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The American dream is an idea that with enough hard work, courage, and sacrifice, anyone can lead a happy life. It’s an aspirational belief that all individuals, regardless of where they come from or what family they were born into, can reach success if they just put their mind to it.

Sure, the United States has plenty to be proud of—it’s the most powerful country in the world that has a well-deserved reputation in culture, innovation, and democracy. However, it also has its flaws, showing that the American way of life is not always exactly a dream.

Sometimes, when you’re scrolling through social media, you come across posts where many discuss the unhealthy work-life balance, complicated housing crisis, flawed healthcare system, overwhelming debt—you name it. Take a look at what people have shared on the internet, and let us know what you think of it in the comment section below.

We reached out to one of the users who shared a post about the difficulties of living in the US with fellow r/AntiWork community members. The author preferred to stay anonymous but was kind enough to share their thoughts with us. “The reason why I posted this on r/AntiWork was mainly to show people the ridiculous situation happening in the United States,” the user told Bored Panda.

They mentioned an example that a few weeks ago, several states passed laws that allowed 14-year-olds to work until 11 PM: “Many people were outraged because these companies would rather use ‘child labor’ instead of providing adults a ’living wage.’”

The author said that they can see the US as perhaps a great country to live in if you are a business owner: “Low regulations compared to other first-world nations—no required maternity/paternity leave, most states don’t mandate breaks/lunches for adults, low minimum wage, most states being at-will employment (so you can fire employees at will with little repercussions).”

#4

And That's Why USA Is Not Gonna Get Better. Americans Think That They Are Better Than Anybody In This World

And That's Why USA Is Not Gonna Get Better. Americans Think That They Are Better Than Anybody In This World

johnmory , twitter.com Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The aholes in the government want you to believe nothing you do will make a difference. They are wrong, it’s all propaganda. They want you uneducated, poor and too busy to care or pay attention, it’s evil, it makes the USA weak and vulnerable. It’s why the illicit drug scene is thriving. Watch some Robert Reich YouTube videos and hold onto whatever hope you can. Vote, write letters..do what you can to be a part of the solution not a part of the problem

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They want to clarify that they disagree with all these regulations being acceptable in this country and feel all of them need to be addressed. However, “from a selfish standpoint, if you are rich, this really is probably a great place to live.”

“Your assets are basically stable, strong military prevents instability in the country financially, most of the politicians willingly support your causes and the public will even blindly support your causes even when it goes against their interest, etc.,” they mentioned.

“From what I can gather is that certain jobs in the USA pay much more than in other countries, like in the tech sector,” the user mentioned. “So unless you get a job in the tech sector here then maybe it is better than in other developed countries.”

#5

Let’s Face It USA

Let’s Face It USA

targaryenofvalyria , twitter.com Report

#6

Insulin Should Be Free!

Insulin Should Be Free!

NYLaw , twitter.com Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots of issues with prescriptions and access to care that need to be changed.

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According to Zippia, with around 12.2M tech industry workers, net tech employment accounts for 7.9% of the total U.S. workforce. However, they have a huge impact on the U.S. economy since tech employees make up to 85% more than those in other industries: “And this number becomes even more inflated in certain areas. For example, tech workers in San Jose, California, earn up to 507% more than the average area salary.”

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Yet, those who are not employed in this sector are much more vulnerable: “Should something truly catastrophic happen, your ability to pay for healthcare, housing, food evaporates, and the public options in most of this country with their onerous red tape are designed to facilitate your death while you wait for them to kick in,” the author said.

#7

Wow, USA

Wow, USA

callanish , twitter.com Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a huge debate with a nurse back in the 1980’s when the medical system changed from being compassionate snd having the patient be the main focus to having the guy who writes the checks be in charge of care. I said this is going to flat out till people, she disagreed. Sure enough within a year young poverty stricken kids with serious multiple medical problems began dying. Within another year free clinics were popping up to care for rural patients. One of the suits at Aetna insurance went to visit his father in rural Maine, read the paper advertising the free clinics, got up at 7am convincing himself nobody would show. The line had started forming at 5am and was a quarter mile long by 7am. Dude stayed all day, learning about how bad things are. He quit his job the next day, could not stand the contradictions of the opulence his company afforded him and those turned away from care fir “previously existing” issues or who lost everything due to outrageous billing practices.

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#8

God Bless The USA

God Bless The USA

Sayl0 Report

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Serial pacifist
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't forget the ultimate 'feat' of the 21 century - the Great Wall of Trumpia.

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“Factor in cheaper rent [in other countries], cheaper transit, twice as much vacation time, etc., and the US advantages fade away real quick,” they continued. “No big difference in grocery costs, and other day-to-day expenses, much faster internet speeds, affordable and usable phone plans.”

