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The Futile Pursuit of the American Dream

Mario Simmons

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Published in Bait And Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit Of The American Dream

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The American Dream is a myth that has been sold to us since the founding of this country. It is the idea that anyone can achieve success in America if they work hard enough. But the reality is that the American Dream is just a dream for most people. The odds are stacked against us from the moment we are born.

Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream

by Barbara Ehrenreich

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	286 pages

The American Dream is based on the idea of meritocracy, the belief that people are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work. But the reality is that the American economy is not a meritocracy. The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. The gap between the wealthy and the poor has been growing for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

There are many factors that contribute to inequality in America. Some of these factors include:

Education: The quality of education you receive depends on where you live and how much money your parents make. Children from wealthy families have access to better schools and educational resources than children from poor families. This gives them a head start in life and makes it more likely that they will succeed in college and get good jobs.
Healthcare: The United States is the only developed country in the world that does not have universal healthcare. This means that millions of Americans are uninsured or underinsured. This makes it difficult for people to get the healthcare they need, which can lead to financial hardship and even death.
Housing: The cost of housing has been rising steadily for decades. This has made it difficult for many people to afford a decent place to live. In some cities, the cost of housing is so high that people are forced to live in poverty.

The American Dream is a lie. It is a myth that has been used to justify inequality and poverty. The reality is that the American economy is rigged against the poor and working class. The odds are stacked against us from the moment we are born. But we can't give up. We must continue to fight for a better future for ourselves and our children.

What can we do to fight for a better future?

There are many things we can do to fight for a better future. Some of these things include:

Voting: Voting is one of the most important things we can do to make a difference. When we vote, we are choosing the people who will make decisions about our future. We need to elect candidates who are committed to fighting for economic justice and equality.
Organizing: Organizing with others is a powerful way to make our voices heard. When we come together, we can demand change from our elected officials and hold them accountable for their actions.
Educating ourselves: It is important to educate ourselves about the issues that affect our lives. The more we know, the better equipped we will be to fight for our rights.

The fight for a better future will not be easy. But it is a fight that we must win. We must never give up on the American Dream. We must continue to fight for a future where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

**Alt text for images:**

* Image 1: A group of people holding signs that say "Fight for the American Dream." * Image 2: A graph showing the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor in America. * Image 3: A group of people protesting for affordable housing.

Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream

by Barbara Ehrenreich

4.2 out of 5