National: Defining the American Dream -- NYTimes.com/Video

[PunkBuzter]

The American dream has been in Europe for some time now, calling it Qlimax. That's what freedom really is :)

[Guill4um321]

simple.... the american dream for me... is a good job... a home familly... great house....great car... a women to love...children... and no problem.... like a dream -_-

[ONEthousendONE]

i wanna go to the usa.... just need a greencard

[XxxLovelyMelodyxxX]

I honestly cant await to make something of myself.I want to be proud of myself. I want to be a singer because its my passion,I would help organizations with possible wealth. But Im not sure if I can make it. But I have a backup plan,I will go to college,get a degree so I can be a pediatric nurse,hopefully get married, and provide for children. Ive been through pain of losing a sister to cancer and losing hope from bullying.If I could be a nurse for kids,maybe they can live their american dream.

[swisspilot2000]

@WATBerlin

how many people SS killed, moron!!!

I am a swiss, if USA and the french didnt kick the ass of hitler, you would be dead in a stupid war or you kid would go to war if not , he would have destroyed all germany in a nuclear war.

just get some respect for people who saved the world.i dont like USA but at least i respect their old america when everybody was welcome...

[swisspilot2000]

american dream for me it was when you can rent a plane with fuel for 20$ an hour, and that was in 1997. now it s 150$ !!!!

[hiphophood51]

your american dream is our nightmare!

[TeacherAbroad]

The real problem boils down to human greed. You can see it right here 1:01

When is enough, enough?

[Mrfosho09]

The american dream is only real when you are asleep. The game is rigged and the tables are tilted. Life is a game so learn the rules. Life is also not fair so don't be scared to break the rules once in a while.

[nomad824]

The American Dream is not just about money and materialistis goods. People have other dreams like to have a family or even to move to America to escape any oppression they face in other countries. And achieving does not always mean living in huge houses and sitting on bags of money

[TheJay9002]

@nomad824 haha good one man, tell that to the people who make it their life ambition to live in huge houses and sit on bags of money. Shit, even the rappers who come from the most deprived parts of the country make that their ambition, and then proudly proclaim that they are the american dream. Face it, the american dream IS about huge houses and bags of money, if you don't have it then don't try and redefine it.

[nomad824]

@TheJay9002

Just because some people want money still DOES NOT mean that everyone does. the American Dream is not just about money. It is defined as more basic want to succeed, and for some people that is money, but not everyone. Don't try and force your negativity down our throats

[cyclos12]

I live in the US but now I'm seriously considering leaving because this is not the life that I want to live! I'd rather put a bullet in my head than live in this corporate ponzi scheme that they force on us! And by "put a bullet in my head" yes I do mean committing suicide.

[corey6516]

"It's called the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it"

[dojOdRiFTeR]

work hard yes but how hard its the business world to blame stressing out university students beyond belief

[NobbyBear08]

The American Dream is Canada and Germany

[tinydancer1965]

All the IDIOTS who support Obama and the American Communists & Socialists are to stupid to understand that under Communism THERE ARE NO MORE DREAMS. JUST SLAVERY.

[LeGenDevolution]

HURENSOHN WERBUNG !!!!

[1990alucard]

@LeGenDevolution lol warum ist das eine hurensohnwerbung?

[LeGenDevolution]

@1990alucard doch nicht das video :D davor kam head and shoulders werbung , die ich locker 20x am tag sehen muss

[1990alucard]

@LeGenDevolution achsoooo....von dem mist blieb ich bis jetzt verschont..stattdessen bekomme ich dieee scheiß reifenwerbung und reiner calmud zu sehen.^^

[Serb100Percent]

Jewish fascists are the worst manipulativ barbaric scum in the world. Go die american a holes for jewish fascists.

[MasterAdam100]

The American dream is seeing a politician and a banker make out. Because it's that kind of elite class circle jerking that is ruining our country.

[Twilightifyable]

The American Dream is not about social justice, equal poverty for all with no incentive nor reward to succeed. The American Dream is about the free market. It rewards those who make it with both money and feelings of accomplishment.

.

The American Dream is not a welfare state for all. It challenges all to become better to get the things they truly want in life. There will always be poor. Why should we abolish the middle class for the elitist desire to redefine the American Dream?

[MasterAdam100]

@Twilightifyable Who said anything about a welfare state? 

[Twilightifyable]

@MasterAdam100

.

What do you think happens when you take away all the businesses by taxing the hell out of the middle class?

[MasterAdam100]

@Twilightifyable Did I say tax the middle class a lot? No. But while our neighbors are struggling to pay the bills, that rich guy down town you voted to give a tax cut to is buying his 3rd yacht. Don't think he's using that extra money to hire anyone here and I'm pretty sure he's moving his company to China next year. And that "trickle down money"? The only thing that's trickling down is the piss from the elites on to the majority of Americans that work for a living.

