The American Dream is Built on Family Bonds
explanatory Essay
1300 words
The American Dream is a concept that is essentially older than the United States, dating back to the seventeenth century. It was then when people began to come up with hopes and aspirations for the newly discovered, unexplored continent. The “American Dream” is in essence the idea in that puts forward the notion that all people can succeed through hard work, that all people have the right to the pursuit of happiness, and be successful. The definition of the American Dream has been expanded upon and redefined over time. The concept of the American Dream has always been debated and put under criticism. There are many that believe the structure of American Society belies the idealistic goal of the American Dream. It points out examples of deeply rooted inequality based on class, race, and ethnic origin. This idea is the base that puts in question the attainability of the American Dream for everyone. Generation after generation, people have strongly had a belief that with the right mix of grit, guts, and character, one could achieve new levels of success for themselves and their families. Implied in this amalgamation are the concepts of hard work, and a determination to overcome adversity. That, in my belief, is the definition of the American Dream; with enough toil and a strong backbone, one can take advantage of whatever natural strengths one has and manipulate them to earn success. As Americans we have always believed there was someplace to move, something to overcome, in order to improve our lot in life and raise ourselves up.
According to the article on “Economic Recession” from Issues and Controversies, a panel of economists determined that the U.S. was in a recession from December 2007 to June 2009, making it the longest ...
... middle of paper ...
... in those around you. It’s what makes us grow, and keeps us going; which is exactly what the American Dream is all about.
Works Cited
"Economic Recession." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. .
Thomma, Steven. "For Many, 'American Dream Is Struggling'." Detroit Free Press. 27 Mar 2011: A.18. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 21 Nov 2011.
"Economic Recession." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. .
Thomma, Steven. "For Many, 'American Dream Is Struggling'." Detroit Free Press. 27 Mar 2011: A.18. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 21 Nov 2011.
"The American Dream - Redefined for One Family | A King's Life." A King's Life - Enjoying Family Travel Adventures. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american dream is a concept that dates back to the seventeenth century, when people came up with hopes and aspirations for the newly discovered, unexplored continent.
- Explains that the u.s. was in a recession from december 2007 to june 2009, the longest such economic slump since the great depression in the 1930s.
- Opines that the american dream should be redefined in order to make it a genuine dream.
- Explains that the american dream was founded by those who came to this country in search of better opportunities and happiness.
- Opines that the 'american dream' is too on money rather than the more important things in life.
- States thomma, steven, and a.18. sirs issues researcher. "economic recession." facts on file news services.
Related
- opinionated
- analytical
- explanatory
- Prejudice Destroyed the American Dreamopinionated essayThe American dream is the general belief that American Citizens all have an equal opportunity to succeed socially and economically, regardless of any predating circumstances. This idea has been accepted as possible by the majority of citizens in this country. This “dream” cannot be true, as there are multiple discriminations in this country, which make it impossible for everyone to have the same chance to succeed. Biases against racial minorities, women, and citizens from lower social classes are examples of just a few reasons that everyone does not have the same chance to succeed in our current economic and social system in America, resulting in unequal chances to achieve “the American Dream.”
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the "american dream" is no longer an attainable idea, only a fantasy.
- Explains that the american dream is the belief that american citizens all have an equal chance to succeed socially and economically, regardless of predating circumstances. multiple discriminations make it impossible for everyone to have the same chance.
- Analyzes how racial discrimination is illegal, but it doesn't deter it, especially concerning the american dream, as it proves the chance for success is not the same for everyone.
- Analyzes how dan rathers' retelling of trung dung's quote proves that if an immigrant can achieve success, everyone can and the american dream is real.
- Opines that gender is important in the chance of success as well. males make more than females with the same level of education.
- Explains that social class is a very important factor proving everyone does not have an equal chance to become successful.
- Explains that the inequality of wealth is another reason the american dream is dead. the top 1% of our society controls more than 34% of the wealth.
- Explains that the american dream is the belief that everyone has an equal chance, therefore everyone should have to apply the same amount of effort.
- Opines that the myth of the american dream no longer exists in american society today. prejudices like race, gender, social class, and economic inequality prevent every american from having the same chance at success.
- Cites alger, horatio, and anyon, jean. "from social class and the hidden curriculum of work."
