Lance Detweiler
English 11(4)
Mr. Hendrickson
March 2, 2018
What is the American Dream, and is it worth pursuing?
The American Dream is often referred to as one ideal, however, some argue it can be different for every person. In his book, The Epic of America, James Truslow Adams described the American Dream as “...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. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but 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 …show more content…
Another part of the dream for many Americans is being able to have the freedom and opportunity to set goals to achieve their own personal definition of success. “Today, the American Dream continues to place a heavy emphasis upon economic prosperity and financial security, along with other ambitions as well-finding and pursuing a rewarding career, leading a healthy and personally fulfilling life and being able to retire in comfort. But regardless of the time or place, America has always been about the hope and promise of a good life.” (Source B) The latter is what differentiates America from other countries. Regardless of ethnicity, immigrants, students, single-parents, retirees all have the freedom and opportunity to pursue their aspirations. “One reason the American Dream endures is that it has been closely intertwined with deeply held American values, especially freedom and equality of opportunity...The linking of the American Dream to equality of opportunity is particularly important to understanding the Dream’s endurance. Equality of opportunity is a powerful concept because unlike other individuals rights that can be easily taken away by authoritarian governments (e.g., freedoms of speech and religious worship), it is a state of mind that is virtually impossible to eliminate.” (Source C) Some may argue it’s no longer about the dream of building a life; it’s just about getting rich. Many individuals feel they can only be successful if they have materialistic wealth. Yet having the freedom to get a college education, start your own business, work yourself up from clerk to president in a company, are all opportunities available to U.S. citizens and immigrants; and all apart of the American
English 11(4)
Mr. Hendrickson
March 2, 2018
What is the American Dream, and is it worth pursuing?
The American Dream is often referred to as one ideal, however, some argue it can be different for every person. In his book, The Epic of America, James Truslow Adams described the American Dream as “...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. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but 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 …show more content…
Another part of the dream for many Americans is being able to have the freedom and opportunity to set goals to achieve their own personal definition of success. “Today, the American Dream continues to place a heavy emphasis upon economic prosperity and financial security, along with other ambitions as well-finding and pursuing a rewarding career, leading a healthy and personally fulfilling life and being able to retire in comfort. But regardless of the time or place, America has always been about the hope and promise of a good life.” (Source B) The latter is what differentiates America from other countries. Regardless of ethnicity, immigrants, students, single-parents, retirees all have the freedom and opportunity to pursue their aspirations. “One reason the American Dream endures is that it has been closely intertwined with deeply held American values, especially freedom and equality of opportunity...The linking of the American Dream to equality of opportunity is particularly important to understanding the Dream’s endurance. Equality of opportunity is a powerful concept because unlike other individuals rights that can be easily taken away by authoritarian governments (e.g., freedoms of speech and religious worship), it is a state of mind that is virtually impossible to eliminate.” (Source C) Some may argue it’s no longer about the dream of building a life; it’s just about getting rich. Many individuals feel they can only be successful if they have materialistic wealth. Yet having the freedom to get a college education, start your own business, work yourself up from clerk to president in a company, are all opportunities available to U.S. citizens and immigrants; and all apart of the American