In 1931, in the depths of the Great Depression, writer James Truslow Adams introduced the world to the American Dream. Since then, the concept of individual dreams fulfilled has captured the imaginations of generations of Americans and projected hope to countless others around the world. Adams articulated that dream as a “dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable…unrepressed by social orders which had developed for the benefit of classes rather than for the simple human being of any and every class.”[1]

As America evolved, so did the dream.[2] Redefined in a post-World War II era, the dream was imagined in the measured outcomes of upward mobility, economic achievement, personal success, American exceptionalism, and global dominance. However, it’s this story casting America as “the greatest nation on the planet,” that has become the source of relenting frustration among many of us. We have common ground in a shared resentment of a dream unfulfilled.

But when the dream falls apart, it’s not because we’ve turned our backs on the story of the past or our ancestors’ resolve for our future. The post-World War II dream failed because the values it was built on were insufficient to sustain us in the emerging world we have ushered in. The dream was meant for a time and a people, but cannot not deliver us into the future.

On Tuesday night, President Trump spent a nearly two-hour live televised speech attempting to sell a renewal of the American dream. In a boisterous statement, he declared, “The American dream is surging bigger and better than ever before…unlike the world has ever seen.” Yet, this bold claim—serving as the key line to the purpose of his pitch to the American people—was met with the most underwhelming applause of the night, even among his supporters. It was a rare moment of honesty in the face of a reality facing all of us.  

Today, we find ourselves at the crossroads of a dream divided. As some attempt to restore the dream through an ideological lens of the past, the reality of this moment demands a reimagined version suited for the next generation. Regardless of those currently wielding their positions of power to force their dreams of an increasingly distant and dysfunctional past, the American Dream for tomorrow is ours to define, hope for, and create.

The new American Dream values holistic, global insights over nationalistic short-sightedness. The new American Dream values open collaboration over alienation. The new American Dream values progressive solutions over regressive isolation. The new American Dream values equitable outcomes over favoritism and oppression. The new American Dream compassionately honors our legacy while boldly upholding a sustainable future for all. And the new American Dream transcends immediate gains for lasting hope and change that delivers a sustainable and thriving future for everyone nationally and abroad.

The story of tomorrow belongs to us and our children. Now is the time for our generation to dream, lead, and create a better tomorrow for everyone, everywhere.

[1] Quoted at, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream 

[2] https://www.perplexity.ai/page/the-american-dream-definitions-aoEMU9jMSiupH_xi3v_jgw