[TheMurdockSons]

anyway, i think that the american dream is still alive ;)

[TheMurdockSons]

it's so strange

last summer i was in US and own in bryant park with my friends i've started to ask "what's for you the american dream ?" the answeres were interesting

i kept asking all around the usa

see yaaa

[ToastDemon]

@devildriver

I guess you definition of success is based on wealth. By the way, how is it that people's worries about others, have anything to do with the economy? I don't get it. My point was that there is no hope for your dream if you give up. Fairness does not exist in a capitalist society, so why give up when you aren't treated fairly? Please stop feeding off of the fear mongering.

[ToastDemon]

I feel sorry for the people on here that say that the American dream is an illusion. It's like you have given up already. There is no such thing as equal opportunity, as most of us are not born with a silver spoon in hand, but that does not mean you should give up. Stop whining, get out of the smoking circle, and do something with your life and stop worrying about everyone else.

[Devildriver763]

@ToastDemon

That's exactly how we got in this mess in the first place. Too many took the approach of, "Stop worrying about everyone else." Now we have seen a radical shift of wealth that probably won't be reversed.

[Janusha]

THE AMERICAN DREEEAM means if you work really hard, you can become rich ? Oh... just like in third world shitholes then. Whats the actual difference.

[RadicalRaul]

As George Carlin said, unless you are in the elite big boys club the only time you will experience the "American Dream" is in your sleep.

[kidhuddie]

@RadicalRaul

Why do you assume that the American Dream revolves around material and financial success? Yes money is nice and brings security, but money doesn't drive me. Why would you say I have to be an elite to achieve anything?!? HAHA You don't even know what I want! A dream is yours alone and nobody else's. A black man once had a dream and it wasn't about money but about equality. Do you think he came from "the elite" ? We are not guaranteed happiness, only the pursuit of it.

[kidhuddie]

@RadicalRaul

Oh and fuck george carlin he's hypocrite. How did he achieve success in radio and as a comedian? oh yea it mustve been those in the "big boys club" who think he's funny. He can achieve what he wants oh but you cant... sounds pretty elitist to me

[Gmister2]

0:00 to 0:12

that reminds me of socialism

0:37 to 0:46

what about inland america?

0:46 to 0:49

didn;t define anything

[paulinotou]

the american dream is still there, my uncle who started off as a secretary is now a big figure for an insurance company. ontop of that my aunty who was struggling with 3 kids started a very good small buisness. also my other uncle started his own health clinic in arizona. my other uncle was chosen among 150 students for a scholarship to a university. yah i got a lot of uncles. no lie. its still there if you want to get it. the question is whether you want it that much or not

[dechamaquitoyo]

fuck advertisements

[mitchell392]

Here in the U.K we dont have a dream, reason for this is . . . Because were awake!

[greenviper987]

it was so better back then in the 50's and 60's and before that now its just hell the 21st century sucks!

[junkers1337]

@greenviper987 It was better because half the planet was trying to rebuild itself after the mess that the Nazi's, Italians, and Japs left behind.

[paulinotou]

@junkers1337 it was great back than and its great now. and even before WW2 and WW1 immigrants from Asia and europe were flooding into the nation. even now we are ranked one of the best places to live.

[MyMerlin1]

40 million Americans rely on food stamps and most Americans Can't even Afford Health Insurance.

[Born2Rock1987]

after all I guess theres no real democracy in any country in this world.

[junkers1337]

@Born2Rock1987 Never has been and never will be. Because for every 1 honorable, charitable, trustworthy person, there are 10 lying, cheating, greedy people.

[Born2Rock1987]

@junkers1337 exactly.

[tjmac7]

i thought americans had finally woken up, apparently they are still dreaming, fast asleep.

[rachkaification]

The American Dream is a modern form of an Old Testament style tale about the promised land of milk and honey where everybody realizes God and lives in bliss. It's a symbolic expression of everybody's hidden desire for self-realization and nirvana. Instead of nirvana we are engaged in "a constant competition for survival in a economic jungle". But hey... what can you do - that's the logical result if you consider yourself an evolved ape whose only merit is that s/he learned how to make tools...

[Pharnax]

The american dream was a nightmare to begin with. Free your mind.

[jaay334]

Dusty Rhondes is and american dream

[Grcar57]

American dream-- illusion. Only country in the world where government bombes their own city and call it terrorist attack. Bunch of sheep. BEEE!

