The American Dream has a different meaning from what it once was, but according to Brandon King it is still alive. His beginning question, “What is the true state of the so-called ‘American Dream’ today” (Page #610, Para. #1) appeals to his audience’s own thoughts of his or her own personal beliefs for their futures. Most people have an idea of what they want in life, and their dream may not be the rags to riches dream of yesteryear, but is uniquely theirs.
One of the greatest attributes Americans take for granted is the amount of opportunities and possibilities they are presented with living in this free nation. Compared to other countries, America has always been the most appealing to outsiders because of the perpetual American Dream. In America, the capitalistic environment minimizes the number of external sources influencing an individual's success. Therefore, a person has the power to control their own destiny and creates this idea of a dream where a person’s success is solely dependent on their work ethic and desire. This is the glorified American Dream; the propaganda that is used to make our country seem dignified above the rest.
The American dream is having equality, a voice to be heard and stability in one’s life. However, the American Dream is just that, a dream. It cannot be attained because of the power of our government, the ignorant minds of others and the constant want for more. What should be trivial factors in life, such as: race, gender, social class, wealth, etc., all have a significant effect on the impractical American dream. the “TED Talks” video proves this.
The article highlights the growing trend of Americans prioritizing personal growth and well-being over material possessions. While pursuing material wealth and social status remains a significant aspect of the American Dream, the growing trend of Americans prioritizing personal growth and well-being shows that the ideal is evolving and adapting to changing societal values. Some may argue that the American Dream is an outdated and unrealistic ideal that is no longer relevant in today's world. However, the enduring popularity of the American Dream and its continued relevance in American culture and identity shows that it remains a crucial aspect of the American experience. The American Dream is an inclusive ideal that should be accessible to all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background.
America has always been portrayed as a place full of opportunity and prosperity, which is still is. The American Dream is still about becoming successful, but the way that it is achieved has changed over the years. The main flaw in the idea of the “American Dream” is the way it is depicted. The American Dream is talked about as if anyone can achieve it, but no one talks about the reality of how hard it truly is to achieve. The American Dream will always be a common idea in the American culture, but the way to achieve it will become more difficult with each generation that passes.
Impossible Dreams The meaning of the American Dream can be seen as ”A uniquely American vision of the country consisting of three central ideas. The American dream consists of a belief in America as the new Eden- a land of beauty, bounty, and unlimited promise; a feeling of optimism, created by ever expanding opportunity; and a confidence in the triumph of the individual.” Using this definition of the so called “American dream”, it seems to be a great representation of it at first, until you realize it includes everyone as the individual. From the beginning of the Civil war to the end of the War to End All Wars, the American Dream wasn’t possible due to the treatment of the Native Americans, the inequality between women and men, and the false promises given to the immigrants coming to our country in their time of need.
The American dream at one point was what drew people to American; the right to life, liberty, and the happiness. The American dream is the hope to acquire currency, large homes, raise a middle-class family, and pursue what brings people joy in life. But in the year 2016, the American dream becomes hard to believe in. The American dream may still exist, but it is not equally accessible to all Americans. This is true because the American dream is not affordable for everyone, it is not available to everyone from different degrees of education, and race and ethnicity creates large social barriers.
The American Dream is often seen as a goal for many people in the United States, with the idea that it can lead to a more fulfilling, richer, and happier life. This concept is rooted in the early days of the country and the belief that "all men are created equal," meaning that the American Dream is meant to be a clear path to success for all Americans regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, political beliefs, or religion. However, upon further examination, it becomes clear that the true American Dream has not been fully achieved. Despite the promise of equality and opportunity, there are still barriers and inequalities that prevent certain groups from achieving the same level of success as others. This suggests that the American Dream,
The American dream is the belief that every US citizen has the opportunity to achieve success no matter his or her social class; however, the American dream in many ways has become a farce. Hopeful American children and starry-eyed foreigners believed that the freedom that America claims to have, will in turn generate prosperity. This prosperity will in turn bring happiness. Unfortunately this expectation of joy will never be fulfilled, and all those who have risked everything to obtain this dream will feel as though they have been cheated out of happiness. However, in reality these dreamers have been chasing something that is unattainable.
The American Dream is so essential to our country as it is an honor to reach your goals and make it a reality. The American Dream is the national ethos that people’s lives would be better and more abundant with many opportunities. The American Dream was more accessible to attain back in the days, however, changed over the years. Although the “American Dream” is still possible, many people, minorities are affected by the lack of improvement in social mobility in our society. The American Dream is still alive by being able to live a middle-class lifestyle and by obtaining it through perseverance and hard-work.
When most people hear the words American Dream they think success and happiness. Do you believe the American Dream is still alive? The American Dream can be defined differently with the different generations. My belief is that it depends on who you ask if the dream is still alive. When asking a Baby Boomer you will get the answer that no the dream is not alive.
No matter who you are or where you have come from, you have undoubtedly heard of the American Dream. The idea that no matter who you are or where you have come from, you can do whatever it is you desire in America. What was once one the main driving forces for immigrants to flock to the new world, has slowly changed over the years, but still holds its value in the eyes of those who are looking for a promising new place to live. The American dream might not hold the same awe inspiring sound that it once did, but for many generations before ours it was a beacon of hope that helped build the foundation that the United States was built on. And, still, today the American dream might not be as achievable as it once was, but it is still an important
Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream. Although everyone’s idea of the American Dream is similar, media has done a very good job at altering our ideas of that dream. The dream used to be to work hard and get a good job that you enjoy and to make good money, now however, the dream is to have to latest and best technology, make a lot of money but not take any pride in their job, and become famous and known from all of the stuff that you own. Although this may seem appealing, America’s media has distorted the people’s view on the American Dream.
Throughout the years the meaning of what the American Dream is has been changed and modified through their personal beliefs and goals in life. Rethinking the American Dream, an essay by David Kamp provides a perfect
To live comfortably is a wish that many people have growing up in America. We see people on television who have and have not worked harder than others to achieve this way of life. These people are able to pay their bills for the nice house saved up for, are able to provide for a decent sized family, and still have extra money in their pocket for themselves. The American Dream seems so accomplishable when looking at the people who have already achieved this, but looking up to these people, we do not realize that this dream is not a few steps ahead of us sitting on a pedestal; this dream is almost out of touch. But what is the reason that everyone cannot achieve this dream as easily as others?
