I find it interesting how dreams play such a large role in our language, our culture and our hopes and aspirations. From the time when our mothers first wish us sweet dreams until we draw our last breath, most of us are chasing one dream or another.
All our lives we’ve been encouraged to dare to dream, to follow our dreams even if they are impossible and of course, above all else, to keep the dream alive. This has all been very inspirational but there comes a time when we should take a close look to be sure our dreams haven’t turned into nightmares.
During the great social upheaval of the 1960s Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and most would agree that we should keep that one alive. But there is another dream, one that North Americans have embraced for decades, which may be approaching the end of its useful shelf life.
I am referring to the American Dream. You know the one – a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage. In the name of mom and apple pie we all pursued the lure of unrestricted economic growth and vast personal wealth.
Lately, however, there is growing evidence that the American Dream is languishing.
It’s been a very good run. For more than 200 years the pursuit of individual interests has made America an economic and military superpower. Up here in the Great White North we were only too happy to be a part of this dream and as an added bonus we were able to hide behind that formidable military machine.
Of course all things must pass and right now one third of Americans themselves no longer believe in the American Dream.
Recent financial upheaval and military misconduct has only reinforced this change in attitude and laid the groundwork for a new vision of the future, one that is more in tune with global consciousness.
Enter the "other great superpower" also known as the European Union. This group of 25 nations and home to 455 million people has been coming together since the Second World War and the United States of Europe can now easily match the economic power of North America.
In contrast to our vision for the future the European Dream differs in some fundamental aspects.
In North America it is widely believed wealth provides security. Europeans believe their security can be derived from sustainable development, quality of life, the nurturing of communities and respect for human rights.
Is it working? You can decide for yourself. Much of Europe already enjoys a longer life span compared to American Dreamers.
Literacy rates are higher while poverty and crime rates are lower. Europeans value their leisure time and the average minimum statutory paid vacation normally starts at four weeks. In the U.S. holiday time is not mandated. Here in Canada we’re a little better.
Even in international affairs the overwhelming superiority of the American military is falling short of its goals. In many instances the "hard power" of the U.S. is being effectively outperformed by the "soft power" of the European Union which is more based on cooperation and consensus.
The question is which dream is more suited to the challenges facing us in the 21st century?
Another question might be, is Canada ready to adopt the European Dream or are we prepared to follow our American friends as they continue on their path? Are we more interested in belonging or belongings?
Or, would we prefer a Canadian Dream all our own, a dream that includes more than Tim Horton’s, poutine and the Stanley Cup? Most
Canadians I talk to would like to lead the world in areas like the environment, human rights and peacemaking.
They would also like to see some visionary leadership at all levels.
And how about Thunder Bay – what is our dream? This is a good question for anybody who plans to run in our municipal election this fall.
What does the future hold for our fair city? It will take a lot more than a waterfront hotel, a stack of pancakes from the Hoito and some bus shelters at City Hall to become an effective and respected member of the global village.
Canadians will continue to dream and have hope. Time will tell whether our dreams are American, European or just plain impossible.
In the meantime we are waiting for someone with the vision, courage and determination to make our dreams a reality.
Dream on my friends.
