The American Dream Today

The American Dream Today
The American Dream is an ideology that has fueled the progress of this nation since its inception. Defined in the prompt as, "the ideals of freedom,
equality, and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American." The American Dream today, by this definition, is not readily available
to every American and an argument can be made that it is even moreso true for immigrants. The thing that use to make the American Dream a reality is
that it could adapt and change from person to person in the respect that it always will lead the person to happiness and prosperity no matter what path
that person took to get there. What I mean by that is, a person's happiness use to derive from their view of things that made them happy on a personal
level. Today, a person's happiness is dependent on what makes others happy.
The American Dream today is not as vague or mystical as it use to be. Today, the American Dream cannot be achieved by everyone with different
viewpoints and backgrounds but instead, it is achieved only when society says you have achieved it. You don't hear about homeless people being
happy or see people in poverty on the news making speeches and smiling. As degrading and demanding as those living conditions are, some people are
in fact happy or...show more content...
The dream according to society is that fame and fortune equals happiness. whereas other people are more happy living off of food stamps and
welfare. Does society view them as achieving the American Dream because they're happy?? The elephant in the closet is simply this: the American
Dream is happiness and prosperity. A person cannot have one without the other and say that they have achieved this feat. At the end of the day you're
either happy and you have little people to showcase that to due to your lack of prosperity, or you're extremely popular and prosperous but your
happiness is
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What Is The American Dream?
If asked the question, " What is the American Dream?", many people would have a variety of answers. It may depend on many factors including, how
one has been raised, their age, socioeconomic factors, and ethnicity. There have been so many changes in our country over the years from the 1900's
until now including wars, racial beliefs and family structures which led to an array of definitions of the American Dream. An American Dream can be
different for each person. It can be about many factors as we will see throughout the paper.
To cover these different factors, interviews have been completed with three subjects who are different ages, race and socioeconomic status. The first
subject is a 94 year–old caucasian male veteran named Warren Tuttle. He worked hard to finish high school, as many did not complete this huge
task during this era. Mr. Tuttle worked hard as a farmer on the same farm he still lives on today. His first paying job, at the age of 16, was at JC
Penny. From there, he went to work at Belk until he was drafted by the Air Force.From talking with Mr. Tuttle, we discussed many components of
his childhood. He was the youngest of 2 children and his parents were married. At the age 26, he married a lovely woman and had two children of his
own. He had a daughter and a son who died at two days old. They both were happily married for 67 years and had a good life together. During this time
in service, he flew in World War II. His duty during his service was to map the

The American Dream Is Still Alive Essay
The American Dream Nowadays, many Americans wonder if the American Dream is still alive. At one point in our country, people felt that they
could achieve success by working hard. However, after the economic hardships and recession of the 21st century, a number of Americans not only
lost income, but some also lost their jobs. Although there has been slow progression to improve the economy, there are those who question
whether or not the dream of Americans can ever be achieved again. With unemployment levels still high and salaries failing to increase, there
certainly is doubt in most of Americans. In his essay, Brandon King formulates ways to redefine and change the way to look at the American
dream. After analyzing King's essay, one can see his view as believing that the dream is still very much intact. As he points out, the American
economy is a very complex system that has had downfalls, but there is always a way to get back up from it. Regardless of your economic status
(poor or middle class), if one has a working job, it is possible to succeed based on how much someone is willing to work to achieve their goals. As
King would agree, the American dream is not only still alive and well, but anyone can reach success. At first, Brandon King speaks about what the
American dream consists of. Many think it is based on the economic standing of an individual, whether one is rich or poor. Still, it is not. Quite
honestly, King redefines the meaning of the American

