Did we create a modern myth?

Personally, I value facts over myths. I like to be able to see what I believe in. Otherwise, I could be living a lie. I do believe that myths play a part in the formation of the American identity though. Like was mentioned in class, there's the myth about how George Washington never told a lie. Come on, now. That's clearly a myth. Everyone has lied, no matter how honest they claim to be. Even myself, where honesty is one of my dearest virtues. It's hard not to lie. Or how about the idea that we live in a "free world" that was discovered by Christopher Columbus. He found it by accident, and there had been people living there for God knows how long (that's simply an expression, I don't necessarily believe in God, because hey, he's a myth).

Truth be told, people would rather hear myths. They dont want to hear that the founders of our country are liars and took this land from others. It's too real and discouraging. Sometimes it helps to believe in myths; they help you fight through bad times, to believe that something that beautiful is out there. The myths become our savior. But sometimes it can cloud people's judgment and people can lose sight of what's real and what is just a dream.

The American Dream is a myth. A modern myth. White picket fence, family of four, peace and happiness and togetherness, blah blah blah...it's all garbage. The fantasy may exist for some, on the outside, but deep down, no family is like that. There's fighting and arguments and problems. But we like to believe that anything is possible and that the heart conquers any obstacle. I don't mean to sound pessimistic, because true happiness is out there, but perfection does not exist.

The American Dream does not exist. It's a lie. A beautiful lie.