- Summarizes harlon l. dalton's rereading america: cultural contexts for criticalthinking and writing, 8th edition.
- Presents critical thinking and writing, 8th edition, by gary columbo, robert cullen, and bonnie lisle. the american dream: stories from the heart of a nation.
- Explains that stephen cruz's book, rereading america: cultural contexts for criticalthinking and writing, was published by the u.s. census bureau.
1018 wordsRead More - Wounded by the Jagged Edges of a Shattered American Dreamanalytical essayAmerican ideologies of success, rooted in ideals represented by the American Dream, have long captivated people of the United States with a hypnotic power. The promise of the American Dream, in which even the poorest Americans can achieve prosperity and success through persistence and hard work, has drawn all sorts of people to its warmth, generating a multicultural “melting pot” in the U.S. that boasts of diversity and tolerance. The American Dream itself resonates from the nation’s declaration that “all men are created equal” and affirms its claim to be a land of inclusion and nondiscriminatory opportunity. Further evidenced by glorified narratives of rags-to-riches success, the American Dream has flourished in the hearts of many Americans who embrace its emotional appeal, and over time, it has been woven into the social fabric of the United States national imaginary with unwavering patriotism. Its ideals, which reside at the core of American identity, have undoubtedly played an important role in guiding American political evolution and development. Yet while the American Dream is flaunted as a source of national cohesion and pride, for many it is no more than an empty and elusive fantasy hovering over a broken land. Instead of finding refuge in the American Dream’s sacred promises, many Americans have begun to contest its presence in the national imaginary as a divisive and unjust force.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the american dream has captivated people with a hypnotic power. it is woven into the social fabric of the united states national imaginary with unwavering patriotism.
- Explains that the "american dream" has served as a cultural compass since the founding of the united states.
- Analyzes how adrienne rich demystifies the naivety of the american dream by addressing its disillusionment with reality.
- Analyzes how rich is apprehensive that america's showcase of the american dream is not an accurate representation of its internal condition.
- Explains that the american dream's principles of hard work and perseverance have always been present in the united states.
- Argues that the american dream is a double-edged sword, intended to sharpen america's progress but inadvertently wounding those who cannot afford to attain its success.
- Explains rich, adrienne, an atlas of the difficult world: poems, 1988-1991.
- Analyzes how rich uses the pronoun "we" to embrace the reader and include all americans as victims of american aggressiveness and oppression.
1511 wordsRead More - The Impossible American Dreamexplanatory essay... the American Dream goes, it will ALWAYS be there for most American citizens. However, whether or not we can achieve the American Dream will be the true battle.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american dream has changed drastically since generation x. with newer technology and efficient ways of living, everything has gone up.
- Explains that they chose to research whether the american dream has necessarily changed, or if it has stayed the same, and is just harder to attain because of today's society.
- Explains that the american dream is a hope for better, richer, happier life for all citizens of every class.
- Explains that college education is supposed to be the largest financial outlay we will ever make. however, if one isn't guaranteed a job after finishing college, trying to pay off loans and being okay financially could be huge struggle.
- Explains that most americans believe the american dream is still what it was to begin with. the housing market is rising, tuition is unaffordable, unemployment rates skyrocketing, and job growth is weaker.
958 wordsRead More - Living or Dying with the American Dreamanalytical essayIn order to avoid confusion the American Dream should be analyzed and defined. A recent poll done by Forbes magazine showed that twenty percent of America...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how arthur miller's death of a salesman portrays the american dream through the eyes of many different characters, giving us perspective of our own priorities and goals.
- Analyzes how willy loman is the main person we see seeking this dream. he makes many mistakes, but the first one is in how he defines the american dream.
- Opines that many people claim that willy loman was corrupted by the "american dream". zhao said that death of a salesman is "moving destruction of the whole myth" that the american dream does or ever did work.
- Argues that the american dream should be analyzed and defined in order to avoid confusion. forbes magazine polls show that 20 percent of americans define it as opportunity, freedom, family, and happiness.
- Opines that happiness comes down to everyone trying to be happy. many people misinterpret what happiness means, like willy in death of a salesman.
- Explains richard layard's book entitled happiness, in which he discussed the results of several tests. the children were asked how happy they were on a scale of one to ten.
