The American Dream Is Still Alive—But It Needs Defenders
A new survey reveals that more than half of young Americans believe a democratic socialist should be able to win the presidency in 2028. What’s more concerning is that nearly a third of these young voters say their parents were the main influence behind their political views. This isn’t just a shift in policy preference—it’s a quiet unraveling of the values that once defined the American way of life.
Many of today’s young people were raised in homes where the word “capitalism” carried negative connotations, while “socialism” was framed as fairness or justice. These ideas didn’t come from textbooks or debate; they were absorbed quietly, often without challenge. Parents who themselves were taught that wealth is inherently exploitative now pass those same beliefs to their children. The cycle continues, not because of malicious intent, but because of a lack of understanding.
Public education has played a role in this shift. Too many classrooms today emphasize ideology over truth. History is rewritten to paint capitalism as oppressive and socialism as noble. Economic systems are presented not as tools for human flourishing, but as moral battlegrounds. When students are taught that success comes at the expense of others, they begin to see the world through a lens of resentment rather than gratitude.
Yet not all young Americans have fallen for this narrative. Those raised in middle-class families—especially those earning between $100,000 and $200,000—remain skeptical. They know what it takes to build a life of stability and security. They’ve worked for their homes, their cars, their retirement. They understand that when the government promises “free” healthcare or housing, someone must pay—usually through higher taxes, reduced innovation, and slower growth.
The real issue isn’t that young people want more government. It’s that they’ve been taught a false story about how the world works. They’ve been told that the American Dream is a myth, that opportunity is rigged, and that real change requires sweeping government control. But the truth is far different.
The United States was built on principles of individual liberty, hard work, and the belief that every person has the right to pursue happiness through their own effort. The Founding Fathers did not design a system to equalize outcomes. They designed one to protect the freedom to succeed—or fail—on your own terms.
Socialism, in any form, undermines that freedom. It replaces personal responsibility with dependence on the state. It replaces innovation with bureaucracy. It replaces opportunity with entitlement. The record is clear: countries that have embraced socialist policies have seen stagnation, shortages, and loss of freedom. Venezuela, once one of Latin America’s richest nations, is now a cautionary tale. The Soviet Union collapsed under the weight of its own economic failures. Even Nordic countries, often held up as models, maintain strong market economies and private ownership—just with more social safety nets.
We don’t need to abandon compassion. We need to restore the dignity of work. We need to teach young people that true fairness comes not from taking from one person to give to another, but from creating a society where everyone has a chance to thrive.
Parents, educators, and community leaders must take responsibility. This is not about politics. It’s about passing on truth. It’s about teaching children that freedom is not free, that wealth is not theft, and that the best way to help others is not through redistribution, but through opportunity and service.
The American Dream is still within reach. But it will only survive if we defend it—not with anger, but with clarity. If we equip the next generation with the facts, the courage, and the faith that hard work leads to dignity, then we can ensure that the future is not shaped by ideology, but by truth.
Search term: American Dream values
Published: 11/18/2025
