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Why do Americans say that in the US you have the freedom to live any type of life you want to live? Do you really think this is true? In my opinion only the wealthy in the US really get to live the way they want, everyone else is just trying to follow some script.
Movies and books like to say that....it helps sell movies and books. Same with getting rich quickly. There's no money in selling the idea of finding a job you sort of like and spending 45 years in it.
Well, to be honest, only the extremely wealthy by birth, luck, or homemakers can live any type of life, basically anyone living off the extreme wealth of another individual, and that is in any. Although not any country-you physically cannot have certain lifestyles in some countries.
There was once what was called the American Dream but for all practical purposes it's died as the premise used to be that if you found a job opportunity where you worked hard and exceeded expectations that those talents would be recognized and rewarded as you climbed the career ladder. The incentive isn't there anymore for many as they watch their hard work and superior job performance exceeded by nepotism, corporate politics rewarding the lazy and/or devious as well as the younger and less skilled who willingly work for 2/3 the salary.
I think the idea is that the system is set up to where you have the potential to become anything without having to be born into wealth or royalty. That has proven to be true in many cases, but those have failed or haven't achieved it yet often say the system is broken.
Working for somebody else's corporation or relying on government regulations and programs is NOT the way to live just any type of life you want to live.
Relying on those, you can have a good life. You can go on vacations. You can put a little away for retirement.
You can live that sort of American dream.
Half the battle there isn't the system, it's having enough personal responsibility to avoid materialism, excess, and houses that are unnecessarily big or in overpriced parts of the country.
Living however you want? Well, that's all on you and your ability to do so. If that involves money, it isn't easy and I'm not sure it should be. If we all won the equivalent of the powerball, human nature would get ugly, quickly.
As for me, I've yet to earn anything close to a six figure salary. I'm fine with that. I own a home, but I'd be just as happy in a van down by the river. More fishing, less mowing, and a much smaller roof to repair.
Or live wherever you want? I despise where I live and people typically say "if you don't like it, move" but that's not realistic unless you have a large amount of living expenses saved up and relatively little debt.
I think the idea centered around the notion that compared to many countries (especially prior to this century) the US had a very high degree of upward mobility and no legal barriers to lifestyle (with the notable exception of race based laws).
It didn't mean that anyone could manifest the lifestyle they wanted by sheer will. Hard work was considered part of the equation unless one was fortunate enough to be an heir to a fortune.
Of course, the US is not exceptional in this regard anymore. Slipped a few in the rankings, in fact. But it is still a country that many come to in order to convert their drive and effort into something greater than they could have accomplished in their home country.
Why do Americans say that in the US you have the freedom to live any type of life you want to live? Do you really think this is true? In my opinion only the wealthy in the US really get to live the way they want, everyone else is just trying to follow some script.
I agree with the concept with strong reservations.
Net worth will, as you indicate, make a difference as to whether or not you can be anything you want to be.
I think the idea centered around the notion that compared to many countries (especially prior to this century) the US had a very high degree of upward mobility and no legal barriers to lifestyle (with the notable exception of race based laws).
It didn't mean that anyone could manifest the lifestyle they wanted by sheer will. Hard work was considered part of the equation unless one was fortunate enough to be an heir to a fortune.
Of course, the US is not exceptional in this regard anymore. Slipped a few in the rankings, in fact. But it is still a country that many come to in order to convert their drive and effort into something greater than they could have accomplished in their home country.
Of course you might have to give up other things in the process
The so called starving artists choose their art over money for example
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