- Explains that children in the study were less happy because they compared their "gifts" to their peers and felt like they got the "short end of the stick." people brainwash themselves into believing they don't have everything that they want.
- Analyzes how willy compares himself to his brother ben, who is "success incarnate". ben left for the jungle at age seventeen with absolutely nothing. the process involves immense risk and self-denial.
- Compares willy to his father, an inventor who set out to provide for his family. he traveled to america and became a relatively wealthy man.
- Compares the loman's neighbors, charley and his son bernard, who started out relatively poor and are not the most popular people. they have a good family relationship and have taken advantage of the opportunities life has given them.
- Analyzes how willy ignores the importance of determination, honesty, and hard work in attaining the american dream.
- Analyzes willy's desire to attain the american dream, but he tries to achieve it through charisma. he hopes that if his boys are popular and liked by others, they will definitely attain it.
- Analyzes how willy's pursuit of immense popularity for his boys causes biff more harm than good.
- Analyzes how willy clings to a fierce belief that anyone well liked can make it big, despite his evident failure to meet his life goals.
- Analyzes how willy lies to himself when he kills himself, believing that biff will use the money from the life insurance to start a business. his naive perception of the american dream fails him and delusions lead him to take his own life.
- Analyzes how miller wants us to connect to the characters and their dreams. he uses the "average man" to provide at least one that everyone can relate to.
- Explains that americans most commonly define the american dream in terms of opportunity, freedom, and family.
1271 wordsRead More - The American Dreamopinionated essayAmerican Dream is the dream of people in which everyone’s hopes for the freedom, equality and opportunity commonly held to everyone according to their ability or performance. American Dream is not only the dream but also hope of everyone who are poor, so called lower class and who struggle for their basic needs for the better and fuller and richer life with opportunity according to their skills, performance, success and capability in spite of the unexpected situation of where they born and what class they were form. American dream is not a dream but a reality to realize to live life to fullest and achieve all within and beyond with sheer knowledge, talent and all our hard work, no racism, no favoritism, and if not at all a little hindrance
In this essay, the author
- Explains that american dream is a dream of people in which everyone's hopes for freedom, equality, and opportunity are held to everyone according to their ability or performance.
- Explains that an american dream is a hope and the belief for the good future which includes freedom for life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
- Explains james truslow adams' book, "the epic of america", that the american dream is the hope and the belief of millions of people including immigrants, native americans, and those who seek freedom.
- Analyzes how james truslow adams used the term "american dream" to describe complex beliefs, religious promises, political and social expectations. the idea that every man and woman should achieve what they are able to do is core to this idea.
- Explains that america is a country of immigrants where all are hoped to live better lives in the new world. 55 percent of americans say that "the american dream" either never existed in first place, or that it did exist but doesn't anymore.
- Opines that democracies tend to be most stable when they have a sizeable middle class, dating back to aristotle. however, the country's economic growth has been much faster than that in other developed countries.
- Opines that it is crucial to discuss the current economic status of nation as a whole while of those who live in it. the shift has implications for the democratic way of life too.
- Opines that americans need a new vision that helps them deal with new economic realities. they can persuade the right of all citizens to larger lives.
- Explains that "american dream" is a belief and hopes breeding the optimism about the future; future of personal, nation and global vision.
1535 wordsRead More - Homelessness is No Longer an Issueexplanatory essayConsidered “The Great Recession,” the time period between December of 2007 and June 2009 was hard for almost every American. Once $8 trillion in housing money was lost, those who once provided for themselves could no longer do so. The U.S. labor market lost 8.4 million jobs (or 6.1% of all payroll employment) in 2008 and 2009. When compared to the recession in 1981, the Economic Policy Institute stated, “Job loss was 3.1%, or only about half as severe.” A year and four months after the recession was supposedly over, the economy was still dealing with 5.4% less jobs than it did before the recession even started.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the "great recession" isn't over for many of america's youth, though many would disagree considering our president declared its end in 2009.
- Explains that the recession between 2007 and 2009 was hard for almost every american. the u.s. labor market lost 8.4 million jobs in 2008 and 2009.
- Explains that the "great recession" caused over 46 million to have to live in poverty right now. the child poverty rate has increased in over 30 states since the year 2000, with the southern states feeling the repercussions worst than any other region.
