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American Dream Synthesis

Decent Essays

In order to realistically apply the American Dream, we must redefine it. If the American Dream really has died, then why does America still have such a great influx of immigrants, illegal and legal, every year? It is because the American Dream has adapted to our current standards of personal success and self fulfillment. The American Dream used to mean the hard work and strive of a self made man, no matter where they came from, could turn them into a rich tycoon like the famous examples of John D. Rockefeller, Harry Truman, Clarence Thomas, and Sam Walton. All these men came from poor families and with hard work and determination they created an iconic image for themselves, as the truly successful American man. Todays interpretation of the …show more content…

This results in a change of the American Dream since our expectations for the average lower class worker have increased. This leads to the new definition of the American Dream as discussed in Source C, “The reality in both instances is that achieving the American Dream through such means is a long shot at best.” (Warshauer). The author is discussing how the old standard of the American Dream is very unattainable to the average person because too much luck and chance is at stake. He also defines the old American Dream as “The traditional message taught through hard work, frugality, and self-sacrifice one could achieve success and social mobility.”(Warshauer). While social mobility is much harder to obtain now than it was when the American Dream was first created, Americans can still obtain success depending on their definition of it. In my opinion, the best contrast between the original American Dream and the adapted American Dream comes from Source D, where the girls say that in America you can be anything, but the boys claim that with their low socioeconomic standing the best they could do is wait tables and shine shoes. This is why I believe the American Dream has changed, considering that the standards for success have changed, but the core values of the American Dream are still …show more content…

It attracts people to this great nation from countries all around the globe who are looking for a fresh start or the means to be independent. The American Dream has adapted to incorporate the changing times and the ever expanding opportunities. The dream can have different interpretations to everyone depending on their interpretation of happiness and a fulfilling job. However, one ideal is universal for all versions of the American Dream, that no matter where you come from, you can succeed in America with a little hard work and

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