American Dream
"The American Dream": You know what this is, This country was built on lies. American Dream you saying? You can only keep on dreaming.
The "American Dream," a phrase that has echoed across generations as a symbol of hope, success, and boundless opportunity. But let's peel back the layers of this cultural narrative and take a closer look at the reality it conceals beneath its glittering façade. Spoiler alert: it's not all it's cracked up to be.
The heart of the issue lies in the staggering wealth inequality that has taken root within the United States. Picture this: a whopping 50% of the astronomical $156 trillion in U.S. assets is nestled safely in the pockets of the baby boomers. That's right, half of the nation's wealth is held by a generation that seems to have hit the jackpot.
But don't be fooled by the rags-to-riches stories spun by Hollywood; this isn't your run-of-the-mill fairy tale. The reality is that the concept of the "American Dream" is increasingly becoming a distant fantasy for many. The dream of owning a house, the cornerstone of this American ideal, has been crushed under the weight of soaring mortgage rates and skyrocketing house prices.
Enter the USD, that almighty currency that has long been the cornerstone of global trade and finance. But take a step back, and you'll find a disturbing revelation: the USD, often touted as the epitome of financial stability, might just be the world's biggest Ponzi scheme. This stablecoin, held together by the "Trust Me Bro" doctrine, is a house of cards built upon the shaky foundation of "Full Faith and Credit."
And what about the 30-year mortgage rates? They've seen not one but two hikes since the world descended into pandemic chaos. A cruel twist of fate, locking people into a cycle of elusive homeownership dreams as house prices continue to swell like an overinflated balloon.
A candid conversation with a friend paints a grim picture of this disillusionment. The friend's observation that banks tremble at the mere mention of precious metals like gold and silver hints at a deeper fear. These assets, immune to the whims of central banks, threaten the banks' very control over the masses' bargaining power.
Our protagonists muse over the irony of it all—the civilization fueled by the Westward expansion and the gold rush, spiraling into a system of manipulation. The elites live a life of extravagance while the masses toil away to pay rent and mortgages. A twisted version of "Animal Farm" where some animals are decidedly more equal than others.
And let's not forget the mind-boggling U.S. debt, a number that defies comprehension and logic. It's easy to find yourself asking: Do you really want to bring children into a world where they'll bear the burden of a debt load larger than the rest of the world combined? The answer, it seems, is a resounding no.
So, as we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the American Dream, it becomes evident that what once held promise has transformed into a labyrinth of inequality and disillusionment. It's high time we lift the veil and confront the reality that lies beneath. The American Dream? More like the American Mirage—beautiful to gaze upon from afar but elusive upon closer inspection.
War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength
The phrase "war is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength" is from George Orwell's novel "1984" and represents the concept of doublethink, where contradictory beliefs exist simultaneously. When applied to the comparison with "The American Dream," particularly the idea of freedom, it can be interpreted in the following way:
- War is Peace: In the context of the American Dream, this could be seen as the perpetual struggles individuals face in their pursuit of success. The competitive nature of the American Dream might be viewed as a constant battle where the pursuit of personal success is equated with peace. It can also refer to how Americans often intervene the other nation for their own political benefits.
- Freedom is Slavery: While the United States is often associated with freedom, there can be a sense of irony in the pursuit of the American Dream. The pressure to conform to societal expectations, accumulate wealth, or maintain a certain lifestyle can lead to a form of slavery to those ideals.
- Ignorance is Strength: Ignorance of the potential pitfalls or challenges in achieving the American Dream may provide a sense of strength or motivation. However, this ignorance can also lead individuals to overlook systemic issues such as economic inequality, systemic racism, or the impact of debt.
Drawing a parallel to the debt slavery aspect, it's true that the pursuit of the American Dream, often involving homeownership, higher education, and consumerism, can lead to significant financial obligations. Credit scoring becomes a tool that, while providing access to opportunities, can also be a form of control and influence, potentially limiting the freedom of individuals.
In essence, the comparison highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of the American Dream, where the pursuit of freedom and success can, at times, lead to unexpected forms of bondage or challenges.
