giving up the American Dream is hard.

[@ShermanWilliamsVideo]

I'm a Gen X black man. I gave up on that dream a long time ago. If my bills are paid my belly is full and I have time to work on my art, I'm a success. I'll never be rich and I don't want to do the things it takes to be rich, I want to be happy.

[@inspiredbykindness4699]

Amen. I too feel the same.

[@SpooksMcGhie]

Facts! But happiness is fleeting I think peace is the goal for me

[@queenbee4350]

Girl, I get so tired of this system. There are people in this country that believe people don't have a right to decent healthcare. You have to hustle to have the right not to die. How sick is this system that we are okay with people dying because they don't have the kind of nice job that affords them stellar health insurance. Don't get me started on the fact that this country is okay with people being priced out of housing. We blame and condemn people because they can't keep up in this crazy system that is designed for a whole lot of us to fail.

[@inspiredbykindness4699]

Amen. I work a job just to have access to affordable health insurance.

[@SailorSlay]

It’s sickening. Everyone has a right to medicine, to housing, to truly live. There’s enough for everyone to have enough and live with dignity. But ppl like Jeff Bezos hoard resources so they can go to space while t he or workers starve. #eattherich

[@artavialineszy9453]

Girl your words keep me grounded. I’m studying Africana History. The more I learn the more I want to disassociate and float away from the pain. I thank God for you and this channel.

[@stasiabanto6055]

Any recommendations on personal favourite resources?

[@chelseaap]

Same. Absolutely Same. I dont know what its about her words that make me feel so in agreement and in alignment with her words and myself. Its real can be overwhelming, but also necessary because it describes reality in a way that I've never been able to put into words. Also her tone, and rhythm to me seems like she's in those old school r and b songs where she's trying to drop knowledge on a man I know.... and she's like sis.....he ain't worth it. Love her presentation style.

[@DJKadilac]

As a Retiree who lives comfortably, I no longer desire to HUSTLE, I’m blessed and don’t need any more material things. I enjoy my relaxation and time more than anything! 💯

[@Kat3369]

I started grieving for the American dream about 7 years ago for being exceptional bat my job and the powers that be thought I was coming for theirs. I am over all of it because not only do you have to work twice as hard, but they change the rules of the game in the middle of the game. I am now working on leaving the US. #OverIt

[@psterling4321]

I quit my job in August. I was exhausted. I chose my peace. I choose rest. I refuse to work a 9-5 ever again. But poverty is a crime in the US. And incarceration is a business.

[@mxbvibes]

Love hearing your words. Make me feel less alone in my thinking. 😌🙏🏽

[@AleciaRenece]

*BIG HUGS* You are definitely not alone at all. Much love and joy to you!

[@LifeAs_Kiki]

You preaching!!! I can’t stand when people say “you choose to be poor” that’s some bs. I grew up poor and I know that my mom didn’t choose that

[@npkandi]

I'm a older lady. I'm on disability now. I relate to what you are saying. Keep on your own path...

[@lightuponlight6727]

Alecia, you're on point again. I had this exact same experience. "Who am I, without this job, this title, material things, etc?" My whole identity came into question. And I think this is the point. A beloved spiritual teacher of mine once said "This false world needs to fracture, becoming dissatisfying and painful otherwise you will never reach beyond it to search for the truth." This world is constructed of illusions and illusions will never satisfy the children of God. Divine Truth is what gives us meaning, purpose. power, freedom and life. Blessings

[@changes649]

The truth of the matter is, we have become the overseers of this system. Whether the system is oppression or capitalism. It is also hard to have this conversation with others is difficult. Because they believe the lie. Me personally, I am not grieving, I am healing.

[@twistedbabydoll85]

Same here! 🤗 I agree!

[@dragonimagination1947]

Please lets talk about the 'credit' system and how is used.

[@tashafierce6857]

Another good video! We need to come together and love on each other as black women because no one else will!

[@inspiredbykindness4699]

Amen💖💖💖💖, many people love us though. Many of us don't know how to accept and receive love.