The user added: “The only advantages in America for an employee are cheaper single-family homes if you live in such an area, cheaper gas prices (but CA gas prices are about halfway between the UK and the rest of US), and cheaper cars (new & used).”

They think that if you’re not employed in the tech sector, “aren’t born rich, and just want to live as an employee, EU countries give you a much better bang for buck.”

#9

What Passes For Christianity In The USA Is Anything But The Teachings Of Jesus

What Passes For Christianity In The USA Is Anything But The Teachings Of Jesus

regian24 , twitter.com Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thoughts and prayers are one thing. Actually *doing* something is quite another

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#10

God Bless The USA

God Bless The USA

JamlessSandwich Report

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It took me a moment to realise the first tweet actually came from a legitimate account

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#11

This Is USA

This Is USA

jabonkagigi , twitter.com Report

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Ranch Dressing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, these are apples that grow on peoples trees. Extra apples, you give them to your neighbours (or people walking past)

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“Overall though, for the average person, I just don’t see the benefits,” the author said. “If one has any illness or health issues (chronic or otherwise), you are basically not guaranteed healthcare and could simply just go bankrupt with no assistance. The culture here is people worrying about petty things (religion and other things) over helping their fellow citizens get proper healthcare, etc.”

On a final note, having to deal with such issues daily puts a toll on people’s emotional well-being: “This is anecdotal but one of the worst things I have done for my mental health was learning how the USA truly operates. I’m sure that some people feel the same way.”

#12

My Sister Passed Away Today

My Sister Passed Away Today

JeffRicksDude Report

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Jules
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's appalling and unforgivable. So very sorry for your loss and that you live in the US.

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#13

The USA Is Proof Propaganda Works

The USA Is Proof Propaganda Works

DelmaButterfield , twitter.com Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some Americans. Please don’t disregard those of us fighting every single dah to change things (it’s what many of us boomers are use to doing, and instead of acting like a Chandler Halderson by calling us names and acting like spoiled brats you millennials might want to pay more attention, many of us have been doing this for decades and know one thing is true about persistent common sense ideas and policies and getting things done, but we will keep that tidbit close to the vest until you learn to play nice together).

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#14

Disabled People In The USA With Medicaid Are Not Allowed To Have More Than 2000 Dollars

Disabled People In The USA With Medicaid Are Not Allowed To Have More Than 2000 Dollars

yuritopiaposadism , twitter.com Report

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet people in America constantly trash struggling fellow Americans…the disabled, the poor, the mentally ill, homeless vets, as if those people wanted to be in those positions. Then they are victimized again for self medicating because in reality there is no access to effective affordable long term mental health professionals. Yet few complain about the BILLIONS of dollars going to Wall Street welfare or to the losses the 1% cost everyone in loss of taxes due to the hoarding of billions in off shore accounts

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#15

A Human With More Power Had To Put Them There

A Human With More Power Had To Put Them There

Unknown Report

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Lousha
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also this doesn't really illustrate how people don't help each other. If the crabs simply didn't help eah other, one by one they could just pull themselves out of the bucket. It illustrates how people love to actively mess with each other.

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#17

“I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag Of The USA… With Liberty For… Only The 1%, Apparently”

“I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag Of The USA… With Liberty For… Only The 1%, Apparently”

taaiwa Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember hearing about this years ago and was appalled at the injustice. I understand that the homeless man got more of a sentence because he was armed with some sort of weapon but he was desperate and needed the money to survive. Maybe if there were better services he wouldn't have had to make that choice. He even felt remorse and handed himself in. The CEO did it out of greed, tried covering it up and showed no remorse.

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#18

Now That America Has Lost Yet A Nother Senseless War They Started Maybe It's Time To Learn A Lesson From This And Defund The Military And Instead Spend That Money Actually Taking Care Of The Needs Of The People Of The USA

Now That America Has Lost Yet A Nother Senseless War They Started Maybe It's Time To Learn A Lesson From This And Defund The Military And Instead Spend That Money Actually Taking Care Of The Needs Of The People Of The USA

BelleAriel , twitter.com Report

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Walking On Sunshine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Republicans are warmongers. Bush should be in jail for his WMD lie. Trump should be in jail for treason. It's bullshit.

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#20

Every Other Developed Nation: Sick. Help! / USA: How We Gonna Pay For It?

Every Other Developed Nation: Sick. Help! / USA: How We Gonna Pay For It?

britch2tiger Report

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Walking On Sunshine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel this. My husband had cancer. He was only 60 and it took him fast. Here I sit, still devastated, knowing I used all his life insurance to pay medical bills, and now I lose my house in June because I can't pay $4600 in property taxes. Is this the American dream? We both worked and paid taxes for over 30 years!

