American Dream or American Trap

Webster defines success as "the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame". I am usually not one to quote definitions, but those ten words will help me explain to you why the American Dream is becoming the American Trap. I would first like to point out the only thing I would change about this definition ("the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame") and that is the word "or". The "or" should be changed to "and" because today to be called successful in most cases you must have the wealth, the respect, AND the fame. Although the majority of us may never see $200,000 in our life time that is still not good enough for us. It is all about the millions and billions right? Even if you have the money others may not respect you. I hate to do this (excuse me Kayne) but the clear example here is Kim Kardashian. Yes, she may have the wealth and fame, but her respect levels are low and although she lives a lavish life, some that are not as fortunate still would not trade places with her. Today, the American Dream has become a package of fame, respect, and wealth. 

The media has received a lot of blame for this image we all try to pursue, but in reality families are starting to raise their children to believe they must have these three things in life.  Yes it may be better for us to see how much money Floyd Mayweather gave to charity last week, but it's the media's job to entertain. So of course the story will be how much money he threw in the strip club. The media can't always be blamed for doing its job. In my opinion, today people are raised to be so independent and filled with such a false image of life. We lose track of the fact that everyone who has success needed help along the way. Let me repeat that. Everyone who has success needed help along the way. The American Dream has become this trap by getting many to think success is easy and can be reached alone. 

We are caught up in the hype. Myself included. We are not always trying to reach success for the values we were raised and grew up on. You reach success to help the next man or woman do the same! I just have 1 question. Where does this  American Trap take our future? Must it take money, respect, and fame to make us happy or will we use these three things be utilized to build happiness in our surroundings and with people we love.