[@shinmirah8129]

Hustle culture is in the church on Sunday and it was celebrated the night before. The whole family is then indoctrinated that way and it has become common at family reunions and bbqs!!! That is one reason I dont like weekends at times and holidays with my relatives. It is very overwhelming and discouraging!!!

[@LifeAs_Kiki]

Girl you said something!!!!!!!!! Especially about the getting a bunch of degrees to get a hand clap

[@notthatvashti8127]

The American dream was not created for Black folks. We have been denied this venture at every turn, so grieving it has never been an issue for me as an adult. As a child I often wondered why my family did not have what we needed to live a satisfactory life, but as an adult I realize that none or at the least most of what is practiced in this country has been created for my benefit. Capitalism only truly works for those who have means, not those who don't. I take that knowledge and I use it to live as fully as I possibly can. Don't waste too many tears on it. Keep your faith in God and he will make a way for you! Thanks for your most enlightening thoughts!

[@SylviaSmith_53Brend]

Lady, you make so much sense

[@TheRepatDiaries]

Omg “healing exhausting” girl don’t make me throw my shoe at you 🤣 I mean lord how much more is gonna come up for me to transmute! I’m transmuting from the early 1400s or feels at this point. Jeeeeeezuuuuuuussssssss!

[@TheChandraLashae]

This message resonated with my life experience because it took me 12 years to get my degree and I was embarrassed to tell people I graduated because of how long it took and I was ashamed.

[@AleciaRenece]

I am so proud of you 🎊💐🌺💛 congratulations, Sis. You did the thing! Much love and joy to you!

[@tiara2crown]

I’m a new subscriber and I love your content! The “American Dream” never really sat right with me because of the many systems in place that you mentioned that keep many of us from having a true work-life balance in order to even obtain it. I agree with you on the “work hard” theory. I do not wanna hustle, bustle, and grind myself into the mud to be successful despite what we’ve been conditioned to believe for so many years. I personally can say that not because I’m lazy and don’t have work ethic, but because I’ve been that person to go above, beyond, and then some for a company without the proper raises or acknowledgment. We burn ourselves out for companies who couldn’t care less. A lot of my family members also revere the “benefits” of a full-time job. Reduced healthcare is nice but at this point I’d rather work for myself and plan to afford it without spending 40+ hours at someone’s else’s company helping them to profit. Like you said, there’s other ways and options and we do not have to follow the road most popularly traveled.

[@defone51]

That us why we need black women and black men to understand their roles and formulate households...men were meant to get out here and compete. Women are tired because they are competing in spaces that were never intended. The natural order has been broken and now this woman is not covered and exposed to all the ills of capitalism. Lets ensure that we also incorporate that as part of the conversation.

[@doll.ov.poetrii4682]

💯

[@raeahthewriter8082]

Idk how the KZbin algorithm knew I needed your channel but I’m so glad it did

[@nonnieJ94]

When you said you found your worth in who God told you who are and who to be that was such a powerful message and I think it helps getting through the grieving process

[@jayceechester]

So I am not the only one grieving this shit 😭 wild. Thank you for this - I had a total mental breakdown after losing the job I placed my worth in.

[@AleciaRenece]

You are not alone at ALL! I went through the same thing.

[@bjchaney7422]

Let's talk about the African-American urge to flock to the "black meccas" and helping inflate the cost of living.

[@nekaylasmith]

God bless you sister

[@chitchat1212]

Thank you for this conversation. I’ve been having this exact conversation with myself. It’s crazy that we have to work so hard for things that should be free. Healing does hurt but it’s necessary.

[@db.teezy.]

Yeah I have these same questions. I wish I could change the “why” we have to work to live. But we can’t. The best way is to not give up.

[@chelseaap]

19:13 the real question is why we live in neighborhoods full of people we don't know and expected to come together as "communities." To challenge a system who has more resources and knowledge to break bonds of strength: between each other and between ourselves. Change may start with in but the outer work and inner work are both heavy loads.

