Synthesis Essay On The American Dream

The American Dream is most commonly defined by the traditional social ideals of the US, which usually include money, status, material wealth, and democracy; the American Dream also includes the idea of the self-made man and how that hard work will pay off in the end. However, the definition of the American Dream is subjective to the individual defining it. In Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Christopher McCandless’ life depicts the usual definition of the American Dream through his family life and adolescence, while also showing that the typical definition does not satisfy every single person’s idea of happiness and success.

The American Dream was a well thought idea during the creation of the Declaration of Independence; in fact, the original belief of the American Dream was that all Americans could pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (McQuade and Atwan). Furthermore, today the American Dream is an ideal thought to the overall strive for success. According to Kimberly Amadeo, a well-known author, she elaborated in her article What is the American Dream Today “… a focus on more of what really matters, such as creating a meaningful life, contributing to community and society, valuing nature, and spending time with friends and family” (Kimberly Amadeo). Creating the American Dream, controlling decisions, and building a life that can carry out success

With that, came the American dream. The dream that each person should achieve prosperity through strenuous work and dedication. There has been several works of literature that denounced the American dream as a false prophecy, as only coming true for a undoubted narrow majority of the nation. That is true that the American dream does not come by often. Although when it does, people cherish this nation and call it “ The land of the free and the home of the brave”. American history showed that in this nation, nothing is impossible, resembling what Einstein said “ Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is

The American dream can be defined as the promise of living in America with opportunities for all, regardless of social class, and according to their ability and effort (Schnell, 2010). Proponents of the American dream believe that there is equal opportunity for all in the American society to achieve success. Success is not pegged on social status, race, or creed, but rather on an individual’s own efforts. The definition of the American dream has unique interpretations to different people. The most common meaning is that of a life of abundance and prosperity, characterized by economic rewards that enable one to live a middle class life of comfort. Here, success is measured by material possessions such as beautiful homes, cars, a high

The American Dream is something many Americans desire. The desire to the mind – set or belief that anyone can be successful if they worked hard for what they’ve been yearning. It is considered to be a ‘perfect life’; it can be full of money, contentedness or even love. There are many divergent opinions given by people. Walter Younger from Lorraine Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and Willy Loman from Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of the Salesman’ both have their own views on the American Dream and how it can be achieved. Walter Lee Younger, a

Since 1942 when Columbus discovered America the dream of a new lifestyle was created. The land of opportunity is a title viewed of America. From the richest, most successful icons, to foreigners moving to the United States seeking a better lifestyle to what they had prior. The “American Dream” has a different perspective from every lifestyle, yet holds the same foundation. Be the most successful as possible for yourself and kids to pass on and allow them to have it even better. In the 1900’s when it was more of a simple way of living, being able to own a house and raise a good family without a college degree. Where hard work paid off. In today's generation it is more difficult to achieve that lifestyle without putting hard work

I decided to get some perspective so I interviewed my mom on her opinion of the “American Dream”. I told her that for most it was roughly defined as; a life of personal happiness and material comfort as traditionally sought by individuals in the U.S (Random House), and how many people dismissed it as a simple and unreasonable

“Our own reality is the only one that matters. Memories can matter in ways that are surprising. Memories allow us to make sense of the world” (englishworks). The main concept of the American dream is that it started rising as hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people had started immigrating into the United States in the early nineteenth century. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were the three main goals that had originally made up the American dream. America has been referred to as the “Land of opportunities” and also the “Land where anyone can make it and become successful” (Profileinjustice). The “assumption of money leads to the fulfillment, no matter what type of job that a

The American Dream is not what it once was before the 1920’s - full of hope and life. During The Roaring Twenties, the desire to live in America in order to have a better life suddenly changed. After World War I, it became one based off of wealth instead of the pursuit of happiness, and after obtaining money, the wealthy lived dishonest and unsatisfying lives (McAdams 657). The old wish was cast aside, giving way to the new ambition of obtaining money in its place. Today, Americans believe that it is becoming increasingly harder to accomplish their vision. In the beginning of their lives as adults, they have high hopes regarding their jobs and their future, but their plans end up changing, making it harder to think positively. The older generation also visualizes this as a problem. They believe that they cannot relax during their retirement. Furthermore, during the 1920’s the American Dream began to fade due to corruption and money, leaving today’s Americans with a new, pessimistic view.

Many can debate that the American dream is not realistic.The United States has decreased its popularity in recent decades. For this reason, many do not think that they can attain “The American Dream,” but for many this dream is

The idea of the American dream revolves around attaining happiness, success and equality. For higher wealth classes obtaining these components aren't a concern; but for many, the American Dream has become a nightmare. For the poor being able to obtain simple necessities such as food, clothing and shelter is a daily struggle. The price of being poor is a lot costlier then those in the realm of the wealthy. Based on the current economic and social systems in America it does not provide everyone with a fair chance to achieve the “American Dream”. In todays society many Americans believe money is the only way to happiness. True or not true, money certainly isn't a hindrance to obtaining the necessary components for survival. But if the American Dream is no longer about happiness and freedom it becomes solely about wealth and possession. "Money cannot buy happiness." (Anonymous, Spring Board pg.81) represents the concept that money doesn't necessarily play apart in your emotional well-being. Today, materialism is more important than character. Money isn't everything; you don't need it to be happy and certainly not to achieve "The American Dream". In addition to that, although money can jump-start your future it can also drive you into the ground. Dana Gioia, the author of "Money", says "...Money holds heads above water..." Implying money plays a crucial part in keeping your dreams alive while America demands so much. Although finances are a building block to ones version of the

Through everybody’s eyes is their own version of the American Dream. Whether it’s the stereotypical dream with a good job, a family, and a house with a white picket fence, or it could be just getting by at the end of the month financially. The American Dream doesn’t have a specific image but rather a particular mindset. Lots of people have a goal in their life that they have to work hard to be successful towards that goal, but in most cases that goal may be unrealistic.

The American Dream, or the possibility of a better life, has become difficult but not impossible to achieve as people are not receiving a high enough education for some jobs as most cannot afford it due to low incomes.

He backtracks, saying that he could not have said "free," citing the millions of Americans who are on relief, being shot down, and struggling to make ends meet - despite their hanging flags, singing songs, and dreaming big. All they get in return for their efforts, though, is a "dream that's almost dead today." The speaker then turns from his lament to a call for action. He wants America to be the America where all the dreamers built it can flourish. After sweating, bleeding, keeping the faith, and enduring such pain, it is up to these disenfranchised dreamers to reclaim their

The American dream is a great and wealthy life and everyone having the equal opportunity to achieve the American dream, through hard work and dedication. The American dreams influence on America is pushing everyone to be a better version of their self and being what others say they cannot be. And some people are actually setting that example for others as well. America does provide the American dream to the “tired, the poor, and the huddled masses” due to everyone starting out by going to school, having to study hard, and making something out of their self instead of being lazy.