Langston Hughes And The American Dream

Historically countries, such as America, have muted and failed to addressed the social injustices against minority groups. Although America is considered to be the “melting pot,” it continues to face issues regarding freedom and justice for all of its citizens. Langston Hughes, who was a writer and social activist, wrote poetry during the Harlem Renaissance which addressed the social issues facing African Americans and minority groups. Allusion, anaphora, and rhyme scheme are employed by Hughes in his poem, “Let America Be America Again” in order to show how false America’s claims of equality and “Justice for all” are.

This side might not always seem pleasant to discuss but it’s the reality many face when they decide to pursue this dream. “Let America be America Again / Let it be the dream it used to be / Let it be the pioneer on the plain Seeking a home where he himself is free” (America never was America to me)....1-5. Hughes touches on the message that America is not what it used to be. Perhaps the land of opportunities does not have the opportunities it says it does and those who come here to find a better life may not always find what they want. Hughes looks at the fact that The American Dream does not always turn out to be as one hopes. The author tells that the dreams this land promises might have a different outcome for many. The fact that this country promises freedom and equality for everyone with different ethnicities, skin colors or genders does not always seems to be the case.”I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart / I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars / I am the red man driven from the land / I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek / And fighting only the same old stupid plan of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak”….. 20-25. Hughes not only focuses on a certain group but also expresses that this dream affects all different types of people. The author states that the dream for these people is not what they hoped for. The fact that America

The idea that hardships may bring out of someone something they did not know they had within them is something that many people believe. American culture is one that admires resolve in the face of hardship as we believe that is when someone shines that most. However adversity does not always bring out something that was not being shown before but rather gives a new direction to talents that someone already has. Adversity may push some to recognize talents they did not they had, like for example taking an advance class in a subject they did not like but finding they are talented in understanding the subject. While adversity may help people discover a talent or build their character, adversity just mostly puts their talents to use in a different way or showcases people’s character.

Langston Hughes wrote a variety of themes in his poems. Music, blues and jazz, was an important theme because

The American Dream is a concept that we have created which illustrates a perfect life. Growing up, we are taught that we can be anything we dream of as long as we put our mind to it. We view ourselves and our country as the best, since we believe that we can achieve any goal with effort and perseverance. As stated in John Steinbeck’s “Paradox and Dream,” we are strong believers of our beliefs and “seem to be in a state of turmoil all the time, both physically and mentally”. We have made it appear as if the American Dream can be achieved as we are diligent, well inherited individuals that could make anything possible as long as we have the mentality and commitment to accomplish it.

What is the American dream? 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." - James Truslow Adams. The American dream can be defined in many different ways. Thus being, can people achieve their American dream? Many people could achieve the American dream through self determination and perseverance, but the American dream could be unachievable when facing financial obstacles or the costs of college.

Many people fantasize about the American dream. In his book The Epic of America, James Truslow Adams (1931) describes the American Dream as a, “...dream of land in which life should be better and richer and full for everyone with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” The American Dream is the idea that if a person has a significant amount of money and friends that they will be happy. It is in our nature as humans to want to be the best and have nicer things than our peers. The majority of people try to achieve the American Dream so that they will feel more exceptional to others. Though, in The Great Gatsby, the American Dream is a fallacy that the character Nick realizes can never truly be attained.

America is well known as the land of the free and the home opportunity. Although it is said everyone is equal in every way, that has not always been the case. Langston Hughes is a poet who tried to emphasize the idea of equality among all human beings. Hughes underlined the basis of the American Dream with what is and what should be in the societal era he lived in. In hindsight he believed his poems helped others realize the injustices that all minorities had to face during this era.

There are 318.9 million people living in the United States and every citizen has the desire to fulfil their own American Dream. The traditional American Dream is a common concept known by all citizens but is viewed differently by each individual. Every American is different and believes they can be granted their dream or denied it. The American Dream means having the chance to live your dreams and committing yourself to the country that grants you so many opportunities. The American Dream is a reality; no matter who you are or what you do the dream never leaves. Some citizens struggle to accept that the dream is still there because of modern society and how it contributes to things such as financial instability.

In the poem “I, Too”, the author Langston Hughes illustrates the key aspect of racial discrimination faces against the African Americans to further appeals the people to challenge white supremacy. He conveys the idea that black Americans are as important in the society.

Instead of saying “We are all humans” as Hughes did in the story, in this poem, he has a more modest but no less veritable pronouncement: we are all Americans. The poem smacks with pride – and rightfully so – as much as it flowers with confidence and firmness. With the bold statements captured in this poem, Hughes was able to assert the face of the Black American and hoped, if not foretold a future when they, the “darker brother,” and their “whiter” brothers we can presume they have, will be under a single name: all as

The term, “American dream,” was first used by historian James Truslow Adams. James stated that the American dream was, “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.” Although the quote states a perfect definition of the American dream, this term can be interpreted in several ways. The American dream is achieving a goal that before was seen as impossible or unlikely, making a decision that could improve the life of future descendants, and having goals that you want to accomplish.

What would happen if the dreams you most desired were at risk of never coming true? In the poem, "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes, he uses figurative language to convey the importance of what happens when a dream is deferred for too long due to oppression. Not only does Hughes uses similes to help the reader understand the author 's point of view, but also metaphors and imagery.

What is the American dream? America always had that impact in other countries, as the land of dreams, opportunity, freedom of speech, and the list goes on and on. The American dream is about working hard to get were you want to be, make ours children lives better then what we had as child. Fitzgeral explains in his book, in 1920’s the American dream is about getting wealthy, it didn’t matter how you get it there, It’s not much different than today. Nick says “I graduated from New Haven in 1915, just a quarter of a century after my father, and I little later I participated in that Teutonic migration know as the Great War.” (3) Yale was a very popular university, it was known for athletic programs and its connection with the Military, it was one of the to universities. Nick was not much different than anyone else, he fought in Great War and soon after he enrolled at Yale. Nick also mentions, “ so I decided to go east and learn the bond business. Everybody I knew was in the bond business, so I supported it could support one more single man.” (3) After the War the economy was growing very quick and everyone wanted to be in the bond business, it was a quick way to get rich. Nick always admire his father, one of the things Nick’s father passed along to him was "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven 't had the advantages that you 've had" (1.2). Nicks parents though him not to show off what he has and always think

He discusses the fact that while America is an ideal society where people love each other, life is not so perfect, as the hardships we face are difficult to overcome. But, Whitman also says that these tough times are not unique to any one race or religion as we all face certain challenges in our everyday lives. He continues, implying that through these dark patches we experience, we have the help of our “brothers” and “sisters and lovers” to lead us through these times and they are the shoulder we can rely