American Dream Definition Essay

American Dream Definition Essay
The words "American Dream" elicit many different thoughts in people. Rarely will you find a group who will agree on the true definition of the
American Dream. It is subjective and therefore hard to solidify in a unified definition. Most people believe the concept of the American Dream was
originally, coined during the Great Depression when James Truslow Adams stated 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 and achievement, regardless of class or circumstances of
birth" (1931). From that many have based their definition to entail that if a person works hard they will achieve their own American Dream. But, to the
surprise...show more content...
Then due to heavy government military spending the United States emerged from World War II wealthier and stronger than ever and the economy
had been revived. Many veterans returning from the war took advantage of this and used their GI Bill to obtain mortgages for homes. This ignited
another building boom and the creation of suburbs across America. They were also eager to purchase luxury items such as cars and television sets
they had been denied during the war. Americans soon correlated the American Dream to the acquisition of material things and they watched the
"idyllic" life be televised on shows like Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best (Gale, 2016). Many of these purchases were made with credit cards
and as Americans realized their American Dream could be purchased on credit, saving was no longer a priority. This new found ideology of acquiring
goods took a huge toll starting in 2008 – 2009 with the Great Recession. During this time 8.4 million jobs were lost in the United States labor market
impacting those in the working class the hardest. Most of the people who lost their jobs only had a high school education or less and recent surveys
indicated that many of the people who lost their jobs still cannot find new jobs (Economic Policy Institute, 2016). This slow recovery has caused many
to rethink the idea of the American Dream being about their
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American Dream Definition
The American Dream
Every American strives to live what is called "The American Dream", but not many people know what that actually means. Some people think that it
means doing what you want in a country that allows for anything possible. While many people think that the American Dream is the ideal that every
US citizen should have an equal opportunity to succeed and prosper, the American Dream also ensures that regardless ofrace, sex, or religion, everyone
should have the same opportunities.
The American Dream was first mentioned in 1931 by James Truslow Adamsin his book "Epic of America". He also stated that it is not the guarantee
of fancy sports cars or a big house. It's just the guarantee that everyone be given the opportunity

Definition Essay: The American Dream
American Dream Essay "The American Dream is the ideal that the government should protect each person's opportunity to pursue their own idea of
happiness." In my opinion the American Dream is having the opportunity to have a paying job that you like, friends that surround your life with love,
a family that supports you, being free, and being happy. Other people have different perspectives on what the American Dream is. "The American
Dream could only thrive if it was not hindered." Some think the American Dream is drugs, alcohol, and all those bad things because that's what
makes them happy and they feel free. "The feeling of freedom is so important that people say they're ready to die for it, and supposedly have"–pg. 57,
chunk 6. "Freedom is a popular word. Individuals talk about how they feel free with one person and not another, or how their bosses encourage or
discourage freedom on the job"–pg.57, chunk 6. People wouldn't actually die for freedom, because if they did die, they would gain nothing from it, and
that they are just overreacting."The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals (democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity,
and equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success...."...show more content...
"The feeling of freedom is so important that people say they will try to work hard to succeed"–Wikipedia. "The American Dream has been credited
with helping to build a cohesive American experience...."–Wikipedia. Nowadays I played too many sports that I don't like sports anymore, I want to be
a computer technician or a video game

Extended Definition Of The American Dream
While the American Dream has a variety of definitions with different emphases, my own American dream in a broad definition consists of being
able to look back on my life as an older adult and have no regrets because of a missed opportunity to live outside the usual. Since I was young,
joining the military has always been something I wanted to do, and yet I know there are risks (such as being trapped in a job you don't want, with a low
salary, on a terribly boring base, with annoying commanders for a very long time). I also know there are great opportunities in the civilian world that
I may like to do as well with the interests that I have. So concerning careers, I want to make the right choice, assuming there even is a right choice. If the

Defining The American Dream
What is the American Dream? The American Dream was defined as the possibility for a better life for every individual, regardless of their heritage,
position in society and economic status. The American Dream is written into the Declaration of Independence: "life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness." Lennie and George's dream of owning a farm and living off 'the fat of the land' symbolizes this dream. The definition of this dream is that
any individuals could improve on their circumstance, and that their children could do better than their parents; this motivation has not been maintained
in the modern day. Of Mice and Men shows that for poor itinerant workers during the Depression, that their American Dream became an illusion and an
impossible

