I don't think so. I think there's nothing unique about this thing called the "American dream". I've lived in a couple of countries outside the US and have travelled extensively. I can't think of many people who don't strive to improve their lives, provide for their families, own a home, perhaps own a business and, generally speaking, have a good life without worries, health or financial problems. This is not an idea rooted in the US at all.
How do you achieve these things? Well, should these things be handed to you by a government? Well, that's not going to happen anywhere in the world. You have to work for these things. That doesn't mean hard labor. That means that you have to focus on what it is you want and lay out a course through which you can reach those goals. No matter where you put your finger on the globe this requires determination, lots of work and focus. It might mean going to a vocational school, college or university to learn something in preparation. It could mean saving money for years in order to open a small business. It could mean learning how to find people who will invest in your vision. It could mean dedicating every free moment you have to slowly inch towards your goals. It could mean a million different things. None of which are unique to Americans or the United States.
A lot of Americans have this myopic ego-centric view of the universe. I don't know of anyone who's been exposed to a variety of cultures and ideas who things this way. There are brilliant and exceptional individuals all over the world. Not one of them succeeds without a solid dedication to a vision. Not one of them succeeds because the State drives them to succeed. Not one of them advances in life because they waste their lives away watching TV, playing video games and hanging out on Facebook all day. Those who do succeed work hard. With "hard" not necessarily being defined as "hard physical work" but rather an intense and sustained focus and dedication to what it is they want out of life despite their current circumstances and station in life.