[@janellbazile782]

I stepped down from an executive position because there was no rest. My phone, email and subordinates were a constant disruption. Not to mention those meetings that did nothing but waste time. I am at a place where all I want to do is come to work, do my tasks and go home. I am putting it in the universe for me to be able to drastically reduce my work schedule and just rest and bask in my peace. As you said, the more you do, the more is expected and for what? I just want to be at peace. Thank you for confirming that I'm not crazy!

[@BRANDNEW715]

I love this !!!! Your voice and message are so calming and soothing...

[@AleciaRenece]

Awwww! Thank you so much 🙂 that is so sweet!

[@everythingispolitics6526]

Great epi as always. If you haven't already, consider checking out a KZbinr by the name of Diallo Kenyatta - I think you'll like his conscious and revolution@ry content. Ignorance is really a bliss, for real, for real. Since I've embarked/embraced this journey of conscious awakening, it's processing grief as been a recurring theme. And as painful as the process may be sometimes, I'm glad I've been honouring my emotions/thoughts. It's been healing and transformative. I find myself asking way more questions, seeing contradictions and human flaws, our cowardice and indifferent to suffering of others (including some Black folks). There's sooooo much layer of grief and introspective work that takes place. The shedding process - I like to call it. And when done alone, in the absence of a supportive and understanding community/connection, it can feel like hell. I came to understand what existential depression means (cuz God knows, there's no way to live in these insane and dehumanising systems and not suffer from some form of mental health anguish). As a Black Woman, I'm constantly forced to face the existential threat that we as a group are constantly subjected to and how our mere existence is literally seen as a threat by SOOOO many. I worry about the parent raising children in the midst of this mess and worsening climate crisis, etc. It's A LOT. Ignorance is a bliss and I understand why most folks don't embark in this journey - but at what price? Being a passive participant of a system that's literally destroying the life-force of this planet - they'd rather live in oblivion/perpetual state of denial, delusion and distortions. A real shame.

[@radj8576]

You are a beautiful soul, so articulate and clear. I'm a fan. A 59 year old white guy. I could listen to you express yourself all day. Please consider running for some office. We need a new system, no doubt. Keep on talking ❤

[@negusx8806]

Since my awakening I often wonder am I socially retarded or am I simply a bit avant-garde. It does my sol great to see you youtubers with established platforms waking up to these ideas, but more importantly, sharing them with your respective audiences. Once again you hit ALL THE POINTS- the illusion of success, the proliferation of free labor (I work at Amazon and I bet they wont pay me per package I touch instead of these hourly scraps), devaluing others based on financial status, the fallacy of hustle culture, the BRAINWASHING smh. Sis you are so on point with everything you mentioned, however, I have a particular appreciation of your point regarding SELF WORTH and how these CYSTems are designed to destroy it. For centuries they have domesticated us, molding us into precisely what they need to thrive, CONSUMERS!!! Are you aware that HOME OWNERSHIP became a thing simply because the banks needed a reason to lend money. And now they survive off of FRACTIONAL RESERVE LENDING. I love your ENERGY/SPIRIT my sister. You have a new subscriber

[@jaetok]

There are people hired to work outside at a gate to guard you from entrance into more outside.

[@Respectful_Reactions]

Hi Alecia...if you ever come to Arizona...please reach out to me.

[@YANAMization]

Thank you. I went broke in my twenties trying to be successful and have businesses. I could've own 10 properties by now if I didn't buy into these ideas.

[@changes649]

Your channel is so refreshing.

[@SamSarabi]

Very well articulated.

[@ShutterSpeedGaming]

This was beautifully spoken. You have a beautiful mind. Things definitely need to change for the better.

[@Wellmama30]

Alecia, your words are affirming sister. peace to you

[@jamillahbrooks597]

SPEAK!!SAY WHAT YOU WANT MY LOVE!!!SPEAK !SPEAK! WELL SAID IN LOVE COMES TRUTH🤗

[@tenzinlek1262]

I am an immigrant and I don’t want to partake in chasing after the American dream. The Corporatjon get my cheap labor but I am not going to let them waste my life trying to get things that suppose to say I am successful. I am successful when I am healthy and kind to myself and others.

