Welcome to another week of Young N Educated. America is filled with many opportunities and freedoms for all citizens. The perception that is drilled early into most Americans is becoming successful and being apart of the American Dream, but what exactly is the American Dream? The American Dream stems from the U.S. Declaration of Independence which proclaims all men were created equally and shall be entitled to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Now lets continue…
“Hanson and Zogby (2010) reports public opinion polls since the 1980s, have explored the meaning of the concept for Americans, and their expectations for its future. Theses polls revealed a majority of Americans consistently reported that for their family, the American Dream is more about spiritual happiness than material goods. Majorities state that working hard is the most important element for getting ahead. However, an increasing minority stated that hard work and determination does not guarantee success.”
On the pessimistic side, most Americans predict that achieving the Dream with fair means will become increasingly difficult for future generations. They are increasingly pessimistic about the opportunity for the working class to get ahead; on the other hand, they are increasingly optimistic about the opportunities available to poor people and to new immigrants to get ahead in the United States.
Facts about the Average American: (2012, Cheryl Russell, New strategist publications.)
On average, you could buy about 10 gallons of gas for an hour of work back in the mid-90s. Today, the average hour of work will get you less than 6 gallons of gas.
43 percent of all American families spend more than they earn each year. The Average American Spends $69 per day.
In 1950, more than 80 percent of all men were employed, yet in 2012, less than 65 percent of all men are employed.A staggering 48.5% of all Americans live in a household that receives some form of government benefits. Back in 1983, that number was below 30 percent.
The average american has less than $100,000 in savings (54%).
The average American has a cell phone (87%), but does not own a smart phone (only 35% own one).
The average American is overweight at (63%). The average American household spends $3,126 a year out-of pocket on healthcare.
The average American is a homeowner (65%), The average size house an American lives in is 1,800 square ft.
Does this sound like you?
YOUNG N EDUCATED 