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#21

The USA Spends 2 Trillion For Wars And Not Enough Money For Health Insurance

The USA Spends 2 Trillion For Wars And Not Enough Money For Health Insurance

Mary-Trustyn-Wise Report

#22

Pictures Like This Makes Me Never Want To Visit USA

Pictures Like This Makes Me Never Want To Visit USA

regian24 Report

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I won't wear a face mask because I am not gonna live my life in fear!!!" ... wears machine gun because you know, just in case something scares him.

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#23

Stay Strong USA

Stay Strong USA

cas2ie , twitter.com Report

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Michael Olsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a European we will take your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

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#24

USA #1

USA #1

BelleAriel , twitter.com Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Life expectancy for males in the USA is ranked 39th. That's not something to be proud of. https://www.worlddata.info/life-expectancy.php#by-population

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#25

How Terrorists Are Defined In USA

How Terrorists Are Defined In USA

killHACKS Report

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#26

USA #1 Again

USA #1 Again

Hi_Im_Phill Report

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Lousha
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hungary should not be on this list either. We don't get automatic (mostly) free healthcare like in the UK. (Well children do.) If you're an adult, you have it as long as you're employed and the insurance pay is deducted from your salary, or you're self employed and you pay for it. When you lose your job you can still have it for a little while if you're a registered job seeker, but after a few months that's gone too. From that point when you have zero income you can only keep your access to healthcare if you pay the insurance rates. You know, out of your zero income. If you don't, you're not insured and you'll only be treated if it's a life threatening emergency. The pandemic took away lots of people's jobs and I'm sure not all of them had enough savings (Hungary is one of the worst when it comes to people having savings) to pay for a continued insurance, therefore saying 0 lost their coverage is just not true.

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#27

Health Care In The USA

Health Care In The USA

dnkedanke Report

#28

The USA Is A Trip

The USA Is A Trip

regian24 Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not true, there are some very brilliant people working hard every day to try to change things for the better.

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#29

What Has USA Become?

What Has USA Become?

AvocadoOnPizzaIsShit Report

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I recall correctly, weren't there several tweets and similar wondering why Obama didn't do more to prevent 9/11? That man hold so much real estate in their heads - amazing how threatened they feel by someone with more intelligence in his left foot than in their entire bodies. (And I'm not saying he was perfect, not by any stretch - he was just a well educated man sandwiched between an idiot and a moron)

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#30

Fun Fact About The USA!

Fun Fact About The USA!

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Walking On Sunshine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never understood why they just don't cut out the interest. Apparently it pays more to service these loans every year than it is worth keeping them.

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#31

Since We Postin School Lunches (USA)

Since We Postin School Lunches (USA)

BennyTwoToes_ Report

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can someone translate WTF that food is supposed to be? I can make out the applesauce but the other two?

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#32

America Must Liberate The American People And End The Tyranny Of USA

America Must Liberate The American People And End The Tyranny Of USA

Little_Coach5522 Report

#33

Losing A Job Is More Than Loss Of Income In The USA

Losing A Job Is More Than Loss Of Income In The USA

regian24 , twitter.com Report

#34

A One Month Supply Of My Son's New Cystic Fibrosis Medicine. At $24,000, It's The Most Expensive Thing I've Ever Held In One Hand

A One Month Supply Of My Son's New Cystic Fibrosis Medicine. At $24,000, It's The Most Expensive Thing I've Ever Held In One Hand

gozer-Agr4589 Report

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Michael Olsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cancer medicin is US$7.000 a month but I am a lucky to live in Denmark so I get it for free

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#35

USA! USA! USA!

USA! USA! USA!

BelleAriel , twitter.com Report

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John L
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We actually were prepared. Obama had set up a council for just this contingency and we had plenty of stocks of the above. Trump disbanded it, when he got into office and sold off the supplies, because...Obama.

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#36

Poverty

Poverty

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And being a woman or a woman of any other heritage that white European.

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#38

This Is A Real Text My Wife Received Yesterday In The USA. It Looks Like Cheap Electronics Aren’t The Only Thing To Save Up For On Black Friday!!

This Is A Real Text My Wife Received Yesterday In The USA. It Looks Like Cheap Electronics Aren’t The Only Thing To Save Up For On Black Friday!!

Toothbrush1217 Report

#39

We Did It, Everybody! USA! USA!

We Did It, Everybody! USA! USA!

42words Report

#40

50 Shades Of Rubber Bullets Used In USA Protests

50 Shades Of Rubber Bullets Used In USA Protests

shadow_shooter Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sooooo wish there were more police officer supervisors like Sheriff Grady Judd in Florida. He advises his newly hired officers upon that he expects the citizens and visitors to his county to be treated well, that officers will be held to a higher standard and anyone unwilling to get on his program or is foolish enough to test his authority are immediate dealt with and they are publicly shamed.

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