- Explains that the u.s. economy catastrophe caused so many families to break up because of the emotional strain that their financial situation had brought upon them.
- Opines that the recession is the only real reason for homelessness. homelessness can be caused by unfortunate personal experiences such as veteran parents who are injured and cant seem to find work or young mothers who don’t have anyone on their side to help them financially.
- Explains that homelessness is a universal issue. a homeless person can come in any shape, size, age, gender, sexuality, and especially color.
- Explains that not everyone is emotionally strong enough to handle a situation as serious as becoming homeless, and that one-third of homeless mothers have had at least one suicide attempt.
- Explains that parents aren't the only ones in the family that have to focus on staying strong. when it comes to health issues, homeless children have the worst.
- Compares the mental/emotional problems of homeless children with those of their parents. homeless children go hungry twice the rate of other children and have high rates of obesity due to nutritional deficiencies.
- Explains that domestic violence is a primary cause of homelessness for women and children. by the age of 12, 83% of homeless children had been exposed to at least one violent event.
- Explains that schooling is another hardship that homeless children have to deal with. some parents aren't able to teach their children the essentials that they need at a young age, causing them to be behind by the time they become adolescents.
- Opines that homelessness is a constantly growing problem in america. putting aside selfish ways to get someone to be happy, healthy, and most importantly, sheltered, can change lives for the better.
- Cites the national center on family homeless, "america's youngest outcasts 2010," and goodyear, sarah.
- Cites statisticbrain.com's "homelessness / poverty stats." national coalition for the homeless, july 2009.
- States strauss, valerie, "record number of homeless children enrolled in public schools, new data show."
- Explains the characteristics and needs of families experiencing homelessness. the national center on family homelessness, dec. 2011.
1285 wordsRead More - Analysis Of Keeping The Dream Alive By John Meachamanalytical essayThe article Keeping The Dream Alive by John Meacham is addressed to people who feel the American dream has died. The author compares historical events and today’s issues to encourage the reader that a simple call to action can revive the dream. Towards the end of the passage he quotes John Adams’ proclamation, “’If the American dream is to come true and to abide with us… it will, at the bottom, depend on the people themselves.” Assuming the reader is waiting on the government to provide a solution, Meacham presents ideas that encourage the readers to make the change themselves. The arrangement of historical feats and beliefs persuade the readers that the future of the American dream is in their hands.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how john meacham's article keeping the dream alive is addressed to people who feel the american dream has died.
- Explains that the american dream has developed from people's campaign to carry on through rough periods. it offers equal opportunities for prosperity.
- Analyzes how meacham's "crisis of our time" is that people can no longer transcend past their position in society.
- Compares meacham's argument that the gap between rich and poor had become more elusive over time.
- Analyzes how meacham alludes that success is not guaranteed but a perk you must work for. he provides historical evidence of the hard work to create america's equality.
- Analyzes how meacham discusses the upcoming elections to show the reader the power is in their own hands.
- Agrees with meacham's argument that america is not presented the same opportunities as before. to recover the dream requires knowing where it came from, how it lasted so long and why it matters.
725 wordsRead More - Class Inequality In America Essayexplanatory essayToday we live in a country that is full of struggles and no hope. People today have goals to achieve here in america. They always look into having great jobs and an unlimited amount of opportunities, but many people today fail to achieve here in the US such as people who aspire to become actors, athletes or artist.“The rich must be blind because they didn’t see the poor there” (Lupe Fiasco). This quote from a song explains that the american dream doesn’t exist. It emphasizes that the rich only care for themselves. Therefore, the american dream is dead because of class inequality, discrimination, and unemployment.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american dream is dead because of class inequality, discrimination, and unemployment.
- Explains that class inequality is one of the many reasons why the american dream doesn't exist. the us women's national team complained about their earnings on their historic world cup victory.
- Explains that people are viewed differently because of their skin, ethnicity, and the country you are from. they get to miss out on opportunities like jobs, education and get treated unfairly.
- Explains that the american dream does not apply here in the united states because of unemployment. alumni students receive college debt after they graduate or receive their degree in whatever major they decided to fulfill.
- Opines that the u.s. should come to open ideas to fulfill their objective on what this country wants to achieve. the american dream doesn't exist because of class inequality, discrimination and unemployment.
