You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: With enough dedication and hard work, anyone can succeed.

This idea, often called “The American Dream,” has become a huge part of US culture. We often hear stories of people who came from nothing and worked their way to the top. In this so-called land of opportunity, it can be easy to get wrapped up in it all.

But how accurate are these notions of freedom or equality?

At first glance, the “American Dream” – wealth, status, and social standing – may appear promising. It’s what every person wants, isn’t it? However, in this day and age, it’s difficult to say whether or not this is actually possible.

A report by the PEW Research Center found that around 53% of Americans believe that the “American Dream” is still attainable, while 41% believe it was at one point but isn’t anymore. 6% responded that it was simply never possible.

With the rate of inflation, student loans, and housing costs right now, it’s safe to say that the “American Dream” is getting harder to reach.

“The American dream does not exist in my eyes. It’s a concept used to motivate people in an unstable economy and favored society,” says Alexandra Pechlivanidis, a student who is skeptical of the American Dream.

The US has always been a nation that values individualism and equality. At their core, these beliefs are inspirational and idealistic. However, this mindset can also be a double-edged sword. While there’s nothing wrong with aspiring for greatness, the romanticized ideals of the American Dream can become dangerous and tempting, creating materialistic and hyper-independent generations.

Furthermore, the “American Dream” assumes that society is founded on an equal playing field- and this simply isn’t the case. Generational wealth plays a huge part in determining a person’s changes. Children with more access to money and resources inevitably do better in school. This often leads to better jobs and higher income as an adult. Even if you come from a family with a decent income, the competition for academic, economic, and social mobility is incredibly high, worsening the pressures of “The American Dream.”

This isn’t to say that one shouldn’t strive for success. It’s not about eliminating the American Dream from our minds, but redefining it as something unique to your life, instead of the fairy-tale society has made it out to be.

Many people, such as Jeffery McNeil, believe the American Dream does exist, just not in the way people think.

“The American Dream isn’t about getting rich. It’s about living life the way you want to,” he remarks.