Definition Of The American Dream Essay
What is an American ? To me, an American means freedom. Freedom to choose and practice a religion of your choice without persecution. Freedom
of speech, press, and expression. An american is not only someone who is free but is also strong. Americans have the freedom that most other
countries do not have. There are still some countries, that classes in power, still uses everything from force of religion, to gender inequality, to
oppress their people, and robb them from their right and liberation. These countries, for example, do not allow their citizens the right to vote,or whip.
lastly they rob them from their right and liberation. "I think America offers great opportunities" (Jean, What is the american dream?) This quote helps
show that america's opportunities are more advanced than other countries. "freedom to pursue your dreams" (Chris, what is the American dream?)
This is another quote that helps show that America is a land of freedom. "When you live in America you have hope for what you wanna be someday"
(Aidan, what is the American Dream?) This quote shows that when you live in America you are able to pursue any dream with passion....show more
content...
The united states has been the most powerful country in the world for close to a century. American power grows. The United States is the world
leader and will be for decades to come. "I, too, am America." (Hughes, Page 13,5) this quote shows that the U.S. has a lot of passion and pride. And
having that helps show how strong we are as a nation. " It's a beautiful country" (Thomas, What is the American dream ?) Thomases quote shows that
he also has a lot of passion for

The American Dream Definition Essay
My interpretation of what it means to be an American includes the "American Dream", freedom, and racism. Now you're probably wondering what
the "American Dream" is not. The "American Dream" is not settling for less.The "American Dream" is not staying at the bottom. The "American
Dream" is not giving up. The "American Dream" is not living with regret. All those things listed are what the " American Dream" is not. What does
the "American Dream" do? The "American Dream" is an improved lifestyle. The "American Dream" offers opportunities. The "American Dream" is
going the extra mile. The "American Dream" is working to the top. Now you know what types of things the " American Dream" can do. What are
some examples of the "American Dream? An example of the "American Dream" is having success. Another example of the "American Dream" is
starting from the...show more content...
The first example of freedom would be freedom of speech. Also freedom can be the freedom of religion as an example. The final example of
freedom is the right to bear arms. What is listed is some of the examples of freedom. Finally the classifications of freedom meaning what are the
types of freedom. One type of freedom is having social freedom. Another type would include having a religious freedom. Also even having a
personal freedom as a type of freedom. Finally, a type of freedom would be your political freedom. That's the types of freedom that would classify
freedom. The final topic would be racism, in this paragraph would be what racism is not. Racism is not getting along with others due to your race.
Another thing racism is not living in peace. In addition to what racism is not kind or safe. This shows what racism is not. Let me tell you about what
racism does. Racism hurts and may even kill people. Also racism can make an individual feel useless. Even racism can either make people angry or
maybe sad. That is what racism can

The American Dream By James Truslow Adams
The American Dream is the sole reason that millions of people decided to come to this country, whether it be generations ago, or last week. But
even so, this shared dream faces problems. To solve the problem, the American Dream has to be defined. James Truslow Adams, author of the
1931 book The Epic of America, was the first person to mention and therefore define the American Dream. He established it as: "[T]hat 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 not a
dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest
stature... and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position" (Adams 214–215). Adams says
that the American Dream is not just becoming as rich as one can but to achieve to the best of one's abilities. He also describes the equal platform that
all citizens should get when in America. Overall, the American Dream is defined as the idea that in this country, everyone, free from discrimination
based on uncontrolled traits, has the opportunity to achieve their own dream, whatever it may be. And, with sweat and toil, their dream will come true.
This was true back in Adam's time, but fast forward 84 years to today, and the American Dream seems more like a hallucination or a fantasy. Too many
attributes of the working

Definition Essay On American Dream
President Obama once said, "We may come from different places and have different stories, but we share common hopes, and one very American
dream." The American dream is defined as "The ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through
hard work, determination, and initiative." In my generation everyone is entitled to have a dream, and most importantly everyone is destined to fulfill
their dream. My generation is not limited by status, economics, race, gender, religion, education and anything else that would interfere with the pursuit
of happiness. Due to the civil rights act we have the freedom to dream and achieve whatever we want without being restricted by past stereotypes.
Dreams are