The American Dream
The American Dream The American Dream is what most Americans in today's world strive for. It is all about beauty, fame, and wealth. Beauty leads to
fame and fame leads to wealth. That contradicts the transcendental values that are self–reliance, nonconformity, love for nature, intuition over reason,
and simplified life. There are a lot of immigrants coming to America because they want to live the American Dream. According to: ("HOLLYWOOD
DREAMS OF WEALTH, YOUTH, AND BEAUTY"), it says, "Hollywood has long been inspiring immigrants to come to the U.S. with images that
filled them with overstated optimism about what they'd find here." Hollywood wants to make the American Dream come true for everybody. The
American Dream gives hope to...show more content...
For example, people were polled and they could choose up to as many options as they wanted and 76% of people chose Financial Well–Being. In the
Financial Well–Being category, some options were having a job that is meaningful, the opportunity to achieve success in their career, to be
financially secure, and to have a sense of personal achievement in life. ("The American Dream"). By being famous, people feel like they have a
meaning in life and it makes them feel important. Transcendentalism wants people to feel like they are enough on their own and they don't need to
be famous to be happy. However, wealth is what the American Dream is about. When people are wealthy, they can afford whatever they want. They
are always one up from others because they are able to have nice vehicles, house, & clothes. Transcendentalism is living life the simple way without
all the materialistic things in life. They don't have to struggle with money, so they live very comfortably. People that aren't living the American
dream look up to the people that are able to live that lifestyle. They see movies and wish they could live like that. Which is why when people come
to visit from overseas, they think the American Dream sounds like a nice way to live. According to, ("HOLLYWOOD DREAMS OF WEALTH,

Argumentative Essay: The American Dream
" I don't believe that the American Dream should be reserved for those who are born into the elite or somehow have been given an advantage over
others. My growing–up experience is probably the most important thing that guides my priorities and my work today" – Ken Salazar. The American
Dream was a powerful statement that many people believed to be true since it was first established in 1931. It states that "it is a dream of a land in
which life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" – James Truslow Adams.
America is the land of the free and you should accomplish what you want in life based on what you, alone, can accomplish. Surowiecki states that the
American Dream...show more content...
Back then, many white Americans had the big houses with a white picket fence and a family of four with a beautiful car. It was starting to become a
tradition and it was almost a crime if you did not have what other people have. Consequently, expectations were already set tremendously and
everyone else had to follow and try to aim just as high. "I believe we are being dishonest with language minority groups if we tell them they can take
full part in American life without learning the English language"– S.I. Hayakawa. When other minority groups come to the U.S., they come because
they need to make a better life for themselves and their families. Accordingly, Americans are the ones who cared more about gaining more improved
materials because they knew minorities group would want to be like them and they like having power. Americans have more opportunities to achieve
more because of certain advantages such as skin color, being a natural citizens, so on and so forth. Being in a minority group is very hard because
there is discrimination and such. Being rich financially does not define who you are. Sure it may define what you have and what not but that should
not matter because at times people are not always happy with what they have. Separation of skin color or social class is a type of discrimination that the
American Dream made up. We cannot be stuck in the mentality of what used to be

The American Dream Essay
The idea of the American dream revolves around attaining happiness, success and equality. For higher wealth classes obtaining these components
aren't a concern; but for many, the American Dream has become a nightmare. For the poor being able to obtain simple necessities such as food,
clothing and shelter is a daily struggle. The price of being poor is a lot costlier then those in the realm of the wealthy. Based on the current economic
and social systems in America it does not provide everyone with a fair chance to achieve the "American Dream". In todays society many Americans
believe money is the only way to happiness. True or not true, money certainly isn't a hindrance to obtaining the necessary components for survival. But
if the American Dream is no longer about happiness and freedom it becomes solely about wealth and possession. "Money cannot buy happiness."
(Anonymous, Spring Board pg.81) represents the concept that money doesn't necessarily play apart in your emotional well–being. Today, materialism
is more important than character. Money isn't everything; you don't need it to be happy and certainly not to achieve "The American Dream". In
addition to that, although money can jump–start your future it can also drive you into the ground. Dana Gioia, the author of "Money", says "...Money
holds heads above water..." Implying money plays a crucial part in keeping your dreams alive while America demands so much. Although finances are
a building block to ones version of the

The American Dream is different for everybody. For some it's to be known for something great, or to have an enormous amount of money, maybe
even just to live a stable life and not have many problems. Or there's always the dream of having a nice family, living in a nice looking house with
the very clichГ© white picket fence, but it always depends of that person's way of life and motives. The American Dream is also based off of the
idea of freedom, prosperity, equality, and opportunity. But back in the past did most people think of those ideas for their American Dream or was that
dream as diverse a it is

