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What is the American Dream? Do you believe many people in America are living this dream? How do people reach that goal? What are some of the positive and negative consequences of reaching this goal?

The American dream used to be a house in the suburbs, two children, a stay-at-home mom, a dog, and two cars. That dream probably has to be expanded today to add electronics and who knows what else!

Very interesting question.  I think the American Dream has changed over the years; however, to many, I think the American Dream means being financially successful (meaning one has more than just what it takes to "get by"); having a fulfilling personal life through marriage, partnership, kids, etc.; and having some accumulation of material wealth.   

Call me a pessimist, but I don't see many people living the American Dream.  I see too many people struggling so much just to make ends meet and just to "get by," honestly.  However, I think this concept of the American Dream varies depending on who you talk to.  For example, it could mean, for an immigrant, gaining U.S. citizenship.  It could mean, for a young couple, having their first child.  The American Dream means many things to many people. 

How do people achieve the "dream"?  That depends on who you ask (see above).  Hard work, I think, would be the most honest answer.  My father once told me that there is NOTHING worth having that one doesn't have to work hard for.  He also told me that one has to be willing to do the things others do not want to do in order to be fulfilled and successful, and this advice has stuck with me my entire life.  Hard work is definitely something I would say that one has to do to be able to achieve any dream he/she might have.