The American Dream
What is the American Dream?
The American Dream has had many different meanings over the years. Yet, as James Truslow Adams described in the Epic of America, the basis of the dream has come to be accepted as, “a better, richer, and happier life for all [] citizens of every rank.” This however, does not mean that all Americans will become rich and live amazing lives. It instead declares that people’s lives will be improved from what they were before achieving the American Dream. Adams later defined a more realistic interpretation of the dream as, “opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement” to further clarify that not everyone is going to be a millionaire. The dream also promises equality and freedom for all. This principle puts people of every race, religion and rank on an even playing field giving all individuals the right to pursue their goals freely without being hindered by society. And yet, people are hindered by society. People are treated unequally and given less opportunity than others. For these people the American Dream is unachieveable; as its promises will never be fulfilled.
Group Perspectives
With all the different groups of people in U.S. there is bound to be conflicting ideas about the American Dream and whether or not it is achievable. Lots of people find the dream to be true and easy enough
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In the presentation “Native Americans and the American Dream” it states: “[Native Americans] are represented as figures from the past rather than modern men and women.” (Qureshi). Qureshi’s paper also shows how these stereotypes can affect Native Americans. It declares that such portrayals can, “result[] in poorer self-esteem and mental health for Native youth and also contribute[] to the development of cultural biases and prejudices.” This means that discrimination is not only an effect of Native Americans awful life, but it is also a