My Opinion of the American Dream
What is the American Dream? Is a question that will be answered differently every time it's asked to a different individual. Everyone has a different
opinion regarding what is the American Dream and what it takes to make the dream a reality there's a simply explanation to this: People come
from different places, and everyone has a different story to tell. No two lives are just alike, there are going to be people who have experienced
different trials and tribulations, people who have seen what you haven't, people who's struggle has been a little rougher than yours, people who's
dreams have been shattered, people who haven't lost hope, people who believe all hope is gone, and people who feel that what was lost is finally
found. The American...show more content...
spoke these words in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech focusing on racism in America and the importance of equality. The law guarantees everyone
in America is treated equally, no matter theirrace, gender, social level, or anything else. Although this may be true, America's past shows slavery,
racism, and discrimination. These may all seem like past occurrences, but recent experiences show that some tension

The American Dream Today Essay
Before looking at what American dream is today, we need to look at its roots. It has always said that the government will protect your opportunity
to improve your life, no matter who you are. While some believe the American Dream can be obtained because America provides access and
materials to be successful, others question the concept of the American Dream because it is different for each person. The american dream is still
possible, depends who the dreamer. Many people think the American Dream is not is possible today. Mark Clements did a survey to Americans
nationwide and the survey show 47% of people say that no matter how hard they work, they cannot get ahead. If you don't see results in your work,
change it! It is possible that doing the things of another way you find the success that you crave. According to Lester Spencer Another American
Dream, rooted in beliefs about racial equality, particularly along political and economic lines, is contained in Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a
Dream" speech. It is not important which be the different opinions about the American dream, we all look for a common good, but is some causes the
situation is a little different, the...show more content...
Well, America give us some materials to be successful and we are the workers whose work is to convert our dream into reality. As Tony Robbins said
"Each one make their own happiness" (Tony Robbins) . But still we need laws for be successful, Laws that provide support to the society.However,
Simone adds <> At present the society believe he government is not supporting them. A survey of middle–income Americans about their financial
outlooks showed both skepticism and hope. One of those surveys said << 89% of the respondents believe that businesses have a social responsibility
to their employes and to the community.Another one of those said << 74% of the middle class say they take responsibility for their own financial
success or

What Is The American Dream Today
The American dream has changed, but is it for the better? The Americans dream today consists of people going off to college and getting jobs to
support their families, and also a competition of who can make the biggest buck. The main drive for Americans today is money. People will do
whatever it takes to get to the top. By having the fanciest cars and houses, or even the most recent phone that has come out. Our society likes to
show off our money in any way possible, and if you don't have money, well you're out of luck. The world idealizes those who have money, by
advertising star athletes, and or the latest singer to make you want to be rich and famous like them. This isn't the same as people fighting for their
freedom and

American Dream Today
Marsha Blackburn once said "The American Dream is independence and being able to create that dream for yourself." In the novel of Mice and Men,
the characters such as George and Lennie struggled to maintain focus on their dream mainly because of discrimination. During that time, the world
was too harsh to sustain such relationships which forced the two to separate tragically and lose track of their future plans. However, this generation
has changed effectively in many ways. Now, we live in a world where opportunities are abound and discrimination towards race and age have
decreased. The American dream today involves gaining the opportunity of reaching a personal goal such as being financially stable, getting an education
, and pursuing the...show more content...
It is often argued that rising costs and college debt are the main causes which leads to devastating loans and a long term burden for families.
"College costs have been rising roughly at a rate of 7% per year for decades. Since 1985, the overall consumer price index has risen 115% while the
college education inflation rate has risen nearly 500% (Odland)." Certainly, many students have struggled to get into a college debt–free and the
numbers of costs are increasing more. Nevertheless, students would not encounter such problems if they planned effectively before college and
educated themselves to be able to adapt to difficult situations. "More importantly, by engaging students in the planning process, they will be able to
develop lifelong skills for success. The self–confidence they gain by actively determining their own future is something they will carry with them
through high school, college and into the job market (Noodle)." In fact, college isn't the only option out there. There are alternatives such as the
military which requires only test scores and everything else is paid for. In addition to that, they pay big bucks even after

The American Dream Thesis
The American Dream is the idea of having rights and being free to do what you want in America. It means that everyone should have the right to
have a decent education, or invest and own any business. The American Dream is to work hard in your life, invent something and come up with
ideas to invest and achieve your goal or so called dream. The American Dream is all about how successful you really are because money talks and
America is all about your financial status. In order to achieve the American Dream one has to have the right attitude. If they do not have the right
attitude then they can not accomplish anything. In order to achieve your dream you need to work your butt off until you retire and spend your
money wisely just like your time because time is money. One can achieve there dream if they save as much money as you can and once you come up
with a good idea invest, but research as much as you can during your life because you do not want to throw all the money you worked so hard for in
the trash....show more content...
The content I wrote had the correct MLA format with evidence. My paper really talked about constitutionality of the issue which was the American
Dream and displayed detailed information. The analysis also supports the thesis statement throughout the seminar