[@AleciaRenece]

I know that's right! I'm here for that! Much love and joy to you!!!

[@sarranataiwo4380]

Alecia thank you so much for all the work you’re doing, I’m so happy you’re on this platform and you speak your unfiltered truth

[@wout123100]

bravo bravo wish you all the best, greetings form the netherlands

[@enigmathegrayman2953]

I found your channel while watching Timothy Ward in the video recommendations, glad I did.

[@JoeyAfrika]

The Amerikkkan dream was an Amerikkkan nightmare!

[@SincerelyxGabby]

Your videos let me know I’m not alone in how I feel, thank you 🙏🏽💕 glad I found your channel today 🙌🏾

[@justzee1574]

I'm 50, and I've been chasing th AD and I'm lost. I'm in sticky mud and don't know what to do to walk away. Thanks for sharing and showing understanding.

[@JournalingWithJuJu]

You're sooo real and authentic in your thoughts. Its so refreshing!! Love you and your channel and your podcast so much

[@terrancestumbrice4640]

Very well said

[@soulshine3288]

As a person who has always questioned everything, I applaud you, I’ve come to a lot of the same conclusions. Thank you for doing these videos👏🏽🤎

[@cristiful1O1]

Truth is everywhere in the video. It''s as if you read my thoughts on capital and the hustle. I'm planning to start a website to address the madness head-on like you. Also, thank you for reminding me I'm enough even if I don't make millions from it. I still want money, but there's no point hustling for it if I'm feeling dead inside. I love what you say in previous videos about strategy and working for everyone's benefit. I'm optimistic that equity is coming even though the evidence is weak right now.

[@QMicAnticsallday]

We really believed in the dream. Its like being in a relationship with someone who is treacherous but you thought they were honest. Finding out it was all lie, all you believed and invested your heart and thoughts into was a lie. It will definitely lead you to mourn.

[@capriceharris2430]

You are a very intelligent woman !

[@smokeyhat]

Great content. Your videos are on point.

[@truthiscensored]

In Marketing the product can be 1)a physical product 2) A service 3) an Idea Of these 3 the biggest type of product sold is the IDEA...the idea that you can do/be _____...and the whole world chase the idea and even buy the physical products and services to achieve the idea... It is all one big never ending cycle

[@j.namwen.97]

You spitting truth and you’ve gained a new subscriber. Much love

[@AleciaRenece]

Awwww! Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. 💛🌺

[@LinguistAmbie]

This was a wonderful video 💕🌸 thanks 🙏🏾

[@Brother_TD]

Thank you for this introspective video that we need. A reality check our ppl need that’s long overdue. Ecclesiasticus 29:21 The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.

[@truthiscensored]

The reason they call it the American Dream is because you have to be asleep to believe it. George Carlin

[@rovondahargrett4425]

Thank you for articulating this so perfect.

[@twistedbabydoll85]

I love your channel so much!

[@AleciaRenece]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this! 😊💛

[@truthiscensored]

True Credit is a scam. I applied for a 2 loans ($5k and $20K) when my FICO scores from 3 Bureaus were 770, 767, and 739...100% payment on time, low debt ratio, etc They declined me on both loans and dropped my Fico scores almost 100 points!!!! Overnight I went from Great Credit to Fair Credit rating...WTF? But here is the kicker, I get several emails saying "Taking out a loan could raise your Credit scores". The irony

[@kimberlyjames4648]

Love You Alecia!!!

[@msteach3082]

I struggled financially for years after I reached the “ineligibility” phase of receiving cash assistance and food-stamps. I was still poor, but not poor enough to qualify for assistance. The whole poverty guideline is such a scam. If a family earns as little as $500 a year over the government determined guideline they aren’t even included in the data, thus making it appear that poverty isn’t as huge a problem as it really is.

