In Stephanie Watkins-Cruz's article, American Dream at Risk? When the American Dream Turns into American Need, she challenges the traditional idea of the American dream. Watkins-Cruz starts out by saying "if you work hard and remain focused, you can prosper"; which is a similar idea to the original American dream introduced by James Truslow Adams. However, she quickly states that this is not an idea that is seen throughout society. People tend to focus on their needs rather than working hard for their dreams. People are always looking for "a bigger kitchen, a cool living room, and maybe some more furniture... and four rooms instead of three" like Watkins-Cruz was in her life. People may believe that the American dream is about working hard