How Does Willy Loman Define The American Dream
The American Dream is a concept that everyone has the equal opportunity to have a successful and prosperous life if they work hard enough, and
have the will to do it. This is not how Willy Loman would define the American Dream. He believes that if you have a good personality everybody
will like you, and that it will eventually bring him to be successful in life. His version of the American dream, unfortunately, is a dream that doesn't
become reality. Instead he lies to himself that he has been successful through his version. Willy believed that if he was well liked that he would be
successful. While being well liked by others is a good thing it doesn't mean that you be successful. Willy's neighbor's (Charley) son, Bernard, was
not well liked, Willy: Bernard is not well liked, is he? Biff: He's liked, but he's not well liked (1246). So, to Willy's version of the American Dream
Bernard will not be successful like Willy, or his son Biff, who is a popular football athlete posed to succeed. Willy continued his conversation with
Biff saying, "That's just what I mean. Bernard can get the best marks in school...Willy Loman is here! That's all they have to know, and I go...show more
content...
The one most people define it with is that if you work hard, and keep going no matter how hard it gets you will have a successful and prosperous
life. Willy's was that if you're well liked then everything will eventually come your way. Unfortunately, that's not how the dream works or does
reality. He knows this, but lies to himself to make him feel better, and that this is the life he wanted. Willy means well, but this career of selling is
just not for him. Willy is not the only one to have bought into the American Dream though. Even if somebody does work hard, it doesn't always mean
they will become successful or have the life they want. As George Carlin once said, "That's why they call it the American Dream, because you have to
be asleep to believe

The American Dream My definition of The American Dream is people being able to have freedom. They all have equal rights and freedom of
speech. The American Dream have the same equal rights for the people. There are three things important to The American Dream. First, would be
freedom because it allows the people to achieve their goals in life through working. Second, is education because with the citizens going to school to
get a good education they need, they are able to go to college. Third, is money because you need to be able to have money to survive and get the
things you want. The American dream is to have freedom, to get an education, and to earn money. The American Dream is made up of freedom. One
example,is people being able to have freedom of speech. Being able to say whatever they want without being told. Citizens get to speak without having
the fear in what they say or how...show more content...
One example, is going to college. The reason of going to college is to pursue your dream career or job. One example, Most people goal is to
achieve college and get a good education. Some people goal is just to get a good job and have knowledge. This example, shows In order to even
get a good job and be able to have knowledge you have to have education. You might not have to get an education to have knowledge but without
education I don't see how people will survive. Another example, can be school. The reason for school is build your knowledge and be able to
know the things you need to know in life. Not many citizens had schools to walk in or to sit in. Not many citizens can be able to get educated like
they was suppose to. All that changed now. People can go to schools and get ready to be able to even go to college. In conclusion, education is
important to The American Dream because without education it wouldn't be going to college and getting a good job it will be your brain not knowing
anything in

The American Dream
An idea that individuals in America have been provided with equal opportunities to grow and pursue their happiness regardless of their economic and
social status is the crux of an American Dream, an aspect that has been applied for a long period to define the nation's psyche. When referring to the
American Dream, individuals tend to believe that it relates to having better opportunities to achieve material prosperity, living a comfortable lifestyle,
enjoying the nature of the landscape, and living a life without much hustles. However, it is necessary to note that the dream goes beyond just the
physical and emotional concepts, and includes the intellectual aspects that promote happiness within a person. As Rosenberg (2011) explains, the...show
more content...
It is a clear indication of the individualism existing in the contemporary American society. The different types of films, some similar and others
different, end up relating to the common theme of achieving the American Dream. Directors and writers have to identify with the emotional impacts of
the films in showing the idea of patriotism in America, and the role it plays in helping individuals realize their capabilities, utilize their potentials, and
work towards achieving their dreams.
The American dream is defined as social ideals that represent the society of United States, such as material prosperity, equity, and democracy. When
individuals find themselves having achieved one or all of these ideals, they feel they have achieved their dreams. Individuals in the country work hard
to achieve the major ideals described above, and most of them feel content and regard themselves as having achieved their American Dream once they
acquire and retain those ideals. Various films shot in and out of America highlight the main concepts of the American dream, though it takes critical
analysis and interpretation to understand the relations to the main theme. One of the films, Requiem for a Dream, represents the tribulations and trials
that individuals have to undergo in seeking their American dreams. The movie focuses on a group of individuals, who had their lives intertwined in
search for the dream. They underwent various obstacles while searching

