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Fallacies In The Epic Of America

477 Words2 Pages

James Truslow Adams generated and disseminated the idea of the “American Dream” in his book “Epic of America,” during the 1931 Great Depression. In this book, Truslow describes the idea of the American Dream as “...Each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position (Wills).” This definition suggests that regardless of the conditions in one’s life, everyone can achieve their American Dream with hard work, sacrifice, and give their children a better life. However, a glimpse into the literature of America regarding the American Dream shows the fallacies in this idea that everyone, regardless of race, gender, or social class, can obtain the American Dream. …show more content…

While Adam’s intentions for the American Dream were meant to apply to everyone regardless of race and gender, the American Dream has not been easily obtainable for marginalized groups due to racism and prejudice towards these groups. During the Great Depression in 1929 the banking system collapsed, causing nearly 25% of the labor population to lose their jobs, as well as leading prices and productivity to deplete resulting in lower incomes in wages, and profits nationwide (FDR

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