The American Dream In Today's Society
For a great number of people during the twentieth century, The American Dream was huge inspiration. It was a concept that evolved across
generations from our nations conception. In my own family's history, it is the reason that I exist. Had the aspiration for a better life not been tied to
America, my ancestors may very well have been killed as a consequence of religious persecution in the Ukraine. The manifestation of social mobility
allowed for each generation to do marginally better than the preceding, notwithstanding plentiful hardships. Regardless of my own family's success in
the hands of a rapidly fluctuating world, I nevertheless find myself considering the idea of the American Dream with a degree of cynicism. We would
like to imagine that this flexibility and opportunity is available to everyone. I have always been of the opinion that practically everyone has the
individual, and intellectual capacity to accomplish whatever he or she sets out to do. Nevertheless, there are so countless limiting factors that prevent
individuals from attaining their full potential. Many of which, are basically out of their control. For example, I have my doubts that the American
Dream was envisioned to incorporate minority populations that undoubtedly would have been severely more socially repressed before the twenty–first
century....show more content...
Everyone seems to have his or her own positions as to what happened to the American Dream. Or what factors have restricted its influence in the
contemporary world. Some contend that the Dream is still alive and thriving and simply manifests itself in the increased success of minority groups. In
the New York Times article, What Drives Success?, by Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld, they attribute this success to three key elements in the

The American Dream In Today's Society
The United States of America was founded on the belief that if you put in hard work you can become anything you want, otherwise known as the
American Dream. The American Dream was great in the early 1900's when second generation immigrants could work hard and move out of a
cramped apartments in the city to the open suburbs with a yard, a white picket fence, and credit to buy all of those expensive appliances that the
perfect suburban home needs. Nowadays, this isn't so much the case. Weather the lower class is lazy, or they just can't find a way out, most of them
will be stuck in their class. The children will grow up in public schools hearing about the grand American Dream and hope to make it out. But this is
incredible difficult. Some people

What Is The American Dream Essay
The American Dream With immigrants flooding into America every day chasing the 'American Dream', they hope to find peace, prosperity, and live
a great life with a well paying job and a house for a family, but as these immigrants flock to America you question whether the American Dream is
still valid and whether it still holds true to its cause. In this case the ` American dream is alive, and has more meaning than ever. Although the meaning
of 'The American Dream' is constantly changing, with the different problems occurring all around the world. It could have several meanings, from
freedomTimes changes and so do the views of the people. Therefore, America still provides 'The American Dream' which is prevalent in today's time.
Many people have...show more content...
In an 'MSNBC' interview a young man said that he couldn't stay in Syria simply because he life and family's life is at risk. When asked about
America they said it is a dream place. To have no set religion they could only pray to come to America. The 1st Amendment states "There will be no
set religion." In many places there is nothing like that. Their dream is that by coming to America it will allow them to practice their religion and
raise their families in peace. For many parents a good education is a must. When parents come to America they think of the Public Education
System America has provided for its people. You may not see this as much, but to some people getting an education is everything. People believe
that for them getting an education it will provide them with a wellpaying job and a successful future. If an individual attends college and receives
their degree on average they make anywhere from $40,000 to $65,000 (depending on your type of degree.) This is considerable amount of money to
many immigrants and can be seen as one of the benefits to an education. Especially if it is free. Many people take this for granted but for some it's all
they could dream for especially if it is for their

