What is the American Dream?

Today is National American Family Day. It caused me to wonder, what is the typical American Family? And do we still dream the American Dream?

No doubt family life has changed in America. Curious, I did a little research. Sadly, most of the findings are – in my opinion – somewhat skewed to make life for a woman seem stagnate and unbearable until the traditional family dynamics were done away with. I believe having choices is a good thing. That said, for a woman to choose marriage and family does not make her any less of a person than the corporate President who happens to be a single women without children. Many of the articles I read talked about the decline of children because social views on large families began to shift. Children are expensive, and in this modern age are seen not as an asset but rather a liability. Once upon a time family farms depended greatly on large families for labor. Today this is no longer the case. What a sad way to look at family!

Today we often hear about the divorce rate. A high divorce rate isn’t something new. Granted, today is it far easier to get a marriage dissolved. Once upon a time you needed to go before a judge and plead your case, have just cause and proof. Women were rarely granted a divorce. That said, it’s interesting to note that between 1860 and 1910 the divorce rate in this country tripled. Marriage was no longer a means of social status – that one marry up the social ladder. Instead people came up with this crazy reason for marriage – love; companionship and romance. We married because it made us happy. That was a good thing. Unfortunately there was a downside. When we became disillusioned or unhappy, it was time for a divorce. Relationships became disposable. Today the divorce rate is actually coming down. Unfortunately this isn’t because we are better at finding our soulmate and staying together. Nope, it’s because less people are making the decision to marry in the first place. This must have a big impact on the typical American Family. It’s no longer Dad as the breadwinner, with Mom raising the family. For one thing, most families cannot survive on a single income. Which is a whole other subject for another day – monetary values.

Although monetary values do play into the American Dream. The term American Dream isn’t really all that old. It was a phrase popularized during the Great Depression. Back then the emphasis was on democracy, liberty and equability for all. (No, not equality, but equability – all things constant). Yet as life changed, especially during the 1950s, the American Dream became more about achieving material wealth and upward social mobility. The American Dream once meant a fuller life with opportunity to succeed according to one’s ability or achievements. Today it is defined by possessions – the car you drive, the zip code you live in, the size of your wallet. No longer do we believe in the pursuit of happiness for the sake of happiness. Happiness is bought and paid for these days. And that’s sad.

While those pursuing what truly matters might be in a minority, their numbers are beginning to grow. With social media and a view of life beyond the humdrum existence, we are beginning to question economical status. Sure, money does have its perks. But it can’t keep you warm at night. I truly believe more and more we are realizing the value of family, and family will one day become the center of the American Dream for many. Perhaps not all, and that is fine too.

I believe in the value of love. Love for our partners, our parents, our children, our community. God did not create us to be independent. We were intended to be social, and to be valued within that structure. Faith and tradition are key. So is working together, learning to forgive, to support, to stand by one another. But then again, what the heck do I know?

---

Today in celebration of the American Family, the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness, I give you a steak supper that whips up in no time, is filling, tasty and just plain good.

Quick Grilled Ribeye Steaks
4 thin-cut Ribeye Steaks
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
3 tablespoon Olive Oil
3 Garlic Cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons fresh Rosemary
3 tablespoons Butter

Lay steaks out in a casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper, set aside.

Pour olive oil in a small bowl. Peel garlic, press directly into the olive oil. Strip Rosemary needles from sprigs, finely mince. Add Rosemary to the oil.

Pour oil mixture over the steaks, rub into the meat. Let the steaks sit on the counter for about 45 minutes, soaking in all the flavors.

Prepare a medium-hot grill. Grill steaks about 2 or 3 minutes per side or to desired doneness. Watch out for flair ups and overcooking, think steaks cook very quickly.

Remove from grill, top each steak with a pat of butter. Cover and let rest for 6 minutes for the butter to melt and the juices to redistribute.

These steaks are perfect with Steak Cut Fries and a Classic House Salad. Enjoy!

---

 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.