I went to a concert last night and had a great time [View all]

[MrScorpio]

Afterwards, I stopped by the Big Boy to recover, by taking advantage of the all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar.

At the table next to me were a couple of women having a conversation. Now, for the most part, I wasn't even paying attention to them. But before I was about to get up and pay my bill, I overheard one of them decribe their understanding of the "American Dream."

She then proceeded to describe the so-called American Dream as so much bullshit. The fact that people pursue it by seeking possessions, up to the point where they're owned by those possessions, and that it is a huge lie. She talked about her husband, who felt that he had to go away and earn enough money to buy the things that typified the American Dream, that he actually had to tell her that he couldn't spend any time at home with his family.

All for what, she said, for some overpriced house full of things and maybe even a week's vacation once a year, if they're lucky? Instead, she feels trapped by her own possessions.

I sat there before leaving and smiled to just myself. Knowing that, even some of the people who play this game actually know how rigged it is. They can even admit it to themselves.

Unfortunately, we're talking about Americans. We have this really bad habit of keeping our own bullshit from allowing us to act against it.

I hope that that lady and her husband figures out a way to achieve a true American Dream, instead of this maze of lies on which they were first sold.

At least she took the first step by admitting she had a problem. It's a big first step, indeed.

Edited to add the pics from my crappy-assed, now deceased Vivitar camera:


Schoolboy Q


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