Capitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit. Central characteristics of capitalism include capital accumulation, competitive markets, a price system, private property, and the recognition of property rights, voluntary exchange, and wage labor.

This moment in history might be the perfect time to question our economic system. As I write this, I have been consistently looking for work since March. Thanks to a global pandemic and the United States’ improper response, I am having a terrible time finding work. To make matters more perilous, my savings is quickly evaporating while my bills remain constant. I am beginning to rely on credit cards. I also find myself without healthcare. 

I know two things to be true. I am in this situation not because of a lack of trying. I spend hours every day scouring the internet for open jobs. I work my network. I have sat through numerous informational interviews and met with friends/contacts to discuss potential work. Looking for a job has become my job. I also know that I am one of the lucky ones. My partner remains employed. I have some savings and I have a network who would support me if times got really tough. In our current situation, many Americans are not so lucky.

Beyond the fear of financial ruin, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the system we have created for ourselves. As I move forward in this series, I should make a few things known. I am no economist, but I have had unique economic experiences. I believe in our economic system but question our god-like devotion to it. Finally, I understand this a unique moment in history.

With that said, I will begin this series by posing a series of questions. I will answer them for myself, but I encourage you to do the same.

Is the American dream still a reality?

I think America’s embrace of capitalism has led to one of the greatest national success stories in human history. Capitalism moves more people out of poverty than any alternative. It allows for personal freedom and choice. It also allows for the accumulation of wealth.

On the flip side, capitalism by its very nature creates winners and losers. Capitalism is built upon competition. In this competition, many are freed from the chains of poverty. Yet, as of today, 500,000 people find themselves homeless in America on any given night. Beyond our homelessness epidemic, millions find themselves one missed paycheck or catastrophic event away from homelessness. When there is not enough work, high-paying jobs, or opportunities for educational advancement, this becomes an even bigger challenge.

When I think about these realities, I believe the American dream is still a reality, but it is more expensive than ever before. Salaries have not kept up with the cost of living, America’s cities have become too expensive, and a series of national financial disasters have made it nearly impossible to save. This has hit my generation (millennials) especially hard. So, while the dream may still be alive, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find myself having a life mirroring that of my parents.

Is the American dream still a reality for me?

I am 36-years-old. I am not married but find myself in a committed relationship. I have no children. I am a renter. I have minimum savings. I have a retirement account, some stocks, and an IRA. I will inherit no wealth from my parents.

In the future, I will marry, but I am really unsure about when we will be able to financially move from renting to homeownership. I do not desire fatherhood. While my savings are in danger, I know with proper work I can begin rebuilding it. I have never had any illusions about my parent’s wealth.

When I examine this reality, I see myself redefining the American dream. I want a simple wedding, a memorable honeymoon, a modern home, and a comfortable retirement. Beyond that, I want to travel extensively. I want to collect experiences over things. I want work that is meaningful, purpose-driven, and leaves a legacy. I want to leave the world a better place than I found it. I want to be able to leave some money to charity when I die.

Again, I still see all of this as attainable, but it is becoming more expensive than ever before. I would be lying if I said I was not fearful of fully realizing my dreams and aspirations. This fear can be a motivator, but it can also be heartbreaking.

Do I see picket fences and well-kept lawns?

I am not sure I ever wanted this dream. Growing up in Oklahoma, this seemed like the thing we should be aiming toward. For me, the aspiration of living on the east or west coast was always in the back of my mind. As I grew up, I learned this would mean more expensive housing, but better-paying jobs.

Many of my friends back in Oklahoma own a home. This seemed really important to them and I celebrate the realization of their dream. For me, I knew I wanted to travel, live in several different places, and accumulate experiences. When I compare the stories we tell, I am proud of the life I have lived. My story is not filled with regret because of my current situation or the fact that I have never owned a home.

I think homeownership is in our future, but it is not the most important thing in the world. The pressure I feel when it comes to buying versus renting is internal. I want to make a place my own and feel a need for some permanency.

Do I see a corner office?

Ego aside, I wholeheartedly believe I possess the talent, vision, and passion to lead a nonprofit organization. I also realize the world is filled with countless men who look like me leading organizations. I possess the talent and ambition to lead. In the right circumstance, I would be humbled and proud to lead an organization, but for now, I am trying to make space for leaders who do not look like me to lead. Particularly in the nonprofit sector, we need to build a platform for leaders who better represent the communities we are trying to serve. Perhaps, then we can achieve better outcomes.

Stepping aside flies in the face of my capitalist nature. Our work is often seen as a competition. My fellow employees and those I compete against in job interviews are my competition. I should want to triumph over them. I should want to lead, and I should want all the perks entitled to me. My nature desires those things, but I desire a livable world more. I want us to overcome the challenges of human services, environment, and artistic expression more than I want to earn.

Where is everything I was promised?

Some of my best friends work for Amazon and Microsoft. In their 30’s, they are beginning to command salaries of $100,000 or more. They are getting married, buying homes, and taking multiple trips throughout the year. They are saving for the future and envision a comfortable retirement.

It is hard not to compare myself to them and ask, Where is everything I was promised? I went to school, received a master’s degree, worked hard at my job, and saved what I could. Where are my things others value?

In that question is my answer. We value different outcomes. I could never work at a job where the sole purpose was to increase the bottom line. I have decided to work on behalf of my fellow human beings. That choice comes with sacrifices, but it also fills me with value.

As I step back from the questions rooted in capitalism and this one, in particular, I realize capitalism has not hurt me. American capitalism is far from perfect. It has reached a point where too much wealth is accumulated at the top and far too little reaches those who need it most. It has not allowed government services to expand to meet the growing needs of a changing population. It creates fantastic success stories and heartbreaking tragedies.

Capitalism is a tool for our use. How we hammer the nails before us is our choice. As we move forward in this series, I hope we can deeply explore together how this tool impacts those who comprise the low, middle, and upper classes. In order to properly do that, we first had to inspect ourselves.

Be good to each other,

Nathan 

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