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American Identity: The American Dream

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American Identity “I have spent my whole life judging between American reality and the American dream,” Bruce Springsteen once remarked. The idea of the great American dream has continuously evolved through the years and has shifted away from the original meaning of living the American dream. Today, people feel the need to live in a well-groomed neighborhood, come home from a 9 to 5 job to a family, have at least two cars per household, and have plenty of money to retire into his or her golden years, all in order to claim they are living the age old American dream. Has it always been like that? Is the dream stated above necessarily needed to be reached in order to life a prosperous life or is taking away the original meaning of what it was
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“The original term ‘American Dream’ was coined during the Great Depression by James Truslow Adams, who wrote that the American dream ‘is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability and achievement, regardless of social class or circumstances of birth’ ” (573). He then addresses the views of liberal economists and activists, who think the American dream is dead, using facts from a survey done in 2009 by the New York Times. Essentially, the “survey found that 72 percent of Americans still believed it was possible to start poor, work hard, and become rich in America” (573).

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The American Dream has a different meaning from what it once was, but according to Brandon King it is still alive. His beginning question, “What is the true state of the so-called ‘American Dream’ today” (Page #610, Para. #1) appeals to his audience’s own thoughts of his or her own personal beliefs for their futures. Most people have an idea of what they want in life, and their dream may not be the rags to riches dream of yesteryear, but is uniquely theirs.

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It is with extreme pleasure that I write this letter of reference for Ms. Sara Cathcart. Sara is an extremely hard working, caring individual, who is an exceptional student athlete, involved in student governance, and most importantly, a wonderful person. Sara is currently in her grade twelve year. Sara is a unique individual. Sara is an intense young lady who is passionate about all that she does.

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808 Words | 4 Pages

Since the beginning of time in the United States, the idea of the American Dream has had a heavy influence on society. According to Document C, American Dream is defined as earning enough money to be happy, obtaining a worry-free lifestyle, and running in a high social circle. While working Americans still hold on to the hope of the American Dream, individuals from other countries often move to the United States with the hope that they too may have a piece of the pie. Despite the novelty and allure of the American Dream, it is nothing more than false hope.

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American Dream Does the American Still hold the American dream? I believe that it is very possible for a citizen of America to live that tradition American Dream; paying bills without worries, giving their children a start to an even better life then they had and still save enough to live comfortably after they retire to live that happy free life. In reading "Let America Be America Again," it sites in line four of the poem "seeking a home where he himself is free." That represented the people's freedom and with the Declaration of Independence that will protect our freedoms and rights .

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1159 Words | 5 Pages

Source A argues that the American Dream is still a powerful ideal that inspires and motivates Americans. The article cites statistics showing that most Americans still believe in the American Dream and see it as a crucial aspect of the national identity. The American Dream has always been an essential part of American culture. It continues to be a source of inspiration and motivation for many Americans, even though it has become increasingly challenging to achieve. Source B argues that the new American Dream is about finding purpose and fulfillment in one's life rather than accumulating wealth.

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Hernandez 1 My American Dream Tapestry A child, the most innocent and most brightest creatures of us all. Never having a care in the world but always looking for laughter, hope, and fun. As a kid we have many friends, all of us sharing the same desire, happiness.

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806 Words | 4 Pages

The definition of the American Dream has evolved over time; it has and always will involve being prosperous but with different

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479 Words | 2 Pages

On my father’s first day in America, he was shoved into a compact 1-person apartment along with two other refugees and was merely granted $19 a week to accommodate for basic expenses, including food and transportation. Despite such desperate circumstances, he maintained an optimistic outlook, and while hard times were ahead, my father knew that new opportunities were also awaiting him in the land where the American Dream thrives. My father initially left Vietnam as a last desperate hope to escape Vietnam’s strict communist government, where a future of military service was inevitable for young boys, who came from families of lower social statuses. As an orphan, my father fell victim to poverty and suffered from food insecurity and insufficient

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721 Words | 3 Pages

People often imagine American identity as unassuming and accepting. America is a place made up of a mixture of cultures, supposedly allowing one to live their life no matter how different it may be from their neighbor. American identity is seeing someone 's appearance, and no matter how different someone 's skin color or clothes, they are sanctioned as an American. Wouldn 't America be a place that welcomes different appearances and heritages as one? Okita 's poem "

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1070 Words | 5 Pages

America has been established as a country by immigrants, been industrialized by immigrants, and basically has been made by immigrants. These immigrants haven’t just come from England, these immigrants came from all parts of the world like Russia, Mexico, Italy, Ghana, and so on. With all the immigrants coming, cultures, beliefs, clothing, and languages come also. With all these influences and ideas going into the melting pot, there cannot be one particular way in which one looks from America. This is because the American identity is not something shown on the face; rather the American identity is made of diversity, with cultures that contribute to the making of the American Identity.

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In the 1980`s it changed to extreme success of wealth. Although now the American Dream has changed to the concern of wealth, it started with a happy life for all citizens. The meaning of the American Dream started out as a wealthy but happy life for every citizen of any rank. In the early 1900`s the term “American Dream” was introduced in James Truslow Adams book The Epic of America (Kamp 2).

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Scene 1 Both: (Black background) Hello ladies! Welcome to Culture Identity! Jade: Do you or anyone you know find it hard to balance your culture and the American culture?

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The American Dream is still alive and available to everyone today, although it is different for everyone. The American Dream is what each individual believes it to be and does not have a set definition, it is whatever the person believes it to be and it still possible for everyone. America still provides access to opportunity for everyone from the people who are born in poverty to the people that are born into wealth. While lately there has been much debate over whether the American Dream is still alive and well and many people believe that it is dead, there are considerable proof and evidence that the American Dream is developing and thriving. First of all, in the American Constitution, it states “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

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1005 Words | 5 Pages

Most people believe that the American dream is making six plus figures, living in a mansion, driving a Corvette, but actually it is just being happy with their own life. Everyone wants a dream where they are happy, because any other dream would be a nightmare. Being happy is also another way to succeed in life, so if anyone thinks the American dream is being successful then be happy, and then they have the American dream. The American dream will always tie in with happiness. If the people are not happy then they do not have the American dream.

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