In the 1950's, the American Dream was home ownership in the suburbs, a stable job with a pension, children, a car, a stay-at-home mom, and a life better than your parents.
Today the American Dream has gotten out of hand, defined by having more, bigger, better than your neighbors/friends/family. Very few can afford the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom and high-powered careers are the goal. Pensions are a thing of the past and financial security is out of reach for many. Healthcare, daycare, real estate, college tuition, taxes, the latest model vehicles, the latest technical gadgets, and all the other "wants" make financial security impossible for many. The marketing machine has redefined what it takes to make us happy and successful.