...American Dream The term “American Dream” is used in a number of ways, but essentially the American Dream is an idea which suggests that all people can succeed through hard work, and that all people have the potential to live happy, successful lives. Many people have expanded upon or refined the definition of the American Dream, and this concept has also been subject to a fair amount of criticism. Many people believe that the structure of American society belies the idealistic goal of the American Dream, pointing to examples of inequality rooted in class, race, and ethnic origin which suggest that the American Dream is not attainable for all. The idea of an American Dream is older than the United States, dating back to the 1600s, when people began to come up with all sorts of hopes and aspirations for the new and largely unexplored continent. Many of these dreams focused on owning land and establishing prosperous businesses which would theoretically generate happiness, and some people also incorporated ideals of religious freedom into their American Dreams. During the Great Depression, several people wrote about an American Dream, codifying the concept and entrenching it in American society. For people who believe in the American dream, anything is attainable through hard work. The concept plays on the idea that American is a classless society, although it is obviously not, as any honest examination of the United States will reveal. The idealistic vision of the American Dream...
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...Savard English 101 1 April 2015 The American Dream In 1931, James Truslow Adams published a book titled "The Epic of America". He states that the American dream is a "dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." Throughout the years since publication, the American dream was something many families were able to achieve, that is until, perhaps, starting around 2008 when the "Great Recession" hit. Many Americans lost their jobs due to the country's fourth-largest investment bank going bankrupt. There was a job shortage, many Americans were laid-off, income was falling, and poverty was rising. Seven years have passed and slowly America has been recovering, but has it recovered enough for the American dream to be alive? For the average American the dream is perhaps a owning a house, car, children, a stay at home parent, medical insurance, vacations, and savings for retirement along with savings for college tuition. In today's society, the American dream is unobtainable because a stay at home parent is rare, bills are a struggle to pay for, vacations are rarely taken, most are not able to save for retirement because of debt, and many college students have to work while in school to pay off their college tuition. The American dream is in fact alive, but out of reach for the average American. In the article "7 facts that show the American Dream is Dead", Eskow states, "There was a...
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...The American Dream 1. In text no. 2, Arnold Schwarzenegger has written a comment in the U.S. News & World Report. The American dream is interpreted as something you make yourself worthy for. Schwarzenegger came from Austria to the States in 1983, hoping to fulfill his dreams, instead of becoming a police officer like his father. Schwarzenegger succeeded, especially in his acting-career, but also in his political career. Today he is the governor of California. But there wasn’t anything given to him for free. According to this text, he had to work very hard to accomplish these achievements. In line 13 he writes that “Hard work and determination” was what it took for him to be successful. Schwarzenegger is very humble, when it comes to moving and adjusting to a new country, and he claims that it’s important that immigrants give something back, when they receive so much. Text no. 3 is an article from Yahoo! Finance. It has a much more negative/pessimistic point of view about the American Dream and the time we live in. Anya Kamenetz, the author of this article, supports her opinions on surveys and studies. For instance she found out that once people earn more than $50,000 a year, their level of happiness does not rise with the money they earn, as it should, according to the general idea of the American Dream (page 7, line 17). The last text is called “Is the American Dream still possible?”, and as the name of it indicates, it’s written with doubtfulness. David Wallechinsky...
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...Instructor: Jiang Xiying 2011.5.29 American Dream At the very beginning of movie "The legend of 1900", several words --" He'd look up for a second. A quick glance out to sea and he'd see her. Then he'd just stand there rooted to the spot, his heart racing. And every time every damn time, I swear, he'd turn to us, towards the ship, towards everybody and scream. America!"-- was said to portray how exciting a man felt when he first saw America. It is the "American Dream", as we all know, that keeps attracting different people from different countries to chase their dreams in America. James Truslow Adams once defined the American Dream in 1931, " life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The meaning of the American Dream, however, does not remain the same over the course of history. Nowadays the American Dream, despite its contribution to building a cohesive American experience, has been blamed for over-inflated expectations, because it has done nothing to improve the situation in which the working class is hard to get ahead. Therefore a issue has been raised: Do we still need American Dream? This issue over whether the American Dream is dead is complex and controversial, and different people may hold different views due to their distinct backgrounds. As far as I am concerned, I believe that the American Dream is as significant as it was before. ...
