Overcoming Obstacles In Achieving The American Dream

Americans are often portrayed as hard-working, optimistic and unsatisfied peoples, who are constantly scavenging to improve their already satisfactory lives. With an endless amount of desires, we often find ourselves setting goals to help us maintain a steady path toward these achievements. Improving your mile time to seven minutes or drinking at least half a gallon of water every day are goals that come with almost no trouble, but the challenges become more prevalent with the goals that have importance in your life. The American Dream is an ideal interpreted differently by each United States citizen, and while these citizens are entitled to equal opportunities, the barriers of race and social class hinder the pursuit of that dream. However, one can overcome the obstacles presented and achieve their version of success through diligent work and dedication. It would be extremely uncharacteristic for Americans to give up or forfeit, which is why the challenges associated with achieving the American Dream do not necessarily pose a threat in this regard. Our ability to overcome obstacles is something that has been encrypted into the foundations of our country and our individual upbringings, not limited to a certain race or social class. The American Dream is commonly defined as the ideal that every US citizen should have an

While Americans start their endeavor on this journey, critics argue that “survival of the fittest” begins to separate the achievers and the non-achievers. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, provides a strong example for why social class is a prominent barrier for those trying to achieve their American Dream. Some people may argue that Gatsby had achieved his dream due to the fact that he ended up with a mansion and money; on the contrary, Gatsby’s real dream was to be reunited with Daisy, and