American culture is composed of a set of stories that we tell ourselves and each other. They help establish a common language, a common way of thinking about what it means to be American, and set our expectations for what life should be like. Many of these stories are within the cannon of “conventional wisdom.” But what if some of our most important stories aren’t true and rather than being helpful, actually steal enjoyment from life, or even do damage? What happens when the conventional is unwise? The recurring American Myths series will explore this question.
As a parent of a college student and a high school student, and as someone who has worked with young adults (18-24) my entire professional life, I’m keenly interested in how our American Myths shape the expectations of our youth, and the impact on their success, happiness, and fulfillment. Perhaps the most damaging American Myth is the belief that “you can have it all.”
You Can Have It All was not something my parents ever said to me. They said “you can be whatever you set your mind to.” The two statements are Continue reading “American Myths Part 1 – The Everything Trap”