Expectations v. Possibility

This country was founded upon ideas of equality in opportunity.  Britain was filled to capacity, estates had been built and roles were defined.  The estate system created social class, little-to-no social mobility and options were limited.  As an idealist nation, we believe in the power of all of these things. We worship our Rockefellers --- the american dream.  Being innovative, shaping a country, and pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.

Yet, here we stand, almost 300 years later and we seem to be struggling with the same class mobility that sparked revolution. Our Rockefellers are now the "Dan Gliberts" of the world but has Dan made his money with innovative ideas? Surely not! He makes his money by advantage of others --- just examine the business tactics of Quicken Loans.  Then he builds a casino in Cleveland to fill his own pockets.  Taking the few dollars of others has added up to millions for him.  And we cherish him for it. Is THIS the american dream? Efficient theft?

Class revolution has been sparked, but the fire won't light. Why has revolution become a term to roll your eyes at? Why has dramatic change become a cursed word? "Oh, there he goes again, talking about revolution --- it's an impossibility and conversation for the fictional novel.  The world will always spin in the same direction, the human race will always categorize itself." This is a false ideal, in fact, it is not an 'ideal' at all.  It is appeasement for an accepting world. 

We went from a country determined to make our own way, to one which fights the system until we are jaded enough to accept our respect places, to follow the script written for us.  George W. Bush's quote to a school of Mexican-American students while on the campaign trail, "we need people to build our buildings....people who do the hard physical work of our society," (Educational Foundations, 60) seems to imply that they, the students, need to accept their position in life as the manuel labor force.  Not the thinkers. Not the innovators --- not, in fact, the American dream at all.  

And things are not terribly better than the past, we are a country that demands the proper ideals but looks out only for ourselves. And what choice are we given? As the upper class continues to get richer, the middle class holds onto their pennies to fend of demotion.  

You won't find quotes to back up these claims, but read between the lines. Our world has evolved, politically correct politicians and business men have change the way things are said --- but the underlying implications are still there. The roles of men, women, african americans, hispanics (and many others) are still there.  We cannot simply ignore these issues.  By ignoring them, we are accepting them as fact, and as the rules by which our world works. 

If we continue to label those who attempt to change the world to make it more enjoyable for all human beings as 'liberal revolutionaries' we are doomed to squander our work, time and love to the depths of the deepest seas.  It is not being written, it is not being shared, it is not being considered.  

We are fed what to think and feel by news networks with financial stakes in the outcome. I'm not offering a solution, simply a response to the noise.