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...The American Dream “the widespread belief that, by hard work and individual enterprise, even the most poor and lowly Americans can achieve economic success, a better way of life and enhanced social status in a land of immense opportunity (Watts).” Ragged Dick is really about rising from rags to respectable not rags to riches. I view that Dick is an exceptional character showing that true grit to get what he wants even if its almost out of reach, which shows “The American dream” is something you have to work for. Dick has all the qualities of someone who could achieve his goals with hard work. Dick is a young man who has lived on his own for years, meeting Mr. Whitney changed how Dick viewed people and life. How could a man Dick did not even know have faith in him to appreciate a new suit and not ask for anything in return? But when thinking how “The American Dream” is viewed in Dick’s eyes he sees it as having respect from all and when he is in a suit he receives the respect from his elders. Throughout the book you hear Dick use words such as “bully” when describing something that is very good. In the time that Dick and Mr. Whitney are together you find that Dick starts to show his real thoughts on what he wants to do in the future, which shows that Dick does have a “dream” in a way. When Dick meets Mr. Whitney’s nephew Frank they bond while Dick shows him around New York. During this time Dick discovers that being a boot black is not something he has to do for the rest of...
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...century, America was looked upon by the world as the superpower and dream continent where people’s visions came true. America became the melting pot of world and all the cultures of the world met here. There was a thirst for fame, power and money. This opened a door of commercialisation of the society. Many people became greedy and inhuman in their pursuit of fame and money. A famous essayist, Bacon is of the view, “Certainly fame is like a river that beareth up things light and swoln, and drowns things weighty and solid.” (Of Praise 133) Instead of a healthy competition and right path towards success, many were blinded by the materialistic aspect of life. American society also saw mushrooming of commercilisation and competition among the section of people, who were ready to sacrifice anything and everything for power and fame. This destroyed their family life and career. One of the most dominant beliefs of American society goes by the name of “the great American dream”. This concept is based on the doctrine of self-help, which assumes that a person having self-confidence and self-initiation can rise from a lower to a higher position. This doctrine is mostly highlighted by referring to famous personalities like Benjamin Franklin and John Garfield, who became role models for the posterity. Though many benefited by aiming high goals in their lives, a section of people attached false notion to the American dream. They became fervent believers of the romantic concept that anyone...
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...English 1101 14 January 2016 The American Dream The “American dream” is what we all strive for. Immigrants come to the States in hopes of trying to achieve their dreams and better themselves for their families. But in all honesty what is the American dream? It was once said that you could come to America and go from rags to riches; you could come with nothing and achieve everything. So, is the so-called “American dream” dead, alive, on hold, or is the definition of the said dream changing? This has been a searing topic and a widely debated discussion since the recession started. Brandon King seems to think the American dream is in fact alive and is simply just changing it’s meaning due to our economic hardships. He “would redefine the American Dream today as the potential to work for an honest, secure way of life and save for the future” (611). King believes now people are tolerable with a middle-class lifestyle and just want to have a stable employment. To him, the American dream is very much alive; it’s just morphing and changing the meaning due to prolonged economic circumstances. King uses logos to adapt a form of credibility and prove he is knowledgeable. He quotes study after study and provides statistics from the year 2005 to 2010 which all makes his argument very convincing. King starts both ethos and logos for the essay when he gives a background for the American dream. “The original term ‘American Dream’ was coined during the Great Depression...
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...Interpretation When I hear “American Dream” I immediately think of having opportunities to achieve every one’s individual goal that they have for their life and where they want to end up. For many years, the United States has been a symbol of freedom and opportunity around the entire world. Also, the dream has represented a idea and ultimate goal that people had in terms of where they wanted to be in life. This dream included having a family, a house, a job, etc. for many years and is still a dream for many today; however, the “American Dream” can also incorporate other aspirations as well and can be much more flexible in terms of what is considered an “American Dream”. Similar to the individuals being interviewed within the New York Times...
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...What is the American Dream and can it even be defined as one thing or is it a giant topic. The American dream has caused many debates and conversations around the country and the world. Something has to attract immigrants to the country every year in the thousands. My vision of the American Dream is that you can get what you want by working hard with what little you have. Similar to Greg Awtry’s quote “The American Dream is achieving prosperity through hard work”. Most Americans want money without the work they only want to get and not give, but a bridge that does not give to certain conditions will break. Our nation is greedy our dreams consist of becoming rich and doing what we want. My dream is to become a professional...
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...The American dream is an ideology steeped in the idea of meritocracy. It perpetuates the idea that sheer determination and hard work unequivocally equates to opportunities, success and economic stability. However, based on the accurate and overly used cliche, “the rich gets richer,” the American dream is only obtainable and achievable for a small percentage of Americans. As a result, the individuals that are excluded from obtaining the American dream are considered the “working poor”. Currently, based on the expanding income inequality and stagnate wage growth in the United States, the working poor categories a larger portion of American citizens. The deepening financial straits of the working poor have revitalized the war on poverty. Poverty...
