The American Bargain
The portrait of America, is a paradoxical one. The narratives paint a picture of strength and unity. The resources are as limitless as the GDP per capita is high. Every citizen is sold a ticket to the American Dream, where hard work pays for financial security and long-term wealth. How can you fail in a country where education is accessible, where every vote matters, and the market is free? Peel back the paint, and the flaws are clear.
The wealth gap is staggering, the American Dream is unaffordable, and race is one of the leading determinants of health and achievement. In a country founded on the principle that “all men are created equal,” the blame for inequality is placed on the individual - rather than the system.
Even the condition of “America” and “Americans,” as if the terms are exclusive to the United States and its citizens - as if no other countries exist in North America, let alone South America. Let us look through the self-indulgent portrait of America, and understand some of the real social and economic disparities in the United States.
I think about the concept of the American Dream almost daily. It haunts me. I was brought to this country to achieve. I’ve worked at least two jobs since I was 19 years old, now I’m back to working full-time and going to school full-time. I’ve never been unemployed, and yet… I have student loans. I don’t think I can afford to buy a home. I’m terrified of doing my taxes wrong. I don’t understand my health insurance. I’m not a fool, but there are some things that just don’t make sense to me.
We demonize the people who happen to be poor. We marginalize them. We blame them. They are a testament to personal failures and their inability to participate in the free market. They come up in discourse when we’re thinking of billionaires buying apps or going to space. “Imagine what they could do with that money…” Imagine the unethical things that had to occur for them to get that money. Imagine the federal supports that exist for the top 1%, while social welfare policies fight tooth and nail for support. This is the American Bargain.
It makes me sick.
I’m angry, but not hopeless. Here are some things you can do to help:
Ask Congress to reauthorize child nutrition waivers and help the millions of kids and teens that rely on meals.
Send a letter or call the White House and ask the President to cancel student loan debt to support millions of Americans.
Contact your elected officials and ask them about the issues that are important to you. I am asking about campaign finance and tax reform, an increase in minimum wage, and improvements to social welfare programs.