Essay on Is The American Dream Still Alive?
"I think the American Dream says that anything can happen if you work hard enough at it and are persistent, and have some ability. The sky is the
limit to what you can build, and what can happen to you and your family" expressed Sanford I. Weill. The American Dream is still alive and
obtainable. Many people have a definition of what the American Dream that is obtainable in their minds. People all have unique individual lives. One
of the reasons that the American Dream is still alive is that there are so many opportunities everyday. Most public schools provide students the
necessities they need to succeed, so it is up to them whether or not one decides to use those necessities to achieve a goal. Most students in high school
have an idea...show more content...
Another reason the American Dream is still alive is that there are multiple job opportunities. One may not end up becoming a doctor or lawyer, but
that does not mean one will not be successful. America is full of opportunities and work! Jobs that can be obtained with a simple GED are an
apprentice, construction worker, and electrician. An individual may not be able to attend college, but that is reasonable, many successful people
never obtained a college degree. Mark Zuckerburg, David Karp, and Evan Williams are all examples of successful people who never obtained a
college degree. One may feel that the American dream is not alive due to the economy. Our country is in $17,267,498,701,548, 34 dollars of
national debt as of February 10, 2014 (U.S. National Debt Clock). Due to this there is higher interest rates which keeps the value of the dollar higher,
which may make it harder to obtain. The country has slower economic growth and weaker job markets, most interest rate profits will not go towards
the public. The national debt also results in higher taxes which helps raise more revenue. One last effect of the national debt is higher inflation which
could lead to a lower standard of living. This view is un adequate due to the statistice that the debt has decreased by thirty–five percent over the past
years (Truthout). Another reason one may feel that the American Dream is not alive is that marriage is

Argumentative Essay On The American Dream
Two words that inspire much conversation, thought, and even tension are the words American Dream. What is it? How do we achieve it? Is it even
possible? Back when our country was first founded, the idea of the American Dream was people looking for a "new life" would come America to gain
more opportunity. A very important document to our nation is the Declaration of Independence. This document highlights the concept of the American
Dream when it declares, "All men are created equal" and also when it states the inalienable rights of each man are, " life liberty and the pursuit of
happiness" Equality, life liberty and happiness are significant points in the dream every American seeks to achieve.
Early in our history immigrants could move from a hard lifestyle, such as government corruption or famine to America . Where life was perceived
to be perfect and had so much more opportunity. However, as the people changed in positive and negative ways the American Dream was altered as
well. The overall idea of the American Dream has changed from ideas and freedoms to more tangible things. For example people used to move to
America to have rights and to have a voice. Now some believe that if you wear expensive shoes and spend more money on your car than your house
you have fulfilled the dream.
Since this topic is very popular and talked about in abundance, there are many different opinions of what the American Dream entails.Based on a recent
survey conducted by our class older

Essay about The American Dream: John F. Kenedy
The American Dream
John F. Kennedy
Everyone has his or her own definition of what "The American Dream" is and what is means. Some, however, may believe this dream is in reality,
a cultural nightmare. This "dream" was first created as a set of ideals and ethics that would be promised to all citizens in America. James Truslow
Adams first used this notion in the novel, The Epic America. He writes: The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better
and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes
to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of...show more content...
His brothers Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy and Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy also were in politics and served as senators while his sister, Jean
Ann Kennedy, served as a United States Ambassador to Ireland. His other siblings included, Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kennedy, Jr., who fought in WWII,
and his other sisters, Rose Mary "Rosemary" Kennedy, Kathleen Agnes "Kick" Kennedy, Eunice Mary Kennedy, and Patricia Helen "Pat" Kennedy
(JFK, n.d.). Over the years, Kennedy attended many private schools throughout the Northeast. For his high school year, John F. Kennedy attended the
prestigious boarding school of Choate in Wallingford, Connecticut. John, living in his football star and scholar of a brother's shadow, showed a
more rebellious and defiant side by misbehaving and executing notorious pranks. During this time he also experienced health problems that were
later diagnosed as colitis. Kennedy graduated high school in June 1935 and was named "Most Likely To Succeed" (SparkNotes Editors, 2005).
After battling with hospitalization and recovery for a year, Kennedy enrolled at Harvard College in 1936. His experience at Harvard was much like
his former experience at Choate. Kennedy was always in the shadow of his older "more intelligent and driven" brother, Joe (SparkNotes Editors,
2005). John's grades weren't always the best and he seemed to focus more on sports and his social life rather that academics. He was

The American Dream: The Future Of Today's Youth
Do you believe America truly represents its people correctly, or even as a whole? Are you able to see what America wants us to discern? The beauty,
the great, the American dream? But truly what is the American dream? Just some fictionalized phrase that's meant to strike hope into it's people, or
something that we should live up to, try all our lives yet have never even had a glimpse of its truth. Strikingly I cease to believe it exists, according to
the standards one must live up to, to reach it. The future of tomorrow depends on the youth of today. We, the youth are confused, influenced, and
tainted by so much that happens in the world today. How will society continue to grow without the youth? How will the leaders of today help the youth

The American Dream Today

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