American Dream Attainable

The american dream is and has always been what the citizens of America strive to achieve. The thought that no matter where you come from you have a chance at success is empowering. It has given citizens hope for as long as the country has existed. The definition of the american dream has varied dramatically throughout history, from once meaning to be able to overcome the social class you were born and triumph over adversity until today’s definition of being able to attain large amounts of money without using any effort. Because of citizens working towards achieving their dream, it has caused a positive impact on society, due to the hard work of people. However, there are citizens on the opposite end of the spectrum, who they believe that they …show more content…
People come up with many excuses on why that can not conquer what they wish to. Author of the poem “Let America be America again” Winston Hughes declares that people make excuses on why they will be unable to achieve the american dream. “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” (Hughes). Hughes is stating that citizens would rather come up with a reason on why they can not achieve the american dream rather than putting in the effort to attain it. “"Work hard and you'll get ahead" or "It's hard work that got us where we are." No one ever said that you could work hard - harder even than you ever thought possible - and still find yourself sinking ever deeper into poverty and debt” (Ehrenreich 120). Although the american dream may mean different things to different people it is achievable if the person wishing to reach it is willing to put in the …show more content…
While including making money, have a good job, or having nice things, people usually forget that just items and money can not give you a good life. “So on we looked and waited for the light, and went without the meat, and cursed the bread; And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, went home and put a bullet through his head” (Robinson). People often envy someone who they believe has a perfect life. However, the person they strive to be may not be happy with the life they have. In Edwin Robinson’s poem Richard Cory, average citizens admire Richard Cory for his wealth and social stature when in reality Richard Cory is not content with his own life. People must ask themselves, what is the point of achieving the american dream if you are not happy once you have achieved