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...Death of the American Dream What is the “American Dream”? Does everybody have the same dream; does everybody want the same thing? Does everyone who tries for his or her dream achieve it? This unit we have read and discussed different literature that has dealt with aspects of the “American Dream”. Two of those texts that have had the most impact on me personally and my vision of my dream were “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller and “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These two pieces of literature deal with aspects of each of the main characters pursuit of what they feel is their “American Dream”. It’s safe to say that both of these depictions end in a sorrowful way; with both of the main characters realizing that their dream won’t be fulfilled. Both of these authors show how the typical American Dream of having wealth and glory won’t bring one true contentment; it is this aspect of the “American Dream” that both of the main characters of the stories strive to attain. It seems that with every greedy aspiration for the “American Dream” comes unfulfilled lives and missed experiences; for this is what happens to Dexter Green in “Winter Dreams” and Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman”. The two texts portray the false determinations and unrealistic visions that can plague a man or woman with a strong thirst for the “American Dream” and end up leading a person to the edge of destruction. This thirst for the “American Dream” can blind someone from recognizing...
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...What Is the American Dream? America is a nation that was established by groups of people who sought liberty, equality and opportunity to start their new life. These people were known for their “the American dreams”. The Oxford Dictionary defines the American dream as “the ideal by which “equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved”. As the definition states, it is an ideal for American, but it has much more meaning than just an ideal. The American dream is the most significant base of American ideology, and it is the driving force that made America today. The American dream was originated by those who sought for freedom. The Puritans were a group of people who had left their...
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...The American Dream will never truly have a solid definition; it is ever evolving, molding into a new meaning as society develops and changes. It is like a fire; ever turning in one way or another; impossible to grasp, but yet never changing its basic identity. Throughout its history, the United States has endured many trials and obstacles. These trials have changed the way American citizens view the Dream’s preliminary ideals. Regardless of its history and the people involved in its development, America’s dream will always be—at the very least— loosely based on the principles upon which it was founded—those of life, liberty, and the endless pursuit of happiness. When the United States was initially founded in the late 1700’s, it was viewed as a pioneering wilderness; an escape where a person was free to believe what he or she wanted without opposition. Indeed, a home where people could start a new life, free from the pressures of religion and the government they bore in the lands they came from. Over time, others began to hear of this great new land and they too sought after this dream of freedom. These people saw America as a beacon which gave them hope of a new life. The interpretation of the American Dream has evolved over time. Conflicts have arisen, injustice has spread, and many have been martyrs as a result of the Dream that they believed in. For instance, in the 1800s, it was the white Southern man’s Dream to own slaves and property. The black man, however, had a very...
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...November 2015 What Is The American Dreams? Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a book written by Hunter S. Thompson published in the year 1971. The book is a reflection of American politics during Thompson’s time. It is written with the author (Thompson) as the main character, but he uses a fictional name to avoid repercussions and allow for more artistic license. The book takes place in the early 1970s and the main character, Raoul Duke, is sent to Las Vegas to write an article on the 4th annual “Mint Race 400” buggy race. Under the advice of his lawyer (Dr. Gonzo) both drive out to Las Vegas on a nonstop LSD and mescaline trip. Unfortunately, Duke and Gonzo engage themselves in an adventure of the lifetime. Somehow things go berserk and both of them end up abandoning work and engaging in an experience that involves disparaging everyone around them. The obvious theme of the book is The American Dream. Thompson wrote a lot about the American Dream and just like most people, he believed in the American Dream. Hunter S. Thompson portrays the American Dream as illusionary, as there are some places where he says that the American Dream is about money. The American Dream is a phrase which is heard, at some point, by most people today and the meaning has been understood since the founding of America. The definition of the American Dream appears to be different for most people, depending on their views. Probably the most accepted explanation of the American Dream is that it “is an idea...
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...The Deceit of The American Dream in The Great Gatsby Many strive for success through strenuous amounts of hard work and dedication. However, once this success is achieved, they are still unhappy. In the 1920s, the majority of people had one dream to achieve particularly the American Dream. In essence, the American Dream is the idea of anyone being able to achieve success if they put in a lot dedication and hard work. The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic twentiethcentury story that revolves primarily around the theme of the American Dream. The characters of Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby and Myrtle Wilson are prime examples of characters who represent this theme. The Great Gatsby gives a vivid peek into the lives of Americans who live the American Dream, and proves it to be rather a deceptive fallacy. This deceit results in the downfall of many characters within the novel as they try to obtain the unachievable goal of the American Dream. Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent what many lowerclass citizens in the U.S. strive to be: wealthy and highstatus socialites. This facade is what tricks many into thinking that the American Dream results in a greater and happier life. However, Tom and Daisy’s happiness only goes so far. Apart from being successful, this couple encounters many debacles both within and out of their marriage. Like many who live in East Egg, Tom came from a wealthy family and made sure he stayed that way...
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