The American TV Series Shameless: The Illusion Of The American Dream

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More than any other country, America defines itself by a collective dream: The dream of economic possibilities, and the achievement of the ever-dreamed professional career. The country is not only defined by its “unlimited” possibilities in general but also has a huge presence in TV series plots, where the idea of the “American Dream” is represented. Reversely, this critical examination discusses to which extent the American TV series Shameless presents the illusion of the American Dream illustrating the denial of poverty by centering on a discussion of Fiona and Lip in season 3 . The following paper argues that hard work is not the only key to fulfillment of the American Dream, thence Shameless illustrates that the poor and lower classes “deserve” their position in society. The American Dream, …show more content…

Look, you do not know a shit about promoting a club party” (06:50-07:03 Shameless, “The American Dream”) This scene describes an interpersonal conflict between Lip and Fiona, therefore “the process through which a person [...] frustrates another from obtaining the wanted result” ( Beheshtifar and Zare 401), which is visible through Lip’s lack of trust and the conflict between realistic- and non-realistic beliefs and goals. Thus, it is significant to know that the missing support and distrust towards each other leads to a situation, which is getting even worse. Later on, Lip takes up the dispute again. Lip: “So the ghetto girl thinks she can live the American Dream, huh?” Fiona: “Maybe it is my time, Lip.” Lip: “Doesn't work like that, sis. When you're poor, [the] only way to make money is to steal or scam it, [..]” (36:25-36:38 Shameless, “The American

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