Dispatches: 'The Changing American Dream'

It started off as an innocent question, just to pass the time on a recent trip down the shore:

'What is the American Dream?'

My companion and I went back and forth, each one of us elaborating on increasingly grandiose derivatives of a familiar scene: a fresh-cut, green lawn, surrounded by white picket fences and a two-car garage. 

After a good laugh, we both conceded that such a description isn’t our vision of the American Dream.

Growing up in Center City Philadelphia, we recognized that such a scene would be impossible for those living in a row home—but aren’t they also pursuing The American Dream?

In my experience reporting for Upper Moreland – Willow Grove Patch, the diversity of life situations is much the same.

There are those who have been able to pursue different forms of , while there are those who are scrimping and saving to afford

And, what’s more, the American Dream doesn’t have to start or end with one’s residence. It could incorporate a career choice, becoming an immigrant and achieving citizenship; being able to see and have a say in the way government works; or even taking a moment to recognize that there is a country that they can be proud to call the land of the free and the home of the brave.

So, what is the American Dream?

In this melting pot of diversity that characterizes not only Upper Moreland, but also the entire nation, Patch is encouraging a cross-country conversation on that very question—and, the answer starts with you!

This initiative, called “Dispatches: The Changing American Dream” calls for readers like you to write in and tell us what the American Dream means.

You’ll not only be joining your friends, family and neighbors in Upper Moreland, but also the readers of the nearly 900 Patches across the nation.

You could provide whole stories of your family heritage, or perhaps a small personal experience that completely captures your understanding of the question.

It’s completely up to you—for, after all, it’s your American Dream.  

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To tell your story, please email gerrydungan@patch.com.

Please make the subject line: "The Changing American Dream," and remember to include your full name and hometown.