Dai’Quan Groves
Ms. Smith
English III
08 February 2023
The American Dream is attainable for everyone
The American Dream has been an idealistic concept in the United States since the nation's founding and is believed to be attainable for everyone. This essay will explore the various factors contributing to the attainment of the American Dream, including economic status, cultural upbringing, and other related elements. It is important to understand how these elements interact with one another to create an environment in which the American Dream can be achieved. Through examining the individual components, we can gain a better understanding of the importance of the
American Dream is often understood as having a successful career, a financially
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In his 2003 article in The Review of Higher Education, MB Walpole argues that SES can be seen "as a primary factor that influences access to and attainment of the American Dream of educational attainment and economic opportunity" (Walpole, 2003). He outlines how SES can be a predictor of educational attainment and economic success, noting that those with higher SES are more likely to have access to resources that can support educational achievements, such as tutoring and college visits. Walpole also discusses how SES influences the degree to which students believe in the American Dream, noting that those with higher SES are more likely to believe it is attainable. Overall, Walpole's argument provides strong evidence that SES has a significant impact on the American Dream, and demonstrates how disadvantaged individuals may be unable to reach the same levels of educational attainment and economic success as those with higher …show more content…
Their research indicates that the American Dream, which is often defined as achieving financial success, happiness, and the ability to pursue one's dreams, can be more difficult to achieve for people of diverse cultural backgrounds. This is due to a variety of factors, such as inadequate access to resources, discrimination, and a lack of understanding of the cultural aspects of the American Dream. For example, Gomez et al. (2001) point out that some cultures have different definitions of financial success, which can be a barrier to achieving the American Dream. Additionally, the authors note that many cultures have different values when it comes to pursuing one's dreams, which can also impede achieving the American Dream. Lastly, the authors note that cultural upbringing can also create a lack of understanding of the American Dream and its associated values, which can further hinder the ability to achieve it. In conclusion, Gomez et al. (2001) provide evidence that cultural upbringing has a significant influence on one's ability to achieve the American
It is often said that this country was built upon basic principles that form the American Dream. These principles revolve around life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As Maya Lin once said about the American Dream,“To me, the American Dream is being able to follow your own personal calling. To be able to do what you want to do is incredible freedom.” Though these ideals existed throughout the country, many people still didn’t have nor did they ever get to experience the true american dream.
The American Dream Why is the American dream a prominent sought out ambition between the individuals living within America? The question of the American dream has always been long debated and has a flexible topic structure. A consistent belief of this dream can be irregular and vary between people. The creation of the American dream is derived from the Declaration of Independence which states that each individual has the right to, “life,liberty,and the pursuit of happiness.” A fundamental aspect of the American dream is perseverance that will lead to financial prosperity in any case irregardless of social class or additional factors.
In this essay, Brandon King spoke about the American Dream. King portrayed the American Dream as a “land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone with opportunity for each according to ability and achievements, regardless of status or circumstances”(610). As King proceeds on, He questioned the state of the so-called " American Dream”. Some states that this dream has been long forgotten. Destroyed by the Great Recession and the economic hardship that many Americans had to face.
Dating back to the creation of the United States, the ‘American Dream’ represented one of America’s most defining characteristics. Built on the basis of freedom, hard work, and equality, it granted everyone the ability to succeed. While most could argue that, over time, this ‘dream’ turned into a symbol of materialistic views and greed, it has a much broader meaning. The American Dream is best defined as ‘the ability to achieve’. Jimmy Gatz, of Eastern European descent, was a poor farmer in desolate North Dakota, while his parents, unsuccessful and prone to failure, were no help to his dreams either.
Since the beginning of time in the United States, the idea of the American Dream has had a heavy influence on society. According to Document C, American Dream is defined as earning enough money to be happy, obtaining a worry-free lifestyle, and running in a high social circle. While working Americans still hold on to the hope of the American Dream, individuals from other countries often move to the United States with the hope that they too may have a piece of the pie. Despite the novelty and allure of the American Dream, it is nothing more than false hope.
