R, an elementary school teacher from the American Northeast, has a unique experience with the American Dream. R grew up in the Northeast, but moved out of the country to Canada as an adult. Despite her departure from the US, R believes that some aspects of economic success that are associated with the American Dream are real.
“I think there’s a reason why it’s called the land of opportunity,” said R. “…if you were coming from a country not as developed, or that was not as stable, America is a stable country.”
R went on to say that she feels the American Dream exists more for those who are emigrating to the US than the citizens themselves. R’s main concerns about the American Dream, however, come from issues within the country rather than international comparisons.
“When you look at our country there is income inequality, and has been forever,” R said referencing recent social issues. “Women make less than men to do the same job. So, I think a little bit the American Dream is a fallacy.”
According to Pew Research Center, women earned 85% of what men made in 2018. This issue in particular speaks to R. She has seen her profession – one dominated by women be delegitimized or disrespected by the masses.
“My two girls named both typically male names…I just didn’t want them disadvantaged if they were sending in their resume.”
Furthermore, R used to work in a human resources department where she saw prejudice in hiring firsthand. This experience led her to protect her kids from a similar fate years later.
“When I was picking names for my children, my two girls named both typically male names,” R said. “I just didn’t want them disadvantaged if they were sending in their resume.”
R is…
- 57 Years-Old
- Female, Cisgender
- White
- U.S./Canadian
- Jewish
- Upper Middle Class
- Heterosexual