KS USA To do what you want to do, when and where you want to do it. Nicci, 27
Las Vegas, NV USA To own your own home, have a good job with decent benefits, raise healthy, well adjusted children and enjoy your retirement. Tam White picket fence , 2.5 kids and successful job, i suppose :P That's not really my dream, tho. I don't have a dream. Except im kind of dreaming of ice cream right now.. Talia, 25
Stamford, CT USA There is no universal American Dream. I think a lot of people still want to purchase their own house and just make a good day's living. Johanna, 18
OK USA To be married, 2 children, a house in the 'burbs and two cars in the garage. Laura, 37
Lowell, MA USA I wish I had a recorded copy of the conversation my campus minister and I had about the American Dream. Frankly, the American Dream is CRAP. One's life shouldn't be about having the house with the white picket fence and the two point five children and the border collie that sits and stays all of the time. Living your life just to make money and have a high powered job so you can get "stuff" isn't the way to live. Live the best life you can, live unattached from the physical and attached to the spiritual. Having "stuff" isn't going to mean anything in the end. Hikaru, 19
PA USA I'm beginning to wonder if it is to become rich and/or famous, so you can get away with the crimes that send the normal guy to the slammer. Ryan, 29
Morton, IL USA