The concept of the American Dream can be inferred and translated into an infinite amount of definitions, however, the overarching theme is that every U.S. citizen, despite culture and background, should have an equal opportunity to achieve prosperity and
The “American dream” is the belief that hard work and determination can lead to success regardless of background or circumstances. With this belief comes assumptions of what one might want to achieve; an assumption of what everyone wants. Of course, it is impossible for everyone to want the exact same thing and unrealistic to believe that everyone can achieve the same thing the same way given the diverse range of circumstances, ranging from financial hardships to discrimination and prejudice. The American dream is not every American's dream nor is achieving it the same experience for everyone. With the “American dream” comes flaws and unexpected setbacks and obstacles that inevitably lead to disillusionment.
From the pursuit of prosperity, social mobility, and the freedom to pursue your passion to embracing diversity, addressing systemic injustices, and forester inclusivity within the American society. I truly do believe that the American dream can still be achieved today regardless of one’s background and socioeconomic status. The American dream as a whole is a deeply personal and transformative journey that involves overcoming the many obstacles life will throw at you, pursuing education, honoring the sacrifices that were made, empowering others, and making a lasting impact on the community around you. It represents the belief that, through education, hard work, and dedication, individuals can transcend their circumstances, achieve their dreams, and contribute to a better future. The American dream in the eyes of a first-generation Asian American student is a testament to the power of education, determination, resilience, and dedication.
According to recent surveys, 57% of Native Americans, white, and Hispanic Americans see the American Dream as attainable. Half of Asian Americans say the same, while fewer Black Americans agree. Roughly one in six Black Americans say that there is no such thing as the American Dream (Ballard 2020). The American dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their version of success in a society in which upward mobility is possible for everyone (Barone 2023). It is essential to know that the American dream itself is different for everyone, especially those that are born in America, compared to those that are viewing America from an outsider’s perspective.
The article highlights the growing trend of Americans prioritizing personal growth and well-being over material possessions. While pursuing material wealth and social status remains a significant aspect of the American Dream, the growing trend of Americans prioritizing personal growth and well-being shows that the ideal is evolving and adapting to changing societal values. Some may argue that the American Dream is an outdated and unrealistic ideal that is no longer relevant in today's world. However, the enduring popularity of the American Dream and its continued relevance in American culture and identity shows that it remains a crucial aspect of the American experience. The American Dream is an inclusive ideal that should be accessible to all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background.
Americans who try to achieve the American Dream have lost sight of what it truly stands for. They are told to work towards it since childhood by parents and grandparents who sought after it yet never succeeded. They never thought to formulate a definition of their own. Does having a certain amount of money truly define the American Dream? In today’s world,
The American dream at one point was what drew people to American; the right to life, liberty, and the happiness. The American dream is the hope to acquire currency, large homes, raise a middle-class family, and pursue what brings people joy in life. But in the year 2016, the American dream becomes hard to believe in. The American dream may still exist, but it is not equally accessible to all Americans. This is true because the American dream is not affordable for everyone, it is not available to everyone from different degrees of education, and race and ethnicity creates large social barriers.
The American Dream is so essential to our country as it is an honor to reach your goals and make it a reality. The American Dream is the national ethos that people’s lives would be better and more abundant with many opportunities. The American Dream was more accessible to attain back in the days, however, changed over the years. Although the “American Dream” is still possible, many people, minorities are affected by the lack of improvement in social mobility in our society. The American Dream is still alive by being able to live a middle-class lifestyle and by obtaining it through perseverance and hard-work.
Throughout the years the meaning of what the American Dream is has been changed and modified through their personal beliefs and goals in life. Rethinking the American Dream, an essay by David Kamp provides a perfect
No matter who you are or where you have come from, you have undoubtedly heard of the American Dream. The idea that no matter who you are or where you have come from, you can do whatever it is you desire in America. What was once one the main driving forces for immigrants to flock to the new world, has slowly changed over the years, but still holds its value in the eyes of those who are looking for a promising new place to live. The American dream might not hold the same awe inspiring sound that it once did, but for many generations before ours it was a beacon of hope that helped build the foundation that the United States was built on. And, still, today the American dream might not be as achievable as it once was, but it is still an important