Dispatches: The Changing American Dream

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

The American Dream is an elusive ideal that has been the goal for many hard working American's throughout the history of the United States. With the ever-changing economical landscape and evolving culture, the American Dream is changing as well. No longer is the American Dream a set standard that one should hope to achieve, rather it exists as a goal to live by that is influenced by situations and interactions.

As our national climate changes, so does the American Dream. We can see how the dream has become harder to obtain for some, with college graduates unable to find positions in their fields. We also can see the successes with many people taking risks that bring them successes that they would have never thought of before.

Here on the beaches, we can see the American Dream vividly everyday. The vast amount of locally-owned small businesses that fill Gulf Boulevard cater to the dream of being our own boss and creating a part of our community. There are also the numerous volunteer organizations that put forth an activism for the preservation the natural environment that exists here

As the green movement grows, so do our dreams of keeping our natural environments preserved. The beaches have a ecosystem that is precious and beautiful.

Conversely, the Florida beaches still exist as one of the major tourism locations of the United States. Vacationing on the beaches of the Florida is a major part of the American Dream. In many ways, the beach as a vacationing spot is one of the major ideals of the American Dream.

Dispatches is all about telling the personal stories of the American Dream in our community and how it has changed for you, good or bad.

To do this, we need your help. Share with us what your American Dream is and what issues and stories on the beaches are directly related to it.