The definition of "The American Dream" is an idea that every U.S citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity
through hard work, determination, and initiative. Though this is the definition of The American Dream, many people think that there are different
aspects to it. People grow up in different environments, and they grow up in different ways. Some people have different views, and thoughts than
others. The key aspects of the American dream are the ability to put forth effort, to have faith, and to have a family you can love. One of the key
aspects of The American Dream is effort. Thomas Edison once said "Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to
success when they gave up."Edison...show more content...
In the book The Great Gatsby, the main character Jay, spends the whole book trying to be with his soulmate. This is very important to him, and he
believes that if he and Daisy end up together, he will have everything he needs. At the end of the book, Jay Gatsby gets murdered. Right before he
dies, he whispers the name "Daisy." This shows that you can not live without having people to love, or people that love you. Without having family,
there nobody to lean on during the hard times. No matter what flaws you have, or what bad things you have done, family is always there. Having a
family that you can love is a key aspect of the American

American Dream Definition
What is your definition of success and happiness? Do they seem to correlate in any type of way with your dreams and aspirations? The "American
Dream" is something that everyone at one point in their lives, strives for. It imposes inspiration to most people's lives and inflicts feelings of hope
and optimism. It is the time one can believe anything is possible and when it becomes easier to dream this, the more wonderful experiences someone
will have. The American Dream is always assumed to be something positive and easily attainable as long as you put the hard work and dedication to
reaching it. However, the reality is that despite everyone different opinions on what the American dream is, it is not equally attainable for all
Americans. The...show more content...
Sometimes finding the easiest way to complete something could benefit you more than hurt you, however when trying to reach your highest
potential the easy way is not the best way. As Americans we look at the American Dream and try to disregard the fact that it will take a copious
amount of focus and dedication to reach it. As a result we try and look for the easiest way possible to reach it which actually makes is harder to
obtain. Tying it back to the influence of the media, it is brainwashing kids from a young age and as the children get older, their minds stick to
attempting to find the easy way out rather than utilizing all the skills they learn to reach the American Dream. So not only do we not have a clear
idea of what the American dream is, not only are we are not equally equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to reach it, and not only is
there a lack of motivation but we are trying to find the easiest way to acquire the dream that is already difficult to

Definition Of The American Dream Essay
The American differs in each persons' perspective depending on what that certain person is going through or as been through. The biggest idea of the
American dream is having a big nice house, with the fancy sports car, tons of money, and being able to travel wherever they please. However only a
small percent of Americans actually get to live that dream as a reality. TheAmerican dream, an idea to some people that it has to do with the class you
were born into and where you were born, but that is not true. The American dream can be achieve by anyone and everyone through hard work and
sacrifice. It does take time but you will appreciate the wealth and the fun more because you The American dreams differs in each persons eyes,
depending on what a person is work for it, if was not given to you.(American dream/.)
Now looking from others perspectives there are...show more content...
It was a land of opportunities for them to live a better and a more free life. This does relate to an article where in Hollywood, California, they were
convincing a lot of foreigner to come to the United States to get the wealth, beauty and the "American dream". Americans filled their heads with this
dream foreigner wanted a better life, but they were disappointed when they came into America that the big idea of the American dream was not just
handed to them. However, they got to live in a better country and even if some of those foreigner got to meet the American Dream through blood
and sweat, it was all worth it in the end. The American Dream: a dream or reality. The American dream is a reality we can live and make but it takes
work, it does not only have to be a dream, it only stays a dream because some people rather sit there and complain on what they don't have instead of
getting up and doing something about it. An American dream is real, not a

