Anna Quindlen The American Dream Analysis

The American Dream as we know it has ceased to exist. Past generations would say that every American wanted a stable home, a family they loved, and a good job that could support both. In 2015, a majority of the American population has given up on that dream, not out of disappointment, or disillusionment, but simply because the times have changed. This evolution has not gone without a fair amount of scholarly attention, and one such text exemplifies the change through an unlikely perspective. Anna Quindlen, a writer from New York City, spent time observing the homeless population. Her conclusion seems to be the same that many others have reached- the American Dream is no longer a singular, unifying ideal. It varies as much as the individuals who now define it on their …show more content…
Family is a choice, work is not what defines us, and property has lost significance in the eyes of many. Quindlen’s writing glorifies what many “well off” people would consider everyday necessities: a hot water heater, a dish rack, and a leaky ceiling. This is no mistake, as Quindlen continues developing her point by explaining that while these are ordinary, if not unexciting things, they are the things that make her home a place of safety and stability. Her argument becomes that beyond the added comfort these fixtures were designed to create, they provide her with a sense of belonging: her home is unique to her, and an essential part of her life. This position then seems to be abandoned in favor of a discussion regarding a new American view of property. Quindlen quickly explains that today, no one seems to establish a home in the same way their grandparents did. Rather than living and working in one place, the new normal is to move around, always hoping for something better. This paradigm