I'm an immigrant to the US, and came when I was very young with my parents. We had a rough start, and had to be on welfare and food stamps. Then my dad and mom managed to get us out of that situation, and do really well for themselves. I grew up in one of the richest counties in the US, and thanks to their hard work and opportunities afforded to them in the US, I was able to make a really good life for myself as well.

I don't believe the American dream is dead. However, just because it worked for my parents I won't say that everyone can do it.

For example, I think my parents had an advantage being immigrants. Many historically oppressed people in the US are set up for failure. Whether that is a shitty educational system where they're born, family issues (addiction, violence, etc), debt (an older family member is sick, they're helping pay a family members debt, etc). My parents got here and were able to start with a clean slate. They had the belief they could do better. Many people growing up in impoverished areas in the US, no longer have this belief, so they don't try.

Ultimately, I think the American dream is still achievable. It still happens. I'm proof that it does. However we should work to make the dream more achievable for everyone. Like many pointed out, we could use our taxes better, we can help those in need more, etc. We can always improve. But we don't do that, by throwing our hands up, saying everything is fucked, and worshiping a model that only works because of the very particular circumstances of a country that is Nothing like ours