By: Gabriel Brito, Malik Mitchell, Molly Stroh & Trinity Tatman
Baby boomer Dan Haertl, Gen Alpha Jennifer Christiansen, millennial Dan Endy and Gen Z Tess Haskin. (Photo credits: Trinity Tatman, Molly Stroh, Malik Mitchell)
“The American Dream,” a phrase coined a century ago, is the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, whether it be home ownership or starting a family.
In a 2024 study by the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Americans said the American Dream is still possible. We spoke to four people from different generations to see how conceptions of the American Dream differ from person to person.
Ever-changing cultural attitudes toward work, family, community and country have shaped how each generation experiences American idealism. Despite differences in ages and experiences, all wish for a better tomorrow.
What is the American Dream to You?
Tennis-teaching baby boomer Dan Haertl said the American Dream consists of service to others, the pursuit of happiness and generally feeling good about life.
Millennial Dan Endy said he believes wealth inequality is so bad, the American Dream is no longer possible for the average person.
Gen Z student Tess Haskin said the American Dream is having a stable job that financially supports her and being able to travel frequently.
Gen Alpha teenager Jennifer Christiansen said being an influencer is the American Dream because it is an “easy and fun job.” She added having a nice house and dog are important parts of the American Dream.
“Traveling is really cool,” Christiansen said. “I’ve been to different states and two other countries. I think the American Dream kinda consists of traveling and seeing the world as well.”
What is your experience with the American Dream?
Endy said he does not have much faith in the American Dream.
“There was a period in time where that may have been true for certain subsects of America,” Endy said. “Maybe it was achievable in the 21st century for large sections of white Americans, [but] these days there has been such a staggering amassing of wealth by the wealthiest Americans that it becomes less and less achievable as time goes on.”
How has your idea of the American Dream changed?
Haertl said he thinks the American Dream is about being happy with your life, and not viewing happiness as an end goal. Haertl added being content with what you have is more important to happiness than having nice things.
Haskin said her idea of the American Dream is having a nice job and happy family, but she does not feel as motivated to work as she did before.
How has your generation experienced the American Dream?
“I feel like there’s less of a rush to get married right away and have kids right away, and people are more inclined to figure out their own careers before jumping in to have a family,” Haskin said.
Christiansen said social media has influenced her perception of the American Dream, like her Gen Alpha peers.
“I feel like my generation is kind of lazy so maybe they see it as having an easy job and just getting a lot of money, and having a nice house and nice cars,” Christiansen said.
Will the American Dream be achievable in the future?
“It scares me a little bit to be living in this country because we seem to not appreciate people who are of a different color of skin, maybe a different age group, different religious backgrounds, different sexual preferences and it’s harder for us to come together,” Haertl said. “This is a very difficult time for me, and I hope there is something that can bring us together.”