My American Dream Essay
First, let's define "American Dream". "American Dream" is what you would consider a "perfect life." It can be full of happiness, money, love, food,
cars, whatever you desire, everyone has a different opinion. One person's American Dream may be totally different from someone else's, that is what
makes us all individuals. My American Dream would include a good job and lots of money, spare time for my family and I, and most importantly,
healthiness. It seems that so often the subject of economic standing and wealth, are said synonymously with the phrase "The American Dream". It
seems that it takes money to be happy and economic stature to be accepted, however, many people who fall into this trap out of ignorance will never
achieve "The...show more content...
To me the "American Dream" is not just a dollar sign, or desk name–tag at work, but the ability to walk into a room or a home, and know that your
presence is welcomed and looked forward to. The dream is realizing that in America, we have the resources to make an honest difference.
Unfortunately there was no reading that really embodied my version of the American dream. From the birth of America, to America today, the
driving force and the heart of America has always been the "American Dream." The "American Dream" is a goal for the majority of people who
live in the realms of the Americanized world. I believe that the "American Dream" is controlling my own destiny, becoming successful, and living
free. Examples of this dream are things like television, automobiles, supermarkets, malls, Internet, planes, trains, etc. The "American Dream" is
success, freedom, and being able to control your own destiny. The ability to be free made this country into the melting pot it is today and that ability
still brings many immigrants who believe in the "American Dream" to the country. Today freedom is often overlooked because all of us are use to it,
but in many countries freedom is just the "American Dream". My American dream has been unwavering since my youth. I find it easy to think of
ways to place a metaphor on the dreams of others, however, it is difficult to

When America was founded, the definition of the American Dream was to better one's circumstances; however, Fitzgerald shows through his novel
The Great Gatsby that the definition of the American Dream has changed: it became the desire to make it big as fast as possible.
F. Scott Fitzgerald pushed the idea that the American Dream was unattainable goal throughout his novelThe Great Gatsby. He used characters and
places to show the impossibleness of the so called dream that filled the people of the 1920's. The character Myrtle was a prime example of the
desire to get the American Dream and not reaching it. She desired to be a rich woman and tried t act as if she was one through her affair with Tom;
however, she was never similar to a rich woman for her attempt to seem rich resulted in her acting as those with new money do and not dignified like
old money. During the party at Myrtle and Tom's apartment, Fitzgerald describes Myrtle as,"[h]er laughter, her gestures, her assertions became more
violently affected moment by moment" (Fitzgerald 30–31). Her voice was shrill and unpleasant because Myrtle thought that rich women spoke in that
way. The dream that Myrtle had was unreachable due to her upbringing and misconceptions of who she wished to be. Similar to Myrtle, Gatsby
dreamed of being rich as well; although he craved more than richness, he wanted to be part of the old money society. While it is possible to
consider Daisy as Gatsby's dream, what truly attracted Gatsby was Daisy's upbringing. Daisy was raised with old money, and Gatsby connected
Daisy to the society that he wanted to become a part of. He deluded himself and thought that if he married Daisy, he would be accepted into old
money. On one of the nights they had spent together before Gatsby left, Fitzgerald writes of Gatsby's realization,"Out of the corner of his eye
Gatsby saw that the blocks of thee sidewalks really formed a ladder and mounted to a secret place above the trees" (110). To Gatsby, Daisy was the
ladder that would lead him to that secret place; however, when she married Tom, Gatsby's dream became unattainable. The impossibleness of the
American Dream was also shown with the valley of ashes. The valley is described as a land of ashes,

Defining The American Dream
Being American is more than having the right to proudly wave a red, white, and blue flag, more satisfying then being a part of a fairly organized
government, and evidently more honorable than simply a tittle. To have a group of isolated tribespeople understand what it truly means to be an
American, they would have to understand the American Dream; a dream that was so unique to each individual, it required equal opportunity for all.
Three things that represent what it means to be a unique dreamer in the pursuit of happiness are snails, Ford T car model, and fireworks. A snail is a
miniature, bottom of the food chain, extremely sluggish moving 'gastropod'; so, how can they be compared to Americans with their power and swift
advances decade

Definition Essay On The American Dream
Everyone has various ideas on what the "American Dream" is and if it is achievable. Some people say that it is the land of opportunity and some
believe that you can achieve what you want wherever you are. However, there is no direct or absolutely clear definition of the American dream, as it
is viewed by people on the basis of their worldviews, mental health, social status and backgrounds. Yes, it is definitely diverse as far as different
viewpoints are taken into consideration. When I think of the "American Dream" I think of Martin Luther King JR, Oprah Winfrey, and freedom
/equality for all. "I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of
interposition

American Dream Definition Essay

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