NOT FOUND: americandream.jpgThe news is telling it – and many businesses, shops and dealerships are selling it. We are in a recession – a time of high cost and big deals on everything from houses to hamburgers in efforts to get Americans to spend, spend, spend.
Many are just hoping to survive. In the midst of that are professionals, near college graduates and not quite retirees who are hoping to make a difference, to further their career and somehow stand out from the pack at a time when everyone seems focused on “their bottom line”.
As a journalist I hope to make that difference in the stories I tell. A dear friend relayed to me that she was getting restless at her job. Why? By now she says she would have hoped to make national attention for her stirring editorials, an investigative crime piece or a controversial documentary to rival the likes of Lisa Ling.
She reasoned that at this place in life, her story telling wasn’t exactly making for global peace. For her, it was the American Dream to make a difference – to change the world. The thought that with employers slashing positions and resources – career growth and promotion could be at the bottom of the list.
This was a bit of a pity party. But it’s an attitude that is of concern among many Americans according to a USA Today Gallup Poll. In a survey of nearly 1,000 people daily, since January, the newest numbers show that 58% of those polled say they are “struggling” instead of “thriving”. Fewer people are convinced that life will be better for the next generations. Increasingly – people feel the promises of the “good life” for those who work hard are slipping away.
COMING TO OUR SENSES
There is one thing the USA Today/Gallup Poll didn’t mention: how were these people, from corporate attorneys to nurses, factory workers to bartenders going to get help? Many say they want to “keep the dream alive” but there are no tangible solutions. That HOPE needs to be anchored in some reality in order to equate to food on the table and gas in the tank. Remember my friend? I believe she had the answer.
After a nice rant – she recounted her college days – when it was really about being a ‘starving student’. No food in the fridge – and minimum wage. The ONLY way she made it through was by the kindness of friends and strangers – willing to help her out and helping her smile in spite of the lank ledger.
Even with less cash in hand, she practiced the Golden Rule. After working her way up to a reasonable salary she recalled times of buying the person in line behind her groceries. After hearing of a neighbor’s need for new shoes for the kids, an overdue electric bill or a referral to a cheaper auto mechanic she often did her best to help. It was about community, and it was about remembering her own lean times.
This friend realized that she did change the world – every time she went to work and was able to lend a helping hand to someone else – someone like her. It wasn’t always the homeless on the street corner – or the charitable organization. Often it was something that could never be claimed as a tax deduction. At times it was a hug – listening to a cubicle mate’s sordid divorce details or bringing peace to a meeting that had escalated to frustration.
It was that conversation that brought this beaming young professional some encouragement that the world always needs giving, growing people willing to think of others before self.
Granted, college days and recession days are not the same. But it’s all relative. Many who survived the Depression have said that these days are still far brighter than the 1930’s. However, the same principles can be applied. We need each other. While we may not all be able to buy our neighbor’s house back to avoid foreclosure – we can make an encouraging phone call or buy lunch for those we come in contact with in order to assure them that they are going to make it.
People will always have basic needs of shelter and food – and to be loved. While aspiring to the American Dream – my dear friend realized, and I hope you do too, that attaining that dream was up to each of us – everyday – in reaching out and helping a neighbor in need.