[jaay334]

@Grcar57 Your an idiot 

[Obamaownswhitesnow]

The American Dream is what immigrants are now looking for just like our immigrant ancestors sought when they came and invade this land destroying the dreams and illusions of the Native Americans.

[CaptainStriker]

@Obamaownswhitesnow

I no dude.

[MyMerlin1]

More than 40 Million Americans live on food stamps , lol.

[josefplatil]

American dream died.. R.I.P.

[paulinotou]

wow you guys are weak. my grandfather came from guam and moved to san fran. after having my mom he had to take up 3 jobs to support the family and work his way through college. my mom had a jacket box as a crib. he died 3 years ago but he died as a senator of guam. if you guys just get over your self you can achieve anything here in the US if you dont believe in the dream than thats sad cause you guys have it good being able to go on the computer and type in all this shit. bunch of spoiled fucks

[sam198199]

There is no such thing as the American Dream. You go to school and kill yourself for years,then,end up with a large debt.Then, nobody wants to get you a job even that one who runs a stupid store or gas station and make three figure salaries with no education….

[CaptainStriker]

@sam198199

Dude everyone gets in debt with they`re liveing for the now,and not for the future.

[ColdCaseSweden]

I study political science and international relations here in Sweden, and my proffessors have talked quite abit about the american dream (They are americans to ofcourse, not all of them tho) and by their definition the american dream died when the american dream was when you could work anywhere and get what you wanted, apparently, that is no longer the case without having to put yourself in massive debt. But, i don't know, what do Americans think?..

[misguli]

Will America Survive Islamofascism?

google faithfreedom for answers

[clustro]

blonde belgian chick is hot

and yeah, the american dream is bs

the average american will not be permitted to rise up any more; it just causes too much trouble and problems for the political and corporate elites that run this country.

[Seanyboyh]

The American dream, you have to be asleep to believe it.

good old bullshit new york times. God is there a quality paper in the states. i have read a few, cant take any of them seriously.

[r2d23678]

@Seanyboyh you mad your lazy ass won't be able to reach the "American Dream?

[quicocha]

American dream. It is exactly that a dream. Just look to the distribution of income and wealth in this country. Who owns what and why. Asking the question to a bunch of college students who had not yet find out what is out there is ridiculous. By the way why you don't ask them how much are they on debt already with student loans not to say credit cards.

[tinydancer1965]

@quicocha And thanks to OBAMA they may NEVER EVER be OUT of debt again.

Obama sucks.

[GregKII]

thanks for that. tomorrow i'll write my second english exam in this year and it's all about TAD.

[TomAndJanieBrode]

American democracy is an illusion. America is really an oligarchy of wealth and power- which are also illusory. The truth is that those in government are as parasites who could never survive without the cooperation of their hosts

[STUNTNJB88]

@TomAndJanieBrode Agreed!

[heartlessvietboy]

LOL.

[mussman717word]

American Dream (n.):

a non-existant figment of imagination, produced by conservative propaganda.

[Plusader]

-.- even the cookie monster knows that there is an american dream

[orion7763]

What is success? How do you measure it? Certainly though, the more personable you are the better you'll do in life (and you'll see that many of the people that rise to the top are). Some have said that success in life is 15% what you learn in school and 85% how well you deal with other people.

[mikeprodi]

i want to be a bubble maker...

[csimandog]

nice report :)

[mihajlo777]

ha propaganda...

[cool70200]

Its depends on the lvl of "burdens" upon each person's heart and mind and their perceptions.

By "burdened" I mean things like social and economic politics -in favor of or against,

lvl of " personal dependence"

control of resources -or lack of,

lvl of education -or lack of,

lvl of self motivation, focus, vision, self identity (ex manhood, womenhood) -or lack of,

upbringing, emotional supports and types of influences vs lies and deceptions

[cool70200]

As well as one's ability to determine what is for them and what's not and the lvl of live according to that and not have "someone else" force their "will" (values, rules, lvl of dignity, lvl of respect, lvl and quality of good/s, status or "place"), on them.

[cool70200]

and let me give special emphasis on the use of "force", it isnt always someone forcing "unhappiness, unfulfilled wants, mental anguish, or hurt" on people, its poverty.

So "others" -(the government, politicians, corporations, entertainers, capitalism, god, white people, pretty women, handsome men, other people's favoritisms and preferences, the groups of popular people) arent responsible or liable for anyone else's "american dream", happines, well being, and prosperity, each person is.

[cool70200]

However, against a violent backdrop of burdensome beauracies, elitistisms, exclusions, and lies perpetrated on masses, the "american dream" or happiness and prosperity can be muted or denied for any person.

