Racial Discrimination In The Great Gatsby And A Raisin In The Sun

Bernie Sanders once said, “For many the American dream has become a nightmare.” The American dream has been fantasized by many throughout history. In the stories Kindred, The Great Gatsby, and A Raisin in the Sun the American dream is what the characters strive for. The American dream is a vision of success for individuals in the US. The American dream isn’t achievable for all people, because of racial discrimination, money isn’t the only happiness, and the difficult process of obtaining wealth.

In the story, Kindred, racial discrimination prevents Dana from the American dream. Dana, the main character, constantly faces racism and when she is brought into the past there is nothing she can do to disallow it. Dana quotes, “I’m not sure it’s

The context of the quote is Dana explaining to Kevin about what it was like in the past. Dana states that she doesn’t feel safe while being there. Kevin then hands Dana a switchblade to use for self protection. Later Nigel quotes, “That’s better than saying you’re his wife. Nobody would believe that.” (Butler 65). Nigel is saying this to Dana and Franklin when they are discussing how they will be together while in the past. Dana and Franklin are saying that they can be married but Nigel tells them that it isn’t believable for them to say that. They finally agree on saying that Dana is Franklin’s slave. The racial discrimination in the past was a different experience for Dana and Franklin. It changed their relationship because of the way they had to act while at the Weylin house. The inequity of the past is unlike the racism Dana and Franklin may have faced while at home since slavery didn't end yet. Nigel also quotes, “Why you try to talk like white folks?” (Butler 74). Nigel questions the way Dana speaks because of how uneducated he is. Dana tells him that is how she talks and it is because she is educated. Nigel and Luke not being able to have an education

In the process ten thousand dollars is lost and trust between family members. Walter states, “I want so many things that they are driving me crazy… Mama–look at me.” (Hansberry 73). Walter is telling his mother that his dream of money is breaking him down and that he is going crazy. The journey of gaining wealth can become a personal fight within oneself. The American dream isn’t achievable if one is constantly battling mental health whilst struggling to obtain wealth. Ruth quotes, “Mama, something is happening between Walter and me. I don’t know what it is–but he needs something–something I can’t give him anymore. He needs this chance, Lena.” (Hansberry 42). Ruth and Mama are discussing what to do with the money. Walter had been talking with Ruth about his plan to invest into a liquor store prior to the conversation Ruth is having with Mama. Ruth is devaluing what she can provide for Walter so the idea of the liquor store is on her mind. Ruth wants to make Walter happy so she is pushing the topic to Mama. Mama questions Ruth for supporting Walter’s idea but Ruth argues that business people have to do business to become successful. Ruth and Mama finish the conversation with the idea of selling liquor. Mama states that she doesn’t care if someone drinks but she doesn’t want to be the vendor to drinkers. Ruth wants Walter to feel as if he is supported so he can strive