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Writer's pictureDonald Iannone

Compelling Questions about Humanizing the American Dream

I invite readers to offer their ideas on three questions I am wrestling with in my writing. These are:

  1. "How does the evolving nature of work and economic opportunity in America challenge or reinforce the traditional notion of the American Dream?" This question invites you to provide ideas on the changing economic landscape, including the gig economy, technological displacement of jobs, and shifts in what constitutes a 'good job' or a successful career.

  2. "In what ways does the American Dream need to be reimagined to reflect our current societal values and the diverse experiences of all Americans?" This question raises the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI), and encourages us to ponder how the American Dream might be updated to be more representative of America's multicultural society.

  3. "How do education and access to resources influence an individual's ability to achieve the American Dream, and what reforms should be enacted to make the American Dream more accessible to everyone?" This prompts a conversation on the role of education, social mobility, and the barriers that may prevent people from achieving their "version" of the American Dream.


Thank you for joining the conversation. Use the comment box to share your ideas.

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Guest
Mar 29

Hi Don,

Using our extended family which numbers 37 as a microcosm of current struggles, we see an amazing diversity of efforts to results when attempting to chase the American Dream. While I applaud your efforts to narrow the scope of your writing, I think the term American Dream is certainly not unique to only those who reside within the political boundaries of our country. It is appreciated and quested for by millions of people across the globe. But it would be naive to think that there are not hundreds of millions of people who loath the concept of the American Dream to the extent they will do everything within their power to ensure it comes to an abrupt end.


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Donald Iannone
Donald Iannone
Apr 01
Replying to

Hi Tim, I greatly appreciate you sharing your ideas here. The personal reference to your extended family brings into focus the many ways to look at and understand the American Dream. Please stay connected here. Here is the email response to your points so others can see them:


Hi Tim,

A million thanks for taking the time to reflect on the American Dream, and to share your ideas about hope. I had not thought about the intersection of a dream and hope, but I think you're right that they are connected. Also, I agree with your view that hope, while not a strategy per se, is an essential ingredient in human life. I have often used the expression that economic developers…


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Guest
Mar 22
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Hello Donald, these are big questions. It's true the American Dream is bankrupt for most Americans. The question you should be asking, which lies beneath the three you posed is this: Why have we allowed the American Dream to become defunct? My simple answer is: Because the wealthiest and most powerful men and women in America and around the world like it that way. Good luck with your book. I'll send you a private message on FB. Charlie Bradley.

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Donald Iannone
Donald Iannone
Mar 22
Replying to

Hi Charlie,

Thank you for engaging with such insight and depth. Your question strikes at the very heart of the discourse surrounding the American Dream. It's a poignant reminder that societal constructs, including the American Dream, are not just naturally occurring phenomena but are shaped by complex forces, including economic policies, power dynamics, and collective ideologies.


The perspective you offer—that the status quo benefits the most powerful and wealthy, thus influencing the preservation of certain systems—invites a broader discussion on accountability, reform, and the pathways to a more equitable society.


I appreciate your willingness to delve into these critical issues and your support for my endeavor to explore them through my book. I look forward to continuing this conversation privately…


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