The other day, I asked someone at my job how they were doing and they replied, "Living The American Dream".  Likewise, I asked another individual the same question later that day and they uttered the same response.  Not knowing what was "The American Dream", I searched for the definition, and it stated, "An American ideal of a happy and successful life that all may aspire."  After reading the definition, one word came to mind; "Money".

As most of you may already know, the love of money is the root of all evil.  When I think of "The American Dream", and all those who aspire to live it, I perceive various ulterior motives that entails manipulation, deceit, flattery, and selfishness.  Granted, there are individuals, businesses, and organizations that have good ethical practices, and serves as a means to provide services that are legitimate, helpful, and resourceful; but for the most part, to live "The American Dream" means to do whatever it takes to live a happy and successful life; according to the standards of society.  



Since "The American Dream" is to live a happy, and successful life, and many people relate "Money" to be the key to their success and happiness, anything goes!  Those individuals that own alcohol companies capitalize on people who live in anxiety, and depression, by providing an artificial remedy to their problems; without genuinely caring for their problems.  Those individuals that own record companies, talk shows, radio stations, and/or any other form of media that promotes a message of negativity, capitalizes on people who identify themselves as being rejected, disowned, ghetto, or from the streets.  Those people that are in the business of promoting pornography, explicit magazines, Gentlemen/Swing clubs, and everything else in between, capitalizes on those individuals who struggle with lust; all for the sake of living "The American Dream." 




What's even more disturbing is that those individuals who have succeeded in their efforts to capitalize on the shortcomings of others, are exalted in America if they made a substantial amount of money.  So what that rapper/singer conveyed a message to your child to sell drugs, pimp, strip, hurt others, or do whatever it took to make money; at least he/she obtained a music award, has a lot of cars, a big house and own's multiple businesses.  So what the Owner of that explicit magazine recruited someone that just turned 18 to pose naked; at least he/she isn't lacking financially, can donate to charity, and provide for those that are in need of employment.  So what that man/woman does web cam, and encourages others to do the same to make a living; at least they can put their children in college, pay their bills, and is living "The American Dream"
  


I've convinced that America is deceived by "The American Dream", and until we can grasp, and make efforts in fulfilling "The Greatest Commandment", which is to "Love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourself", we'll continue to be deceived by it.  Contrary to popular belief, I believe that true happiness and success is only found in serving, helping, and adding value to the lives of others; through a spirit of love that only God can bestow on us.

Don't be deceived, by "The American Dream"