King's American Dream

The American Dream has a different meaning from what it once was, but according to Brandon King it is still alive. His beginning question, “What is the true state of the so-called ‘American Dream’ today” (Page #610, Para. #1) appeals to his audience’s own thoughts of his or her own personal beliefs for their futures. Most people have an idea of what they want in life, and their dream may not be the rags to riches dream of yesteryear, but is uniquely theirs.

In Brandon King’s article “The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or, on Hold?” he argues that the American Dream is not dead as some would believe. He claims that as long as the average individual American is hard working, saving money, and believes that they have a chance to becoming better off than they are today then, the American Dream will never die. I believe that it has become harder to achieve. King is right that in hard work and having faith that you can achieve beyond your limits are all great foundations keeping the American Dream alive but, there are other factors outside of an individual’s control that we must consider. One of the factors as to why this dream is getting harder to reach is while they rarely admit as much; many Americans

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 Some may argue that the American Dream is an outdated and unrealistic ideal that is no longer relevant in today's world.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.

Whether or not the country seems a growing place of competition, the dream may be changing shape once again. The American Dream may be coined the source of Dreamers, but unless if one confronts the natural occurrences in the world, that ambition may be impractical. Jim Cullen, the author of the American Dream, defines its origins in order to discern the difference between the modern and historical origins. He introduces James Truslow Adams’ definition from The Epic of America, “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man” (7). When the founding fathers built America, the pioneers embarked a new desolated realm where their version of the dream had begun.

The American Dream was initially defined by James Truslow Adams as “a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” Up until four months ago, I never would have questioned this definition. I was always a firm believer in American Exceptionalism, the idea that there is something particular about this country that gives every person such endless possibilities. I trusted that every individual had the freedom to pursue success, however, my time at Boston College has changed this.

From sea to shining sea the American Dream was embedded into our souls and ethics; this ideology brought new settlers and transformed our country. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the American Dream as, “an American social ideal that stresses egalitarianism and especially material prosperity; also : the prosperity or life that is the realization of this ideal”. In other words the American Dream, is the equal opportunity for all to achieve success through hard work, creativity and determination. People like Jay Gatsby and Joy Mangano embodied the American Dream which launched their success, proving that this idea is pivotal in our society. However, with success comes downfall, known as the business cycle: the rise and fall in an economy.

Looking back from the 1900’s till the 2000’s life has changed drastically. Now a day’s technology is used in everyday life like social media, compared to in the 1900’s where their technology was the first airplane, radio, and electricity. Adams’ definition of the American Dream is inaccurate and unachievable for Americans today because the minimum wage doesn’t cover the cost of living, digital society has replaced man’s ability to communicate, and college loans leaving young adults in debt. The American Dream is accurate and achievable if you work your hardest and achieve what you want you will live the American Dream.

Paul Laurence Dunbar, an influential poet, once stated “we wear the mask that grins and lies.” (Source B). This mask symbolizes the American Dream. A widely shared idea of wealth and luxury, however, a darker truth looks within. The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates to readers the hollowness and decline of the American Dream.

The American Dream is a delusion that still lingers till this day. Usually the dream depicts wealth along with things such as power, and, love, while climbing to the top. There are many variations of the idea throughout time but the most common one is based on ideas of self-reliance, freedom, and to strive for something greater. Many people dreamed of starting small and growing big living a prosperous life. This however had gradually altered into a materialistic lifestyle of glamorous cars, enormous houses, and overall carefree.

Though the image of American Dream of today’s time has not drifted too far away from the original version, many noticeable changes have taken place in which makes the American Dream today a lot more different than the American Dream James Truslow Adams had coined in the first place. “From working for a picket fence to working for a private jet.” This statement is very accurate with the American dream because it was once about working to achieve safety, equality, and comfort. In these modern times it’s about putting in a lot of effort to obtain gluttonous wealth and extravagance. The issue with that is, can you really enjoy wealth if you have to keep working hard to achieve it?

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.

Over the years, a dream that changed the way the world saw the U.S. was created and it is the American Dream. As the years passed and the U.S. was developing the American Dream as well developed or as many say changed. The American Dream is a term that was introduced in 1931 by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America (Kamp 2). The term “American Dream” started with a meaning that was reachable: “a better, richer and happier life for all citizens of every rank”(3). Throughout the years the term`s meaning changed dramatically.

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

The American dream was first used by James Truslow Adams in his book ‘The Epic of America ’which was written in 1931. He states: “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. ”Today,I want to discuss the American dream in parts. Why the American dream can cause such huge influence in America?You know,centuries ago America was experiencing huge turbulence,which called The economic crisis. People became homeless and the capitalists mastered the money.they did have the ability to help the weak to get through the difficult time,but they didn ‘t.So more and more people began to think about a happier life that,in this world,there is no violence,no hunger and no exploitation.

Buzz Aldrin says, “I think the American Dream used to be achieving one 's goals in your field of choice - and from that, all other things would follow. Now, I think the dream has morphed into the pursuit of money: Accumulate enough of it, and the rest will follow”. Cash is the fundamental material to accomplish the American dream, yet was the fantasy expected to be similar to that? The American dream’s purpose was to work by providing equal opportunity. However the dream has been luring people into a system which only promotes ‘survival of the fittest’ which for this situation the individuals who is controlling the income, the rich.