The American Dream is commonly taught as man’s common desire to own a house with a ‘white picket fence’ and a car, as well as have a reliable spouse. This American Dream was indeed common during the time period, in which such a term was vaguely beginning to form throughout the nation. However, the American Dream has the potential to vary vastly from individual to individual; it can eclipse any idea that entails a better lifestyle. Since the very birth of the nation, it has existed as a prominent factor of hope and unity. Jim Cullen, in his renowned novel, The American Dream discusses such ideas. His novel includes two primary ideologies--the idea that the Dream is unique to each individual and the truth that despite its ambiguity it is still
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He presents various viewpoints of the dream that often oppose each other, and then further facilitates such variance to build upon the idea and hope of the American Dream. His novel displays a multitude of different Dreams. According to Cullen, “The answers vary. Sometimes “better and richer and fuller” is defined in terms of money--in the contemporary United States, one could almost believe this is the only definition, but there are others. Religious transformation, political reform, educational attainment, sexual expression: the list is endless (Cullen 7).” He then further adds upon this idea with examples of such variance; for example, both the American Revolution, the creation of the Suburbs and the Civil Rights Movement present different American Dreams. The patriots in the American Revolution considered political representation for all as a part of the American Dream, while in the mid-1900’s, owning a house and car, and having a spouse became the ‘typical’ Dream. The Civil Rights Movement, on the other hand, exhibited an American Dream that primarily targeted achieving racial justice and equality throughout the workforce and other social …show more content…
The day the American Dream is neglected to be considered, especially in politics, is the day that tragedy and chaos will run rampant through the streets. Such tragedy has already occurred, as demonstrated through pivotal examples, such as the institution of slavery, the political and social oppression of females and the capitalist exploitation that occurred during the Gilded Age. However, tragedy will only breed disaster when American’s rights to fight for the American Dream are
He presents various viewpoints of the dream that often oppose each other, and then further facilitates such variance to build upon the idea and hope of the American Dream. His novel displays a multitude of different Dreams. According to Cullen, “The answers vary. Sometimes “better and richer and fuller” is defined in terms of money--in the contemporary United States, one could almost believe this is the only definition, but there are others. Religious transformation, political reform, educational attainment, sexual expression: the list is endless (Cullen 7).” He then further adds upon this idea with examples of such variance; for example, both the American Revolution, the creation of the Suburbs and the Civil Rights Movement present different American Dreams. The patriots in the American Revolution considered political representation for all as a part of the American Dream, while in the mid-1900’s, owning a house and car, and having a spouse became the ‘typical’ Dream. The Civil Rights Movement, on the other hand, exhibited an American Dream that primarily targeted achieving racial justice and equality throughout the workforce and other social …show more content…
The day the American Dream is neglected to be considered, especially in politics, is the day that tragedy and chaos will run rampant through the streets. Such tragedy has already occurred, as demonstrated through pivotal examples, such as the institution of slavery, the political and social oppression of females and the capitalist exploitation that occurred during the Gilded Age. However, tragedy will only breed disaster when American’s rights to fight for the American Dream are