595 wordsRead More - The American Dream And The Reality Of The American Nightmareanalytical essayDue to continuous changes in the concept of the American Dream throughout its prolonged existence, it is difficult to have one sole definition. The American Dream has always been a major concept that stems off of many ideas such as liberty, prosperity, equality, and opportunity, which still exists, to some degree, in our vision of the Dream today. America has always been known as the “land of opportunity” and has always emphasized the importance of future generations surpassing the success of their previous ones. But just because our present concept of the Dream may seem to overlap past concepts, it does not mean the Dream has remained what it was in the past. Actually, it is an entirely new image, morphed by social, political, and economic issues. What has it become? A society corrupted by materialism and deteriorated by the failing economy, leaving younger Americans hopeless and older Americans fearful of America’s future. It’s alarming that Americans are constantly taking their rights and freedom for granted, always wanting more than they can get– and quite honestly, what they can get is not even that much to begin with. As our economy collapses into chaotic hardships and our desires override our moral obligations, the American Dream has ultimately become the American Nightmare.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american dream is a major concept that stems off of many ideas such as liberty, prosperity, equality, and opportunity, which still exists in our vision of the dream today.
- Argues that the fall of the american dream is due to the collapsing economy, which drags american opportunity down with it.
- Analyzes how the wealth gap between younger and older generations has been widened by the extended economic downturn, causing young adults to be consumed by their housing and college debts.
- Explains that the fear of failure is all-consuming for many people, especially when one feels as if they failed themselves.
- Analyzes how the american dream is destroyed by society by the lack of ethics and morals.
- Explains that as economic hardships dramatically increase, so does the rate of depression and anxiety disorders, and the average american medicine intake.
- Argues that the government is responsible for the lack of morals and ethics, as are the american citizens.
1403 wordsRead More - Great Depression vs. The Great Recessionanalytical essaySince being founded, America became a capitalist society. Being a capitalist society obtains luxurious benefits and rather harsh consequences if gone bad. In a capitalist society people must buy products and spend money to keep the economy balanced, but once those people stop spending money, the economy goes off balance and the nation enters a recession. Once a recession drastically takes a downturn, the nation enters what is known as a depression. In 2008 America entered a recession and its consequences were severe enough for some people, such as President Barack Obama, to compare the recent crisis to the world’s darkest economic depression in history, the Great Depression. Although the Great Depression and the Great Recession of 2008 hold similarities and differences between the stock market and government spending, political issues, lifestyle changes, and wealth distribution, the Great Depression proved far more detrimental consequences than the Recession.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that america became a capitalist society in 2008, and compared it to the world's darkest economic depression, the great depression.
- Explains that the 1920's marked economic and social change in america. women took over men’s jobs during the war while their husbands were overseas.
- Explains how the pump and dump scheme led to overinflation of stocks and panic buying. the credit backing crumbled and more money was put up to pay the loans when stock prices decreased.
- Explains that the "great recession" focused on the housing bubble. the mortgage broker would sell the mortgage to a bank and the bank would split it into safe, okay, and risky.
- Explains how the investment groups became greedy and the banks turned back to the mortgage brokers to buy more mortgages. the increase in foreclosed houses caused the price of houses to go down.
- Analyzes how the stock market crashed and government spending differentiated between the great depression and great recession.
- Explains that government spending dropped by more than $3 billion just between 1920 and 1922. people spending money and buying raised consumerism in america which allowed the government to lowed federal spending.
- Narrates forbes magazine's "the great depression and the great recession."
- Analyzes buhle, mari j., daniel czitrom, and susan h. armitage. chapter 24: the great depression and the new deal.
- Explains gill, kathy, and about.com us politics' "what caused the great depression?"
- Analyzes harvey, john t., "the great recession: how we got here (and how to get out)." forbes.
- States that hill, ryan, "total spending us from fy 1920 to fy 1930." n.p.
- Analyzes how the great recession has changed life in america. pew research centers social demographic trends project rss.
- Explains mulligan, casey b., "who lost work during the great recession?" economix.
- Analyzes the reasons behind the 2008 recession. jonathan jarvis, john levoff and crisisofcredit.com.
- Explains the zshmoop editorial team's "politics in the great depression."
- Analyzes waggoner, john, "is today's economic crisis another great depression?" usa today.
1439 wordsRead More