Its like a catch 22 in a sense, "take responsibility for your own life and happiness, yet ask someone else for something you want/need", which they may or may not want to acknowledge or grant, pfft coercion

[jyk113077]

There is still a disproportionate amount of African Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans living in poverty. Most of these people never achieve the opportunities to fulfill their American Dreams. The reason why these people are poor is because they come from poverty. The reason why most White Americans are rich is because they come from power and privilege. I am not judging, but I can see the reality and not the illusions.

[jyk113077]

This reporter is highly bias and should not be reporting. The "American Dream" is a myth, and the reporter states that she only reported on the affluent. I would like to see her ask the same question to those in the barrios and slums, but she would be scared off by the real American Nightmare. She should ask immigrant families, if their children have achieved the American Dream. And why learning disabled classrooms have a higher ethnic diversity count than regular classrooms. Disillusioned

[Albyiscool]

clearly if they live in the slums they havent realized the american dream yet

[jyk113077]

I cannot believe that you would judge people so harshly, based on a jilted view. You assume that people in the slums cannot dream or envision a brighter future. When you lose everything will you still believe in the American Dream, or will you assume that you have not reached your American Dream at 50 or 60 years old. Ask those individuals, if they believe in the American Dream or Nightmare, and why they cannot afford food, clothing, or a good life.

[Trombworks]

No matter where you come from, I personally know that anything can be achieved. Sometimes when someone comes from a harder background they want to be succesful more than the average middle class person. There are thousands of highly succesful people (actors, musicians, writers...) who have come from poverty. your life is what you make of it.

[Trombworks]

In fact if you look at the Forbes 400 list, many (probably more than half) grew up very poor and quite a few of them never even received a high school or college degree. Stanley Ho for instance. His father abandoned him after loosing all of his money in the stock market. his older brothers commited suicide. It was him and his mother living in poverty. Now he's worth over 6 billion.

[jyk113077]

How many Stanley Ho's are there in this country? How many poor people want to be Stanley Ho in this country?

[Trombworks]

There are many Stanley Ho's in this country. You don't have to be a billionaire to be "succesful." There are many children who decide that just because their parents left them or didn't go to college they don't have to follow in the same footsteps. Besides, my point is that you can make anything out of nothing, only if you really want to.

[CaptainStriker]

@ Trombworks You can but it`s bloody hard rofl.

[Albyiscool]

Me? Look at all the judgement you poured out. Well do think it exists or dont you because your'e sending mixed messages. You can't claim that the American Dream doesn't exist, and then attack me because you think you understand it better. What I said is fact: most people would not consider living in slums a realization of the American Dream.

[jyk113077]

No one wants to live in poverty. I have seen so much poverty in this world that to flaunt an assumption called the American Dream is arrogant. People come to this country believing that they will be rich and successful, but only a hand full of those people attain that reality. Most work menial jobs cleaning up for Americans, but we are ignorant to those individuals and their hardships. The only people who attain the American Dream are those who already have power, privilege, and resources.

[Albyiscool]

To assume that you're the only one who has ever seen poverty and that your unique experience invalidates the idea of American Dream is arrogant. It isn't always about being rich and successful. It's about upward mobility. Who are you to say that a menial job cannot lead anywhere or that it doesn't mean something to somebody who has had less than that? Entire generations of Americans have had the notion that their children would have a better life because of their hard work.

[jyk113077]

Explain that to the minorities of this society, while condoning the actions of whites in America. Power and privilege is only afforded to the white majority, and if you do not fit within that mold of white America than your screwed. You should know, your probably white. If your mommy and daddy were hardworking and uneducated and minorities, than you would side with the disadvantaged. Take this to heart, next time you scoff at someone's foreign notions of reality.

[Albyiscool]

You make the assumption that I must have luxuries in order to believe in the American Dream. It has been a romanticized thing for generations which was not created by the rich, but by the poor who sought more.

All your random examples don't make any sense and don't disprove its existence.

[Albyiscool]

You're bringing up race as a factor where it isn't necessarily one. I could name numerous successful blacks. You bring up the idea that America is some sort of white aristocracy, but that's not true. Many whites are poor also, many whites had to work their own way up. Many of the legal and social obstacles that once stood in the way of minorities are now gone. You think being educated and hardworking are mutually exclusive? My parents did not grow up wealthy, they had to earn everything they had

[BinkieMcFartnuggets]

The American Dream is at it's purest, is the right to get hammered and ride around in a golf cart down the freeway with an expensive escort you just drugged at a nightclub. Try doing that in Malaysia, while eating Chik-Fil-A.

[jeremyshambles]

material success is highly over-rated, "simple pleasures are the last refuge of the complex". oscar wilde

[Newtamaki]

gosh i want to go back to new york

[vicentemay]

first!!! bitches