What Is The American Dream Today Essay

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
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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

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 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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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 their
race, 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

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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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

What Is The American Dream Today Essay

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