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The American Dream Misinterpreted Summary

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Is the American Dream misinterpreted? Contrary to popular belief, the main focus in relation to the American Dream is all material. Frequently Americans have a dream based off of gaining material items rather than freedom and opportunity. People no longer have hopes and dreams but the desire to impress others. The American dream is not obtainable because people cannot make dreams into reality, individuals are greedy, and humans view material items too highly. Materialism is the main prevention as to why the American dream has changed, and is taking a toll for the worse. Information specialist, Lorie Johnson stated, “in order to be truly happy, Americans need to reject the false American dream and create their own version of
happiness.”(Johnson,5) …show more content…
People sometimes want the best rather than buying within an individual's needs. By buying what is desired alternatively than what is needed causes dysfunction and distraction from which is actually important. Psychiatrist and
Coppedge 2 neurologist, Peter Whybrow cautioned, “In an endless effort to acquire more, Americans have lost track of the original American dream founded in personal achievement. Instead of making
Americans happy, the acquisition of consumer goods and pursuit of wealth have left many dissatisfied.” (Whybrow, 2) The author is reassuring that material implements do not make one happy, but in fact leaves emptiness. People have consistently been proven to get disinterested with apparatuses. Materialism never ends but only the desire to gain more, which causes poverty and failure. If people would plan ahead for the future it would cause buying things of significance rather than the newest thing just to boast.
When trying to achieve one’s dreams frequently greed and selfishness get in the way of preventing the goal of being successful. Robert Atkinson, author and vice president of the
Progressive Policy Institute …show more content…
Leslie Davis, a columnist for Atlanta Mortgage Examiner mentions, “The concentration of wealth has also led to a concentration of political power.” (Davis) Davis is a making a point discussing that wealth is getting in the way of a prosperous society. Today one
Coppedge 3 cannot progress and be successful by the downfall of others greed. It is human nature to get ahead, but what is at stake? Princeton professor, Paul Krugman stated, “Our political leaders are doing everything they can to fortify class inequality, while denouncing anyone who complains.”
(Krugman,) Which clarifies that today’s government does not want anyone to gain fortune in distress of becoming a threat. This confirms that humans are greedy and do not want others to achieve which eventually hurts the economy. People feel the need to push others out of the way in order to achieve. Avarice today is preventing the economy from getting ahead.
Consistently individuals fall short of goals and dreams. One might exclaim the government has nearly made success nearly impossible. Researcher, Barbara J. Lipman explains,
“a growing number of working families are unable to afford adequate housing, and many others pay more than of their own income to secure housing.” (Lipman, 1) Lipman made a valid

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