Status Of The American Dream Essay

Improved Essays
A view on the status of the “American Dream” Many Americans today struggle to get through the month with the little money they earn, many today are in debt. The American Dream is the success an individual can earn with the opportunities that the American state government can provide the people. Many come to America because of the American dream but, many have been let down with the lack of job opportunities or mediocre pay, which has left many in debt and unsuccessful. Although many argue the American Dream is an idea which has gained a lot of support during these current years, due to the several advantages given to minorities through scholarships and healthcare however, many argue that the American Dream has been losing support since …show more content…
With Barack Obama’s statement in, Keynote Address to the 2004 Democratic National Convention, “the almost willful ignorance that thinks unemployment will go away if we just don’t talk about it, or the healthcare crisis will solve itself if we just ignore it” (Obama 80). This statement by Obama helps explain the economic state which was present in 2004 to before 1980, this shows the lack of support for the American Dream that was present during his keynote during 2004, with the many jobless Americans who were ignorant in believing the economy would fix itself. But Obama also states, “I believe we can provide jobs to the jobless, homes to the homeless, and reclaim young people in cities across America from violence and despair” (Obama 80). This statement from Obama helps show his promises that go along with the idea of the American dream, which believes in succession instead of failure in the life of an American. With Obamas later presidency in 2008 to this current year has greatly improved the economy and has provided his own healthcare helping support the American Dream, although not completely fixing the

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    The concept of the American Dream is heavily engraved in society. It is what gives many lower and middle-class citizens the motivation to work hard in hopes of a better life. However, “a better life” is a vague term that often has a different meaning with respect to time and situation. In the article, “The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold?” Brandon King attempts to answer the ambiguity of this question.…

    • 485 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    When America first started out as a growing nation—with seemingly endless opportunities and chances for success —a concept grew along with it. A concept that in it of itself is protected by the Declaration of Independence but was not coined until the late 1930s: the American Dream. The American Dream is the ideology, which many people follow, that states that there is an equal opportunity for Americans to attain success if they show determination and work persistently. However, this ideal today is far from what it started as. In Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich explores the idea of not only thriving in the lower classes of the nation, but also surviving.…

    • 1123 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    We learned our American Dream; however, I am not alone in my beliefs when it comes to believing the American Dream is still alive. In Brandon King’s essay “ The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold?,” he defines his personal representation of the American Dream and how it is still alive. He chose to redefine the modern day American Dream by turning it into a work ethic, he stated: “work for an honest, secure way of life and save for the future." Eventually, he discusses the Great Depression, the time when the term American Dream was created.…

    • 940 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    American Dream Dbq

    • 849 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Similar to how standard beauty became impossible to achieve, the American Dream also became impossible to accomplish. Now the American Dream requires more effort, time, and money to achieve. Future generations are feeling the burden of the American Dream because the “money is a barrier” (Source E). In addition, many believe that if they “aren’t given the opportunity or … don’t have the funds to be able to continue working hard then [they will] never get the chance” (Source E). This is especially true for the unprivileged low-class citizens.…

    • 849 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    American Dream Many immigrants come to America with hopes of achieving their dreams and living a successful life. “The American dream is the idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve success that can be earned through hard work, determination and inicative.” People are beginning to question whether the American dream is still achievable. The American dream is no longer available to everyone.…

    • 763 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    Achieving the American dream has been a norm for people living in the united states for decades. The American dream can vary depending on every individual because regardless of color, race or gender, many still hold dreams and goals. The American dream evolves and changes by the fact that many are affected by lack of health care access, unstable housing, economic disparity, and many other factors. Though achieving the American dream is challenging, it is in minds of all Americans daily and many are working towards obtaining that goal. Even though the city of Aurora has a variety of health services like hospitals and health clinics, many Aurora residents face obstacles when accessing their basic health care needs.…

    • 1524 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Right now, Americans are debating whether or not the “American Dream” is dead. Citizens are worried about the economy, the political system and their futures. In the essay the American Dream: Dead, Alive or On-Hold by Brandon King, he explains how the American dream is still alive to this day. King believes that people need to work towards the American dream instead of expecting it to be handed to them. The “American Dream” is currently dead, waiting to be revitalized.…

