The American Dream Essay

The American Dream has long been understood to be the ultimate aspiration for individuals seeking upward social and economic mobility. It used to look like owning a car, a radio, and a television set. The average household wished for the women to stay at home while the men worked, and the feeling of true accomplishment in life looked like a suburban house with a white picket fence. Now that dream is less materialistic but focuses more on wealth, freedom, and equality. As the nation continues to grapple with issues in the society, economy, and education system, the very definition of the American Dream has evolved. From its origins in the early 20th century to the present day, this elusive vision has been subject to a multitude of interpretations

“I think the American dream is that people can be who they are. Like freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of action, and stuff. I do believe in that. People can be who they want to be. They shouldn't be influenced by the government, influenced by anyone else, other than themselves, to be themselves" (Damon 9). The American Dream no longer holds its initial meaning, and now holds a unique idea in the minds of American citizens. It has evolved over the years to form these new ideas through changes in the wants and needs of society, the economy, and the educational system.

This reimagining of the American Dream first took place in changes within American society. Over the years, the United States has experienced seismic shifts in its cultural and social landscape, transforming the way we think about ourselves and our place in the world. Changes in social status, gender roles, and societal organization have impacted American society over time, and thus have impacted how individuals view the American Dream. All of these factors have a large impact on the American Dream and divide rather than unite Americans. Matthew Desmond, the author of Waking up from the

However, the cost, value, and impact of the educational system have become increasingly scrutinized, leaving many to question if modern-day education is still able to fulfill the promise of the American Dream. Pamela Aronson, a writer in the International Journal of Psychology, found that “compared to previous generations, young people have lower lifetime earnings and savings, higher tuition costs and debt, higher levels of anxiety and depression, and difficulty paying back student loan debt,” (3). This surprising reality deters many young Americans from seeking a college education, yet does not prevent them fully. A large number would rather go straight into the workforce rather than be several thousand dollars in debt just after graduation, however, this seems impossible to them. The majority of college students feel that you must have a degree to be successful, “a first-generation white woman said: “I like learning new things, and nowadays you... can’t do anything without [a degree]. It’s not like you can just go and get a job. You’d just be stuck in a minimum wage job for the rest of your life,” (Aronson 8). Many of these students feel that the high tuition costs, debt, and depression are the only way for them to achieve success in America, or that a college degree is one of the most valuable assets a person can have. George Leef, author of Resuming the American Dream, comments on problems