Alan H.
Fishken
(from:
The Miami Herald, October 19, 1975)
As the 'third century' approaches, it may
be in order to examine some of the American myths and dreams which have
developed over the past two. For example:
1. Every boy can grow up to be
president. Unfortunately, this is true, with the result that we have had a long
succession of mediocrities in one of the most important positions in the world.
And, worse than that, some of them have been of questionable character and
morals. Those who have been awarded the stamp of greatness owe part of their
success to the fact that up to until very recently we have had more men,
materials and money to squander on the vilest form of activity in which man can
engage, namely, the destruction of other human beings, than any other nation on
earth.
2. Some day we will wake up to find
ourselves rich beyond the fondest dream of avarice, sometimes known as the
'Great American Dream’. This is true, but sharply limited to the participants
of television game shows.
3. Free enterprise gives everyone a
chance to become a powerful tycoon. True, especially when one can get together
with other tycoons and rig prices, supplies, and so on. And there is always the
government to bail one out if he gets into a spot of trouble.
4. The streets are paved with gold. True,
if one has the foresight to become a paving contractor. It also helps to know
when and on what basis contract for building roads will be awarded. This can
usually be arranged by sharing a little of the gold.
5. In America a man is judged by what
he is. True, if one corrects what appears to be a typographical error and
changes 'is' to 'has'. The point is, one does not have to have a long and
distinguished lineage to be a somebody, the D.A.R. notwithstanding. However,
third generation wealth appears to be somewhat preferable.
There are a number of
other myths and dreams which we might analyse in the hopes that the third
century will bring us nearer to the basic American goal of the greatest good
for the greatest number ‑ a concept which, happily, has so far overridden
all our attempts to destroy it.