King’s quote “In many ways, the American Dream of today is a trimmed down version of its former self,” explains how the American Dream is not as intense as it was when James Truslow Adams coined it in 1931 during the Great Depression. Living a successful American Dream in the past meant being a part of the Upper Class, being “rich,” living a materialistic lifestyle consisting of, what King states, “expensive items, namely cars and homes, and acquiring more material wealth.” However, the American Dream of todays’ society focuses more so on being stress-free and stable, all financially, occupationally, and residentially, for both current and future life. All topics have the potential to be viewed from multiple perspectives. On page 613, King
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.
Although seen as one dream of self prostration and wealth, the American Dream differs from person to person. As many people come to find out,“Wealth, rank, or imposing name counted for nothing,” (Source E). Society implements the idea of wealth and riches to impose self value; however, it is not money that makes a person happy. Riches and fame only last a certain amount of time, and if that it taken, a person will not have anything left. The American Dream suggests that any status of a person can bring themselves from their social class and make something of themselves; therefore, most infer this means money.
The American Dream is defined as “A life of personal happiness and material comfort as traditionally sought by individuals in the U.S.” (Dictionary 1). This idea is what our forefathers have based the constitution and has thrived in one way or another, even in current times. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the story of Nick Carraway's new beginnings in extravagant West Egg, Long Island during the roaring twenties. Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickled and Dimed:
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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?
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.