by Rahman Majere

Created on: December 06, 2009

Almost everyone has heard of the "American Dream" which often has its equivalent in other developed countries. Of course, nowhere else is it pursued as vigorously (not to mention ruthlessly) as in America. As the more perceptive American may have already realized, the "American Dream" has quickly degenerated over the decades into the American Nightmare. The answer lies in a word. Excess.

Recall the seven deadly sins of Christianity and one can easily see that the common thread running through them is excess. Excess of self-regard becomes pride, excess of inactivity becomes sloth and so on. Other religions, for example Islam, also warns against excess and teaches its followers to be moderate. But of course, nowadays, many youths have a different kind of 'religion'. Materialism and the relenteless pursuit of wealth, fame and 'love' at all cost.

This is probably the point that some readers may argue that it is natural to strive for our dreams. I agree. If our dreams benefit ourselves and society as a whole, we should pursue them. But are they truly our dreams? Like all societies, America is not free from being 'brainwashed' despite assertions to the contrary. Almost everyone is bombarded with indoctrination in their youth, where they are most receptive. Whether it is from parents, peers or other sources. Sadly enough, the main teacher of our youths today is the mass media and can you guess what kind of messages our capitalist society is promoting?

Excess. Economically, the capitalist requires consumers to buy things that they want, not that which they really need. So we are bombarded with messages that we really do NEED the latest handphone as opposed to merely wanting it. Want to have it all? What?! You don't have this latest product? You really need it! It will cure all your woes and you can now have the perfect life you so desire.

But economy is really based on resources, both human capital and actual raw natural resources. Can America really afford to sustain itself? Its overwhelming trade and budget deficit suggest otherwise but there will always be people who say that we can easily pay off our debts if we just pool all our resources to pay off that debt for a whole year. It sounds plausible until you realize that the average American is often in debt himself. An often excessive lifestyle coupled with a culture that encourages abuse of credit cards and immediate gratification leaves individuals, couples and entire families in severe debts.

The debts result

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