Introduction
The term “American dream” is frequently heard, yet it is difficult to clarify exactly what it refers to. Depending on one’s perspective, it could offer an opportunity to achieve financial stability and prosperity. Others may perceive freedom as the ability to live their lives freely and to pursue their passions without interference. Everyone’s dream will be different, but the core concept will always be the same: to be free. A better life is thought to be at the root of the desire. The concept of the “American dream” may be traced back to the founding of the United States of America. It provided a means for individuals to have hope for a better future and to attain their objectives (Lim). The concept was that anyone could achieve anything if they put in the necessary effort. This notion has attracted a large number of people to the United States over the years. As a result, the most important question is whether or not it is still possible to realize the American ideal. It is the purpose of this review of the literature to determine whether or not the American dream is still alive or dead.
There are many people who believe that the American dream is still alive and thriving in the modern world. This is demonstrated by the large number of people who have achieved success in this country, regardless of their background or socioeconomic condition. Moreover, they say that the American ideal is still attainable for everyone who is prepared to put in the necessary effort and pursue their goals. Although it has faced numerous problems, the United States has always been considered a nation of opportunity (Lim). A better living has attracted people from all over the world to this country in quest of a better way of life. The American dream is what drew them to this country in the first place. It is the belief that everyone can achieve anything if they put in the necessary effort. This notion lies at the heart of what has made America such a great nation. Many people, on the other hand, believe that the American dream is no longer a possibility.
Is The American Dream Dead Or Alive?
In the words of Chen, “the American Dream is the possibility that the government should ensure every individual’s opportunity to pursue their sense of pleasure.” The points in his paper demonstrate that the American dream is something that individuals must strive for and that it is not a given no matter where it comes from (2017). Furthermore, he believes that the government should assist individuals in realizing their ambitions and goals. This demonstrates that the dream is still alive and can be realized, but only through the dedication and hard work. This does not imply that it is only available to the already wealthy and those who have achieved success, but rather that it is available to those who are less fortunate and those who are just getting started.
Although some individuals may disagree, the author believes that the American dream is still alive and attainable, despite others may believe. The American ideal is one of gaining success and riches through hard work and persistence, and this is what the country is all about. For most people, it’s about caring for themselves and their families while also taking advantage of the freedoms and possibilities that America has to offer (Chen). However, it will require hard work and determination to achieve the American ideal in the 21st century. It is said by the author that many people have accomplished the American dream and that there are even more people who are striving to achieve it. It is not easy to travel, but it is undoubtedly worth taking (Chen). In this day and age, the American dream is still alive and well, and it will continue to be a beacon of hope for future generations.
Gutierrez argues that the American dream might mean different things to different people depending on their circumstances. It may imply gaining financial success for some people. Others may interpret it as the ability to pursue their happiness without interference. Irrespective of one’s interpretation of the American dream, there is little denying that it is an integral component of our culture. Gutierrez contends that the American dream is no longer possible, even though it is still revered. Several reasons are contributing to this, including rising economic disparity and the rising cost of living, to name a few (Gutierrez). As a result, many people find it impossible to realize their dreams of becoming successful in America. This is because achieving success and riches does not imply that one has accomplished the American dream. He also believes that the American dream is an ideal rather than a reality and that realizing it is nearly impossible. The American dream is no longer alive for all Americans, regardless of race, is attributable to the current level of wealth inequality in the United States.
Strain contends that the American ideal is no longer alive and has been forgotten for a long time. He explains why the American ideal is no longer feasible for everyone in the country. The American ideal used to be a reality for everyone, but it is now merely a fantasy for the wealthy few (Strain). This is attributable, in part, to the widening income disparity in the United States today. It is becoming increasingly impossible for anybody other than the wealthy to fulfil the American ideal. The rich get wealthier, and the poor get. Due to the fact that the American ideal is meant to be about opportunity and equality, this is a significant concern. A country where anybody can achieve success, regardless of their origin or social standing, is what the United States is meant to be (Strain). It is regrettable that this is no longer the case in today’s world. The loss of labor unions, which used to help level the playing field between employees and employers, is another contributing factor to this trend.
Increasing globalization has also contributed to outsourcing jobs and the deterioration of salaries, to name a few examples. Finally, there is the influence of money in politics, which has resulted in a government that favours the wealthy at the expense of the less fortunate. As a result, the American dream is becoming increasingly out of reach for everyone other than the wealthy and powerful. This is happening is a significant problem because it undermines our sense of fairness and equality. It also makes it more difficult for people who do not have privilege or connections to attain success.
When it comes to whether or not the American dream is dead or alive, the three authors have quite different perspectives. The American dream, according to Chen, is no longer reachable, while another believes that it is still viable but will require a great deal of effort to obtain it. Strain contends that the notion of the American dream means different things to different individuals. As a result, it is nearly difficult to accomplish for everyone in the United States. There is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not the American dream has died. Each individual has their point of view, and eventually, it comes down to what one believes in (Strain). Despite their divergent points of view, all three authors appear to agree that the American dream is a vital aspect of our national identity. It is also agreed that people are finding it more and more challenging to reach their goals due to a range of issues. Due to the fact that the American ideal is meant to be about opportunity and equality, this is a severe problem. A country where anybody can achieve success, regardless of their origin or social standing, is what the United States is meant to be. It is regrettable that this is no longer the case in today’s world.
Works Cited
Chen, Sandy. “Is the American Dream Dead for All Americans?” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 07 Mar. 2016. Web. 17 Feb. 2017.
Gutierrez, Daniel A. “Is the American Dream Still Alive?” Idealistic Institute: Economics and Ethics of the American Dream. N.p., 01 Dec. 2016. Web. 17 Feb. 2017.
Lim, Diane. “Michael Strain: The American dream is not dead (but populism could kill it).” (2021): 188-190.
Strain, Michael R. The American dream is not dead : ( But populism could kill it). Templeton Foundation Press, 2020.
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