Obviously for us (my wife and I) – The Rural American Dream is partly a brand, our very own farming/homesteading brand – TRAD (with caps). But, it doesn’t just end there. Soooo.. (question) – What exactly is the rural American dream? (no caps)

Before I can answer that, it would not be correct for me to proceed without first attempting to answer: What is the “American Dream” first? And only then (after having answered this question first) can I safely-proceed on, to talk about – the “rural American dream.”

As a foreigner, married to an American, I have noticed that the term “American dream” has (in my own personal eyes and opinion) seemingly “evolved” over the centuries. Some now consider it a “political phrase” of sorts. Which would not be good for us – TRAD, but I digress.

From what I have gathered, in 1931, an American writer and historian by the name James Truslow Adams published a book called The Epic of America. And (according to my very limited understanding of this great nation) that book is said (by some) to have popularized the phrase: The American Dream. I shan’t debate weather or not any of this is true, but I need to emphasize that the term “popularize” does not necessarily mean that the phrase “originated” from the book.

Some alternatively believe that this “dream” (the American Dream) has roots which stretch back to the time when European settlers first came ashore.

Still, what is the American dream?

Adams (mentioned above) stated that, this “idea or concept” is a social order in which, anyone (regardless of your circumstances of birth, or position, or any other fortuitous factors beyond one’s own control) you will be able to (in America) attain the fullest stature/success that you are innately capable of achieving. Despite your personal background, and upbringing.

His definition of “the American dream” (at that time) emphasizes social recognition, over material wealth. And, like I have stated at the beginning of this article – The actual definition slightly varies from generation to generation, and from one source to another.

But at its core, my understanding is this – The American dream, is a strongly-held belief (by some) that – here in America, if you can work as hard as you want, it is within your own power, to become great. You can acquire as much wealth as your efforts will allow, or you can drive the car you dream of… if… you are focused and disciplined enough to make it happen. Despite how, when, or where, you were born.

Some however, consider this dream to be – just a dream. Or, a thing of the past.

But others still take this “dream” very seriously. Even now.

Having 2.5 children

As stated before, it’s not possible to exhaust all of the definitions. This “dream” has been defined differently, from generation to generation. And even now, some will tell you that they do not believe in – the American dream, anymore.

At one point and time, the dream included a list of several specific asserts. And a family with 2.5 kids. Which (at that time) happened to be the average family size. Most people had 2 or 3 children, so the dream was average at 2.5 kids.

I think its now time for me to move on to the next phase of my blog post.

What is The Rural American Dream?

As aforementioned, the “rural American dream” can be categorized into two distinct parts. Mainly: the brand (usually capitalized) TRAD – The Rural American Dream.

And, the idea (no caps) – the rural American dream.

On this website, my wife and I are championing both – the brand, and the idea.

The idea behind the rural American dream:

• The rural American dream, is a concept in which an American can have a vast piece of land (to call his own). And there, within it, raise livestock, garden, or even hunt and fish. Within his or her own private property (living off the land) as best as his or her survival skills will allow
• This dream, is for those who yearn to rediscover traditional skills. Skills like hunting your own meat, or planting some of your own food (obviously you can not practically plant EVERYTHING that you desire to eat). Due to the overwhelming complexities of a modern diet, and other factors. But the dream still gives you the hope to plant, grow, and raise, as much food/meat as your skills and drive will allow.
• Like most “dreams” the rural American dream is also a bit challenging to put down onto paper. But, one of the key values within it include: freedom. And I do not mean “freedom” in its convoluted/abstract sense, no. I mean freedom, in its most practical… and most “tangible” sense! When your free-range hens lay a dozen eggs, can you not touch them, and feel them in your hands? In a very practical sense! Now, that’s part and parcel of the real freedom being discussed in this blog entry. Eggs you can eat!
• Family and community are some of the biggest pillars of this traditional concept! E.g. – sharing a meal together with family, or even neighbors. I can not over emphasize the importance of healthy family relations within the rural American dream, and The Rural American Dream.
• Now, I can go on and on about this dream… And still fail to capture it in its entirety. But allow me to add 1 more vital (yet simple) aspect of this aforementioned dream – heirloom seeds.

Heirloom seeds

Out of all the things that I can use to summarize “the rural American dream” nothing fits more perfectly than – heirloom seeds.

And, here is why I’m convinced – Unlike other (superficial seeds), proper heirloom seeds allow you to replant the seeds that you get from your harvest. Some modern crops nowadays, are either genetically modified to be seedless. Or, they have seeds that (if you take out and try to replant) will NOT germinate. Seeds that can not be passed down from generation to generation. Just like how farming was done, in the past. But nowadays (if you fail to practice your due diligence) you can easily walk into a seed shop, and end up with “genetically crippled” seeds.

Luckily, with heirloom seeds, you can take a crop/harvest from your field, and store-aside the seed.. and successfully replant those seeds again, in the future. Not all seeds can do that, after you harvest their crops… Now, I am not saying that EVERYONE should only use heirloom seeds, sometimes its not always feasible! But, if one wants to track back to our roots (as best as possible), heirloom seeds are a vital component of your rural emancipation. Your freedom from unhealthy dependencies.

The “freedom” and “food security” which is brought about by choosing to only farm heirloom seeds, is extremely liberating! In other words, everything that I have said about the rural American dream, is perfectly embodied in heirloom seeds.

The role of heirloom seeds within the rural American dream

Family/community – heirloom seeds are traditionally handed down from grandparents, to grand children. Or, within the community – between families. This traditional practice fits in perfectly with the modern values of TRAD.

Food security – As mentioned before, not all crops allows you to take their seeds, and replant them again. Natural seeds (heirloom seeds) allow that! Which means if preserved properly, you won’t need to keep buying seeds again. Unless your want to, and NOT because you HAVE TO. And, needless to say – that’s yet another aspect (freedom to grow and preserve the seeds) which fits in well with traditional homesteading.

In conclusion, welcome to The Rural American Dream. I think I have said enough for today. But, if you want to continue further with this discussion, feel free to comment below – Tafadzwa Tarumbwa.