Cartoon: The vanishing dream

Jeannette Healy, Staff Writer • May 13, 2026

The American dream was once built on the belief that hard work could create success and opportunity for future generations. Today, however, that dream seems increasingly out of reach as rising housing costs, wage stagnation, and economic inequality continue to divide Americans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, income inequality in the United States has steadily increased over time, leaving wealth concentrated among a small percentage of the population while many working-class families struggle to afford basic necessities. According to NPR, the ongoing housing crisis has made homeownership, once considered a central part of the American dream, unattainable for many younger Americans due to skyrocketing prices and limited affordable housing. Similarly, according to Brookings, the economic mobility in the United States has weakened, making it far harder for people to improve their economic status through hard work alone. According to UC Davis, the American dream is becoming less realistic as the cost of living continues to outpace wages, especially for younger generations trying to build stable futures. If the nation wants to preserve the American dream, we must confront economic inequality and create opportunities for everyone. (Jeannette Healy)

About the Contributor

Jeannette Healy, Staff Writer

Jeannette Healy (class of 2028) is a sophomore at Carlmont and is in her first year writing for Scot Scoop. In her free time, she enjoys wrestling at Carlmont, hanging out with her family and friends, and drinking matcha.