Week 9 Buddhism yes or no?

Do you think it is possible to live according to this teaching in the contemporary United States? Is there a conflict between what Buddhism teaches, and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society? What are your thoughts on this?

Buddhists believe that in order for us to free ourselves from suffering itself, we must first control our desires and cravings. Personally I have questions about this approach, especially in the United States. My answer for this question will be based on relationships, as we are all aware of them and how they affect our everyday lives. Divorce rates are higher in North America globally and expose those like myself to become insecure when in a relationship. The lust for the significant other and the need for comfort lie within all couples, thus forcing our desires and needs to control us. A Buddhist would enlighten us by telling us that in order to completely rid ourselves of these potential hazardous emotions, we need to remove them from within us. In today’s day and age, I don’t know how that’s possible. If you have even been hurt, and according to polls mostly everyone has had a rough relationship, then you know how much you would actually expect from your partner; especially if it was that one person that hurt you. Although relationships are the most effective way of demonstrating how the teachings of Buddhism conflicts with our society, it is not the only reason we should doubt whether it’s possible to live accordingly to the Buddhists way of life. As a college student with an active social life, I tend to get frustrated when my assignments pile up. Many times I feel as if I am no longer connected to the outside world, especially when my week consist of two to three hours of socializing and five to six hours of sleep per day. Indeed I am suffering and am in need of a resolution; however, discontinuing my education would seem ridiculous but would end my suffering. I wonder how a Buddhist would approach this problem or this type of suffering.

Buddhism encourages us to set aside our desires and more or less, our ambitions. I have always been told that it’s important to have goals in life if there’s any chance I would want to live comfortably. Buddhism wants us to believe that these goals or desires that we have are doing us more harm by growing them. How can I possibly not build an ambition and hope to become successful? Society is America, and especially in New York, is demanding and there are always people to laugh when you quit halfway. For example, before I started college, I wanted to work in the HVAC industry because it promised a good salary and a comfortable life. Throughout the years of my technical career, I have grown to dislike that job due to the amount of bills that piled up at the end of the month. Basically I was working to pay the bill and I no longer was able to take a day off or just relax. The demanding society cancelled my previous goal and put me back at first base. I then decided I would earn an associate degree and be able to work a little more money so I can finally have a day to myself. The goal escalated as I started school and thought further on what how I would be more comfortable if I got a bachelor’s degree. So now that I’m moving into a phase that could eliminate my suffering; I’m also acquiring additional suffering. How would a Buddhist solve this problem, especially when society can be so demanding?