In a recent speech at Cooper Union's Great Hall in New York City, the author reflected on the evolving meaning of the American Dream and proposed a bold solution: a guaranteed minimum income. Drawing from personal experiences and a theatrical adaptation of The Outsiders, the speech culminated in a 'Pledge to Share the American Dream'—a two-part initiative combining immediate philanthropy with long-term systemic change. Below, we explore the key ideas and actions behind this vision.
What is the American Dream as originally defined by James Truslow Adams?
James Truslow Adams first coined the term 'American Dream' in 1931 during the Great Depression. He described it as a land where life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyone, with opportunity based on ability or achievement. Crucially, Adams emphasized that the dream is not merely about material wealth like motor cars and high wages. Instead, it envisions a social order where every person can reach their fullest potential and be recognized for who they are, regardless of birth or position. This definition stresses equality of opportunity and the importance of a supportive community. For the author, revisiting this definition inspired a deeper inquiry into what it means today and how it can be realized sustainably.
What inspired the author to write 'Stay Gold, America'?
The author attended a high school theater production of The Outsiders, adapted from S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel. While familiar with the famous 'stay gold' line from the film, the live performance revealed a broader meaning. Watching the story unfold among neighbors, the author realized that 'stay gold' symbolizes sharing the American Dream with others. The dream is incomplete until it is extended to fellow citizens. This insight prompted the author to write a piece titled 'Stay Gold, America' on January 7th, which included a formal Pledge to Share the American Dream. The essay was the culmination of months of reflection and conversations with Americans about the dream's personal significance.
What does 'stay gold' mean in the context of the American Dream?
In the context of the American Dream, 'stay gold' evolved from a simple reference to youth and innocence into a metaphor for collective prosperity and mutual support. The author interprets it as a call to maintain the core values of the dream—opportunity, fairness, and dignity—not just for oneself but for all. Staying gold means actively working to ensure that everyone can achieve their fullest potential, recognizing that individual success is hollow without shared benefits. It transforms the dream from a personal pursuit into a communal responsibility. This interpretation directly informed the author's pledge to donate and advocate for systemic changes like a guaranteed minimum income, which aims to make the dream accessible to every American regardless of circumstances.
What is the Pledge to Share the American Dream?
The Pledge to Share the American Dream is a two-part commitment introduced by the author to address both immediate needs and long-term structural reform. The short-term part involves significant philanthropic donations to organizations addressing urgent social issues, such as hunger, legal defense, and mental health support. However, the author acknowledges that charity alone is insufficient. The long-term 'second act' focuses on deeper, systemic changes aimed at creating an economy where every citizen has a guaranteed minimum income. This pledge is an invitation for all Americans to contribute in whatever way they can, emphasizing that sharing the dream is essential for its full realization. The ultimate goal is to build a social order where the American Dream is not a privilege but a universal right.
What specific short-term actions were taken as part of the pledge?
As a concrete start, the author's family made eight $1 million donations to nonprofit organizations: Team Rubicon (disaster response), Children's Hunger Fund, PEN America (free expression), The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention), NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, First Generation Investors (financial literacy), Global Refuge (refugee support), and Planned Parenthood. Additionally, they contributed $1 million each to strengthen technical infrastructure, including Wikipedia, The Internet Archive, Common Crawl Foundation, Let's Encrypt, independent internet journalism, and several open-source software projects that underpin global digital systems. These donations represent a short-term effort to address pressing needs and reinforce the foundations of a democratic, informed society. The author encourages others to donate to organizations they trust to help those in immediate crisis.
What is the long-term 'second act' of the pledge?
The long-term 'second act' of the Pledge to Share the American Dream is a comprehensive push for a guaranteed minimum income. While short-term philanthropy can alleviate immediate suffering, the author argues that lasting change requires restructuring the economy to ensure every American has a baseline level of financial security. This 'second act' goes deeper than any single donation—it aims to rewrite the social contract so that the American Dream is not contingent on luck or birth. The author envisions a system where opportunity is universally accessible, and individuals can pursue their fullest potential without fear of destitution. This idea was the core message of the speech at Cooper Union, tying personal responsibility to collective action and echoing the original 1931 definition of the American Dream.
How can ordinary Americans contribute to sharing the American Dream?
The author emphasizes that sharing the American Dream is not limited to the wealthy. Ordinary Americans can contribute by donating to organizations they believe are effective in helping those in need, as outlined in the pledge. Volunteering time, advocating for policy changes like a guaranteed minimum income, or simply spreading the message of mutual support are all meaningful actions. The key is to recognize that the dream is only complete when shared—whether through financial contributions, civic engagement, or small acts of kindness. By participating in the 'Stay Gold' vision, everyone can help build a social order where every person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. The author's call is a reminder that the American Dream requires collective effort to stay alive.