Something about this movie trailer moved me to the point where I made a donation to support the production of this film. It wasn't much, only $25, but as I begin year #51 it really spoke to me and I wanted to show my support.
Maybe it was this quote, right at the end, that got me:
I don't know what's around the corner for me. I've never been so fulfilled, not knowing.
Kickstarter.com is a community where you can submit your funding needs for just about anything you're working on. It could be a new invention, business start up or documentary film like I'm fine, Thanks
If you agree with the message, at the very least please go and Like the page. Once they've reached their fundraising goal they will complete the film and provide digital downloads for all the contributors to the project. If you donate $25 they'll send you a DVD. My plan is to show it in a class this fall.
I know we've got a lot of fiftyish Instructors here. I'd love to know if you're feeling like you've maybe been climbing the wrong wall yourself?
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Originally posted 2012-05-27 08:59:53.
John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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John,
I admire your willingness to get us thinking. Here is what I think.
To start, I’m startled by the emotion (frustration, bewilderment, curiosity and perhaps some anger) elicited by this trailer
A movie made by twenty somethings about the American Dream being a nightmare is a contradiction of the highest order. The definition of oxymoron in my opinion.
These talented and curious kids – that have likely been supported by Mom & Dad their entire lives – have spanned our nation interviewing Americans about how horrible the American Dream turned out.
Really. Who are they kidding. The American Dream was built on hard work, tears and failure. But frankly – unless you are a trust fund baby – I’ve not found another way to finance following ones dream, American or otherwise.
We are human. Full of emotions. Life is hard. I imagine it was easy to find some sobbing American wishing things were better or had turned out differently. It is the human condition to believe the grass is greener somewhere else.
I did get a good laugh from the guy – house on the beach and “all this money” who was so unhappy. Grow up pal, you made it. Now you can afford to follow your dream. That is precisely why Mommy and Daddy said get an education, go to work. It is the act of finding yourself and becoming self sufficient that is most satisfying. He should call his parents this minute and thank them.
Really, there are about seven billion people who would gladly switch places with him. How many of them do you think he would switch with?
Isn’t it amazing how the affluent can afford to be unhappy with their lives and blame if on following the American dream while the rest just dream about being affluent.
By using Kickstarter.com to fund raise is essentially positing on a uniquely 21st century phenomenon; “…let’s make a movie trailer about how sucky the American dream is. It will appeal to everyone’s natural willingness to blame someone else for how their lives turned out and see if it goes viral.”
This is, of course, the only way this movie can be funded. Trying to raise money the conventional way requires convincing successful people – who likely followed the dream – to invest. Ironic.
CHUCK…VERY WELL SAID….
RON in FLORIDA
Thanks Ron…
My experiences this past week (see ouch) reinforce that life is short and could be gone in a heartbeat.
I don’t know what is around the corner any more than the next person. Sometimes it is a speeding car.
Still, there are some ground rules while living life to the fullest.
Rule 1. To live life to its fullest one must FIRST become an independent, self sufficient, human being. This way they know the difference between dreaming and living the dream.
Rule 2. If one believes they’re ENTITLED to life’s pleasantries BEFORE understanding what makes them pleasant; See rule one.
Sorry Chuck – but I think you’re missing this… and I see you as someone who’s actually trying to live the concepts that they’re talking about in the trailer. You gave up a career doing something you had no passion for and ended up getting hit in the parking lot on your way to what your passion in life truly is 🙂
Exactly right John,
I have had the opportunity to find my way and make my choices which is – as I see it – the best that the United States has to offer her citizens.
But not because I was led down the path of forced acquiescence to follow some arbitrary dream or, at the expense of someone else.
It is great that you have provided this forum so we could debate such esoteric issues. Clearly you and I view the message these kids are sending differently. It demonstrates to our community freedom of thought is accepted here. 🙂
That perhaps as instructors there is the possibility of making a difference. To find a means to touch our riders in a special way that helps them achieve their goals. I like that.
The American Dream is of course a myth just like 220 – age = HRmax. In both cases the myth works for some and, in the absence of any other information, is a reasonable place to start.
We are not born with manifest destiny John, but rather to parents that are tasked with the sometimes thankless job of civilizing and preparing us to become independent, self-sufficient human beings. What we do when we fly the nest is largely up to us.
The assumption the producers of this film make is that we have figured out how to feed and house ourselves, including our families, while at the same time following our dreams.
As a practical matter the former must come before the latter.
Best not make assumptions that successful, “young” people are trust-funders. But probably safe to say that there are indeed many unfulfilled people in our society.
I imagine the point that these film-makers are getting at is that the definition of the American Dream is evolving. I believe in very interesting ways. In New York Times Bestseller Brendon Burchard’s latest book “The Charge,” he does a great job of explaining the evolution of the American Dream, and more specifically what makes people stay happy. To paraphrase, in the not so distant past success was often determined or felt by being a provider of resources or security for one’s self and family. But over time as all of our true needs were obviously being met (water, food, shelter) and the line between needs and wants became blurred (keeping up with the Joneses), people were growing LESS happy overall. If we can meet our needs, we should be happy, right? By this sentiment if our immediate needs are being met but yet we DON’T feel happy, then all of sudden we feel as if something is wrong with us. Then we seek therapy and anti-depressants. An interesting and sad conundrum.
In short, Brendon’s thinking is that people of this time ( “young” and “old” ) require different needs. His theory is that what self-proclaimed miserable people are missing is novelty, challenge, connection and expression. Side note: He fails to mention one factor that in my opinion is missing in many unfulfilled people’s lives, but I won’t talk spirituality on an indoor cycling forum 😉
Yes, I feel that my generation is decidedly more selfish than that of our parents. Sacrifice and discipline are two words that make a lot of people cringe, but clearly they are necessary to one’s success… however you define that to be.
I am a strong believer in the service of others as the solution to many of these issues. Unless we seek ways to continuously serve our neighbors, family, friends and strangers, we’ll most likely have a really challenging time feeling true fulfillment no matter what we do. Now I’m curious to see what these aspiring film-makers come up with… Guess I’ll have to donate in order to find out 🙂
PS. I think it’s fantastic that we’re getting into philosophical discussions over John’s contribution to a kickstarter project — LOVE IT!!
They completed their video and have given me permission to show it to our members during the weekend of November 3rd and 4th. Look for an ICI/PRO member communication with the details soon.
John, Thank you so much for making this available. I’ve watched the movie.
First, I hope they make a new trailer because the trailer they did for Kickstarter.com does this movie a disservice.
I posted some very direct comments on this site when John first posted that he was contributing. I did not contribute but today feel like I wish I had helped in some small way.
Everyone of the production crew left someone or something behind to be a part of this. They worried if they were doing the right thing. They did it anyway. They were not all twenty somethings and many felt – like those interviewed – trapped by their choices.
And this is the message that I got from watching the completed film. They did not try to blame the American Dream but only to show that at some point we all have a choice. Indeed many times, many choices. Was that choice driven by advice from Mom, Dad and society? Sure. Nothing is for nothing and these film makers as well as those interviewed chose to start on a path that did not make them happy but did fund a life that gave them the opportunity to make another choice.
In this case I think they made the right choice for whatever that is worth. When the movie is released I will pay to go see it again. That is my choice and it will make me feel good.
I once read and I’m paraphrasing here; The worlds best kept secret: Use wisely your power of choice. It is unfortunate but true that wisdom is the kingdom of the old.