In order for a seed to grow into a thriving plant, it must receive the proper amount of nutrients, water, and sunlight. If a seed does not receive these necessities, it completely stops growing and dies. This is akin to the pursuit of the American Dream. Individuals argue whether this dream includes economic opportunity, personal liberty, civil rights, or even two and a half children, but these are merely tools for achieving the true definition of the American Dream: happiness. While it may seem to be a simple goal, it is nearly impossible for minority groups to achieve.
For instance, many minorities are encumbered by financial issues. According to a 2013 statistic, “27 percent” of African Americans live below the poverty line (“Poverty Rate by Race/Ethnicity”). In order to rise above this line, it is necessary for them to obtain higher-paying occupations. Most of these, however, require workers with a college education. College costs multiple thousand dollars to attend, which makes it a mere dream for poverty-stricken citizens without scholarships. As a result, many African Americans are mostly limited to minimum wage jobs. These occupations consist of …show more content…
Although the rights of women have increased, most are still expected to stay at home to clean, cook, and raise the children. This is a form of slavery that most women do not enjoy. Women that are able to escape their slave masters, otherwise known as men, are still not truly free. Men have the opportunity to pursue various occupations, whereas a majority of women must settle for nursing, cleaning, or childcare occupations due to sexist employers. Barbara Ehrenreich explains her struggle as a maid in Nickel and Dimed. They are forced to carry a vacuum on their back weighing around fourteen pounds as well as use “the hands-and-knees approach” when they are scrubbing floors (Ehrenreich 83). This keeps women from enjoying their occupations, eliminating the American
For instance, many minorities are encumbered by financial issues. According to a 2013 statistic, “27 percent” of African Americans live below the poverty line (“Poverty Rate by Race/Ethnicity”). In order to rise above this line, it is necessary for them to obtain higher-paying occupations. Most of these, however, require workers with a college education. College costs multiple thousand dollars to attend, which makes it a mere dream for poverty-stricken citizens without scholarships. As a result, many African Americans are mostly limited to minimum wage jobs. These occupations consist of …show more content…
Although the rights of women have increased, most are still expected to stay at home to clean, cook, and raise the children. This is a form of slavery that most women do not enjoy. Women that are able to escape their slave masters, otherwise known as men, are still not truly free. Men have the opportunity to pursue various occupations, whereas a majority of women must settle for nursing, cleaning, or childcare occupations due to sexist employers. Barbara Ehrenreich explains her struggle as a maid in Nickel and Dimed. They are forced to carry a vacuum on their back weighing around fourteen pounds as well as use “the hands-and-knees approach” when they are scrubbing floors (Ehrenreich 83). This keeps women from enjoying their occupations, eliminating the American