[@twistedbabydoll85]

I feel your pain.

[@SpooksMcGhie]

I like your videos thank you

[@1kblanco]

I definitely was waiting on this live

[@Lanae8199]

Great video. I would loved to have had you on my podcast about “The American Dream ”but I never heard back from you. If you’re interested it is a available on all major streaming platforms including my KZbin channel. It is called “Authentically Us.”

[@willlantion6096]

Wow sis you are awake in the 95% of black folks are not this is why you are going to get a lot of backlash I’m a black man I don’t look at football basketball and then white people come up to me and start talking about sports I’ll start talking about black history particularly the black history that got us put in Bondage by not following the Commandments in the statue from the most high

[@LifeAs_Kiki]

Thanks for shouting me out! 😍🥹🫶🏽

[@hosannayeshua]

I left it right on behind. Living in a new country for the past few years. It's oppressive.

[@AleciaRenece]

Yeeeeeeeeeeees!!! You are GOALS! I'm sending you so much love and joy!

[@CommunitySage]

Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom. There are a lot of things I’ve learned about capitalism, imperialism, white supremacy and the patriarchy…like you said-it’s been exhausting…but thankfully I’ve always asked why-though “why” didn’t save me from everything I’m always shocked at the people who don’t ask why…

[@1ejordan]

I feel this.

[@Keywellness]

Speaking my language, did you work at Applebees in Lithonia? Don’t have to answer that but idk if it’s I know you in person or it’s just a spiritual resonance happening! Love your videos ❤️❤️❤️

[@SailorSlay]

You are such a blessing

[@NotYurStar]

Needed to find this at this time!

[@pastorprosecco6429]

❤❤❤

[@JoeyAfrika]

Great video sister

[@medusaslocoasisathome9142]

Gm y’all

[@hotelhonda3308]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Brother_TD]

> 7:15 < What our ppl need to ask themselves.

[@queenquan]

Hello I hope all is well. Can you please share the name of the person from Twitter you was talking about? I want to try to find them on instagram

[@negusx8806]

The American Dream... You dream when you're asleep. ITS TIME TO RISE FROM YOUR SLUMBER.

[@enterlematrix]

Subscribed. ☀

[@Brother_TD]

> 15:20 < … because of Capitalism, we are paying ppl to access resources that God created.

[@justzee1574]

Making people pay for what's earth resources water oil etc.

[@Brother_TD]

Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

[@AleciaRenece]

Thank you so much for sharing this scripture! Yeeeeeeeeeees! 💛💛💛

[@Brother_TD]

@@AleciaRenece I figured that was the one you were referencing. Was it??

[@DerekFullerWhoIsGovt]

There is truth in the lie🦁 18:19 👏😵👏

[@Be_Elightened19]

it's called the American Dream because you have to be sleep to achieve it

[@ogremgtow990]

Survive Divorce Court and see how much men loose.

[@AleciaRenece]

*sigh* 🙄

[@Aquariuswonder86]

@@AleciaRenece girl I know smh

[@db.teezy.]

Preaching inadequacy is crazy 😂 leave your kids something. We live in a first world country. U can’t take this mindset into nature. If u don’t hunt for food u don’t eat. That’s the “gold star”. Animals are competitive in their nature. Mating dances & fighting etc.

[@AleciaRenece]

That's obviously not what I'm preaching... I'm reminding you to love yourself and love others... You missed it.

[@hymnodyhands]

What you are describing is MALE nature in an environment in which choice and various ways of making an income don't exist ... but people who are in the investment class and are successful with mature businesses OR or minimalists who can stretch available resources don't live like that even in the U.S. Put another way: even in the economy, some hunt, and some farm...

[@ShuminaGmail]

I love this so much. Thank you. You're speaking the language of my heart.

[@ExquisiteKinkyCoils]

👏🏾🙌🏾😁 Well said. There are many fantastic points made in this video. Thank you Alecia Renece.

[@DeJhaJoy]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