    • 948 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Ever since America recovered from its 1920s economic collapse, it has been the dream of anyone who resides in the United States to acquire their share of the American dream. While the American dream may come easily to some people, it is difficult for others in some communities to believe in its existence because individual, social, political and economic factors such as mass incarceration in urban communities hinder their chances of claiming their portion of the success pie. To most of these men behind bars, success is nothing less than having an opportunity to maintain a source of income to cater for their family. But they are unable to accomplish that because their freedom has been taken away from them due to minor drug charges and crimes…

    • 409 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The Fallacy of ‘The American Dream’ The American identity is built on the notion that if one works hard then he/she can get ahead regardless of their social condition. This notion is based on the concept of the American dream, which refers to the ideology that every American has an equitable and equal opportunity to achieve prosperity as long as he/ she is determined and works hard. Most economically successful people always claim to have attained the American dream.…

    • 1155 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The American Dream varies between each individual. Everyone has a different goal that they would strive to achieve. Some may think the American dream is accomplishing great actions or events, such as obtaining a countless amount of money or living in a mansion. Another perspective is that others would want to get more out of life then what they have previously, such as not being homeless or being financially stable. The American dream can become a reality if the person can motivate themselves to keep going even with one or multiple obstacles in their way.…

    • 1072 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Raisin In The Sun Ethos

    • 1128 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Embedded in the Declaration of Independence in the United States is the American dream. It is asserted that “all men were created equal” with everyone having the right to liberty, life and equal chances in life. In addition, is apparent that the American Dream has been the core guide of Americans and their young ones as they endeavour to rise and transcend barriers in their social and economic lives. This is even more elaborate in the history of America citing the fact that the American Dream acts as the national ethos. Consequentially, the American dream is imminent in the lives of Americans and although its components have adjusted over the centuries, it remains sturdy nationally.…

    • 1128 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Throughout the history of America, people have traveled here with the mindset that they will become rich and prosperous. This idea is often associated with the American dream; moreover, people believe that this concept of the American dream is easily achievable. Today, the Dream has drastically changed; however, it is achievable if a person works hard, knows what they want to accomplish, and is patient in accomplishing it. The whole idea of the American Dream is that a person can come to America with nothing and in turn they can become prosperous and wealthy by working hard and earning it.…

    • 1144 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Every individual in America has his or her own version of the “American Dream”. Webster’s dictionary defines the term as “the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.” The dream is very much alive to those who strive to make it into reality, after all, anything is possible if one sets their mind to it. The American dream is very much alive to those who dedicate their life to what they desire, as well as dedication. The 2016 presidential campaign highlights a few important topics that help support the American dream, such as immigrant, terrorism, and civil rights.…

    • 572 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    American Dream Motivation

    • 1281 Words
    • 6 Pages

    This era is so one of political stalemate that can affect a person’s sense of freedom in a time of economic tension. Also, at this point in the 21st Century, there is a sense of nonchalantness about the American Dream, and many American people are becoming less and less motivated to work towards their own dreams which fall under the broad umbrella of the great American Dream. Many people have resigned themselves to believing that the Dream is unattainable or dying due to laziness and lack of interest in attaining goals. The American Dream is not dying, however it will be on the decline if the American people cannot find ambition to make the American Dream reality for themselves.…

    • 1281 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Great Essays

    V. T. Grace N. Maniu Aylen Rounds English 101 August 12th, 2015 Dead and Gone: The American Dream What is a dream? Is a dream something that can’t be attained? Will a dream always be just an idea? The “American Dream” is often seen as a pathway to large homes, expensive cars and lots of money, however, the “American Dream” for Americans has always been defined as an ideal that every United States citizen or resident should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and through taking initiative. Citizens of today however, believe the American Dream is dead and is impossible achieve because of the factors that stand in the way of their opportunity to rise and create that dream.…

    • 1082 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays