book titled The American Dream: The jos, published in , declared its very subject to be the American dream, expectations. While "myth," as a concept, admits of multiple definitions, this essay takes . Americans Live," pretentiously prepared to be "distributed, in . In the mid-iS, with the end of World War II in view.
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This observation suggests an American identity that is determined by birthplace, and that within the American identity there are smaller, inescapable points of identification. Furthermore, for those in the novel not born into money, the American identity seems to be about striving to end up with more wealth and status. But in terms of the portrayal of the old money set, particularly Daisy, Tom, and Jordan, the novel presents a segment of American society that is essentially aristocratic — you have to be born into it. In that regard, too, the novel presents a fractured American identity, with different lives possible based on how much money you are born with.
In short, I think the novel disrupts the idea of a unified American identity or American dream, by instead presenting a tragic, fractured, and rigid American society, one that is divided based on both geographic location and social class. Most would consider dreams to be positive motivators to achieve success, but the characters in the novel often take their dreams of ideal lives too far. Explain how characters' American Dreams cause them to have pain when they could have been content with more modest ambitions.
Gatsby is an obvious choice here — his pursuit of money and status, particularly through Daisy, leads him to ruin. In a sense, she seems to be living her ideal life in her affair with Tom — she has a fancy NYC apartment, hosts parties, and gets to act sophisticated — but these pleasures end up gravely hurting George, and of course her association with Tom Buchanan gets her killed. The Great Gatsby is, among other things, a sobering and even ominous commentary on the dark side of the American dream. Discuss this theme, incorporating the conflicts of East Egg vs. West Egg and old money vs.
What does the American dream mean to Gatsby? What did the American Dream mean to Fitzgerald? How does morality fit into achieving the American dream? In other words, you should discuss how the Great Gatsby seems to turn the idea of the American Dream as described in the quote on its head: So instead, Gatsby turned to crime after the war to quickly gain a ton of money.
Especially since Gatsby finally achieves his great wealth through dubious means, the novel further undermines the classic image of someone working hard and honestly to go from rags to riches. This would also allow you to considering morality, and how morally bankrupt the characters are. You have dozens of potential current events to use as evidence for either argument, but consider especially immigration and immigration reform, mass incarceration, income inequality, education, and health care in America as good potential examples to use as you argue about the current state of the American Dream.
Your writing will be especially powerful if you can point to some specific current events to support your argument. You can read even more about money and materialism in The Great Gatsby right here. Like we discussed above, the green light is often seen as a stand-in for the idea of the American Dream. Read more about this crucial symbol here. We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:.
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Follow us on all 3 of our social networks:. How to Get a Perfect , by a Perfect Scorer. Score on SAT Math. Score on SAT Reading. Score on SAT Writing. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? Anna Wulick Jan 1, Roadmap What is the American Dream? Key American Dream Quotes In this section we analyze some of the most important quotes that relate to the American Dream in the book. Download it for free now: Follow us on all 3 of our social networks: Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics?
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Alexandra B January 18, 6: The American dream has to do with opportunity. More specifically, I believe that the services and education provided in America is more accessible to everyone no matter class or race than any other country in the world. For example Americans are provided an education from elementary all the way to high school, and has the opportunity to go to any college in the country. Although Mark Danner might object that we can never go back to the original plan of the founding fathers; I maintain we are a new America and must redevelop ourselves as a new nation with new values therefore establishing a new American dream.
Therefore I conclude that because America is a melting pot and everyone has equal access to any level of education the past is the past and the American dream established by the founding fathers cannot be taking into the future; as a nation we are different and must take different values into the future. January 18, 4: I believe that the ideal American Dream is to have a country that meets the needs of all their people whether they are millionaires who are becoming more prosperous each or ordinary commoners who are down in the dumps, not making income.
More specifically, I believe that our country could contribute to meeting the needs of immigrants who are seeking better education, freedom, and a good standard of living. For example, Baker claims that all people deserve a satisfying education and a fulfilling standard of living. Therefore, I conclude that everyone in America deserves to be treated equally in that they all have a decent education and standard of living. Maya D January 18, 4: I agree with what Merle Black says in that we should be optimistic about the future of America because there are so many opportunities that America has to offer to future generations, if they try to succeed.
I believe in the point that he made that people can make it in life if they really try and I also think that they need people to back them up and encourage them to pursue their dreams. For example, I know that my mom and dad are very supportive of me and my musical career and my desire to be a music teacher. They help me believe that I can do anything that I really put my mind to. With their encouragement I feel much more confident about my decisions than I would with no one backing me up. Merle Black might not fully agree with me that the generations need to encourage each other for them to have better futures, but we do agree that if we put our minds to it, we can accomplish a lot of things people never thought possible.
America has already come so far technologically and many other aspects of our culture have advanced faster than anyone thought possible. January 18, 3: In my view, S. Bittle is right because the general population has become too lax when it comes to politics. More specifically, I believe that people have stopped truly paying attention to the core fundamentals of politics and instead, just vote by what ever their party is. For example, it has now become legal in many states for people to walk up to a voting booth, and just click a button that chooses every one that is a republican, or a democrat, or so on and so forth.
Although Bittle might object that in order for the American dream to continue to exist, all people must participate in politics extensively, I maintain that the people as a whole must retain their ability to think and understand politics so as to make educated decisions based on government. Therefore, I conclude with the statement that in order for the American dream to continue to last, the people must learn how to become involved in politics on an everyday situation and not just at election time.
Harrison P January 18, 3: In my opinion Andrew J.
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Bacevich is only partially right in his thesis. He says, "My vision would be that we find ways to preserve that which is best about the past". I agree that we should recognize and cherish what went right and was good about the past. More specifically, I believe that we should also take note of what went wrong. If we knew what we did wrong, it can be avoided or made better. Bacevich might object that we should omit what was wrong to focus on what was good. I conserve that we need to know the mistakes we made so that we can become a better America.
Therefore, I conclude that The American Dream can only be accomplished by knowing what went wrong with our forefathers and knowing what we do not want our America to become. January 18, 2: In my opinion, Mere Black is right. If this country is to be restored to its original glory we cannot afford negative attitudes from the people.
Furthermore, I believe that Mere Black is wise to be optimistic because this is not the first time the United States has been in trouble. For example, the Great Depression was the worst economic crisis to hit any country, but even so Americans pulled through like we always have and beat the odds. We even had a time of great prosperity following the Great Depression, which goes to show Americans willpower and determination. In conclusion, I restate the fact that Americans have survived many things including the Great Depression and two world wars, but the key to our survival is staying optimistic.
As history has shown us, change and hardship have always played a part in the development of our country, but we must be patient and optimistic if we wish to prevail. Corbin Welch January 18, 1: In my view, Andrew Bacevich is wrong because the American dream is ever changing with today society.
More specifically, I believe that the American dream must be one that changes with and where a person is in life, something that can change with according how they are doing in life. Although we must preserve the past, America has always been about the future, looking ahead to create the next best thing.
We have tried endlessly to prepare for the future, and our dreams are no different. Therefore, as Americans we cannot focus too much on the past, but rather the future and how our dreams and actions will put us where we want to be later in life. This is how America was formed and how it still operates today, based on a dream that we can all one day achieve our own personal goals and dreams. That is the American dream.
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From under the shaded shadows of Silverado to the twisted grip of Enron, through the soaring cost of oil and gas well on into the accumulation of wealth by the banks amidst the worst recession since the great depression, compounded by the gambling gain of Wall Street. We have all seen the price of goods glaring back from the gap beyond the reach of real value.
And there, stirring at the core of matter inhibited by the derivatives of quantity relative to the rate of exchange. And for those most disposed where do they go when devoured by the desire to survive. More specifically, I believe that Americans are overconfident in the idea that our nation will rebound from this hard hit because that is what has occurred in the past.
For example, during the recession after World War I many people were out of work and felt defeated, but over time united and built the economy back up to its former glory. Therefore, I conclude that the hope and optimism in the American Dream born during times of disunity and peril, is based solely on the notion that America will redeem itself no matter what happens. I believe that if situations in America were to change and America would fail in its ability to step back up after a fall, the overall hope and optimism of our nation would decrease drastically and the currently increasing numbers of citizens who have achieved the American dream or hope to, would begin to decrease and virtually come to a halt.
January 17, 2: Bacevich is right because he bluntly describes the issues that are occurring today. More specifically, I believe that his opinion directly outlines how the outlook of the American Dream is falling. For example, he says that America has a great inheritance both environmental and political. America is a wonderful country but in his opinion we do not treat it as such. Another point that Bacevich makes is that our political history as a country is an amazing one.
For instance the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution has made our country, but sadly those documents have not made us what we are now. Bacevich would like to see our country try to recover and preserve the original American Dream. Although, Andrew Bacevich might object that in recovering our nation some laws will have to be added due to how far our country has fallen. People are no longer fighting really for our freedom from overseas but now for freedoms such as gay rights and those laws, I feel, will never be able to go away now that they have once been put in affect.
Christine O January 17, 1: In my view, Dave Beckmann is correct about addressing the needs of millions being impoverished in America, but the focus needs to shift away from the global desire to help the hungry and realize the destitution in our own backyard. While increasing amounts of people are lining up for food stamps, money is being given to those who do not need help, and those expenditures spent on people who do not need help is actually doing damage.
Beckmann addressed the fact that 35 million people struggle to put food on the table daily. This could change by balancing money in a more economical sense: Helping countries that struggle from poverty is very important, but first we must make it a priority to solve it here, therefore allowing the U. By eliminating poverty and giving promise, we could then focus on the impoverished around the world. January 17, In response to Andrew Bacevich, In my opinion Andrew Bacevich is deeply mistaken when he stated that we need to preserve the past. The American Dream is not and never will be about the past.
More specifically, I believe that America solely succeeds by looking ahead. The source of the American Dream is not due to past traditions; it is due to mere competition. Just as children play dodge ball at recess, the average American citizen fights through and dodges blows to be the last man standing. Focusing on the future and staying ahead of the competition is key to continuing what America has already done so well. Joseph Pidala January 17, 2: Bacevich is right because our country is forgetting more about the past as we further our future and not caring how important our independence, our values, and our resolved issues came to be.
Although Bacevich might disagree with the thought, I believe that we should not just preserve the good, but the bad also. Even though the good builds up our self esteem and our good deeds, the bad shows us how we achieved that goal and how we were able to solve our conflicts along the way. Therefore, I conclude that all things about the past should be remembered, good or bad. Marissa T January 15, In my view, Phil Donahue is wrong because there is not a specific and explicit definition of what exactly the American Dream is.
Some people may argue that in America, there has always been a rooted meaning of what the dream is, but I maintain that it can be shaped and fitted, making it able to achieve. January 14, 5: Without a SANE man to land ratio that is based on sustainable agricultural supply, there is no future. You can't tweet a sandwich or a glass of water. Anna D January 14, 4: I believe that Cory Booker has the correct mind set on how the American Dream should expand itself.
More Specifically, I believe that we need to look deep into America's history and who our founding fathers were. For example, our country does not dig deep to see the American Dream and what America really stands for. Although many other politicians may object with where the dream may come from, I maintain that America's dream started a long time ago and it has been pushed further and further from the American society.
In order for the American people to have the same view, we need our congress and government to show the history of our country. Therefore, I conclude that Cory Booker statement is right for America, we should try and make it come through. Andrew C January 14, 2: In my own view I agree completely with Joan Claybrook because administrations continue to take away our liberties. Every new group that comes into office has a different way to slowly take away our freedom. More specifically I believe that we as citizens of our counrty should be listened to when we speak out.
The government walk all over us forgetting who put them into office and who all their efforts are actually for. America is not just a land, it is a group of diverse and colorful people that do not like having things done to them that takes away our liberties. For example, the Patriot act, passed under George bush, allowed the government to tap into our phones when ever they feel necessary.
His administration may argue it is for our own safety, but it is in reality a huge invasion of privacy. Our nation was founded on the basis that the people choose how their country is run. When our government stops listening when we speak out is when they take over, and we no longer have a say in what happens in our country.
Joan Claybrook and I continue to urge Americans to let there voices be heard and never give up even if they see no results. We must keep our voices loud to hopefully keep our liberties that our founders wanted us to have. I completely agree with Mr. America can make strides in reducing world hunger. More specifically, I believe that if we spent more time and effort to consider this universal plight, we could make great strides in its reduction. This site improves vocabulary through simple vocabulary tests.
For each word answered correctly, ten grains of rice are donated to the United Nations World Food Program. To put the simplicity of this program mathematically, ten questions answered correctly equates to 50 grains of rice. So, ten questions equates to grains of rice. This process may take all of a couple of minutes. Although the opposition may contend that our economy is deteriorating and that our resources are rapidly depleting, I maintain the every ounce of effort is important in the reduction of world hunger. Therefore, the reduction of world hunger is not a dream. It is a waiting reality.
January 14, 2: In my view, David Beckman is partially right because hunger is a huge problem not only around the world, but right here in the United States. More specifically, I believe that we need to help those who cannot help themselves. For example, just by simply giving our time and effort to help feed someone or give them clothing etc.
Although David Beckman might object that we cannot end hunger, I maintain that we can. Therefore, I conclude that America can help end hunger just by giving a little out of the mass of things that we have. The original American Dream was the dream of being able to come to America and make a living for not only yourself but for your family as well.
Best Analysis: The American Dream in The Great Gatsby
American is the "land of opportunity". Though that dream still today resonates with many people, that idea along with many other ideas must be changed with time. When I think about America and I talk about how wonderful my country is I want people to see what I do. An America that helps others, and itself. Not only is America the land of opportunity, but also along with the opportunity we have resources.
America is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and with that wealth comes responsibility. We have a responsibility to our country to help those in need, and we can do that by at doing the bare minimum of feeding them. Hanora C January 14, 2: In my opinion, I completely agree with Ms. Rubin's thesis because the dreams of optimism, social flexibility, individual rights, and economic chance are not only an "American" dream, but also a human ideal. More specifically, I maintain that it is misleading to call this ideal the "American Dream. Although one might object that this belief is a form of ideological imperialism, I maintain that this human ideal is accessible in many different ways, and is not necessarily obtained solely through the American system of government.
Therefore, I concur with Ms. Rubin in claiming that the term "American Dream" should be changed to the "Global Dream. And it has to do with rule of law. In my view, Mark Danner is partially right because America is a land of opportunity, especially concerning education. More specifically, I believe that individuals have the capability to achieve their goals and improve their circumstances through obtaining an education if they take advantage of opportunities.
For example, students have access to scholarships for education; however, it is their responsibility to pursue the scholarship. Although Mark Danner might object that the government should be handing out money, I maintain that the government should make opportunities available to those who are willing to take the initiative. Therefore, I conclude that America is full of opportunities; anyone can achieve their dreams if they take initiative and pursue opportunities.
Carrie C January 14, 2: In my view, Scott Bittle is right; in order to accomplish the American Dream, people should be able to let their voice be known. More specifically, I believe that we, as Americans, should not just sit around and watch America change; we should let our opinions and voices be heard and thought of when making major political decisions, affecting the everyday life of the average American citizen.
For example, with the recent elections, we, as the American public, should be able to become publicly engaged in the choices that come in-between these elections. We should not just watch politicians make lifestyle changing choices, without having any say at all. Although some people might object that we should let the politicians and important office holders be the only ones to have their say in political decisions, I maintain that the public should have their opinions be taken into consideration when making important lifestyle changing decisions.
I conclude that Scott Bittle is right in believing the public should become more engaged in important political decisions. In my view, Maria Echaveste is right because a dream is not given it is earned. More specifically, I believe that the American dream is not a right; it is a privilege and it has to be fought to achieve. For example, the war we are in right now is to make sure that opportunity is still available. Many people believe that this war is all for nothing, but I am willing to bet most of these people have had a taste of the American dream.
The other people understand that the soldiers are fighting for them and their opportunity to succeed. In conclusion, the American dream is attained through hard work and persistence, not laying around waiting for it to knock on the door. In my view, Earl Baker is right because in this country, the population is just as diverse as the opportunities we have. More specifically, I believe that the ideal of the American Dream changes depending on social status and race.
For example, an immigrant may view the American Dream as obtaining equality among other citizens despite gender, color, or religion while a lower class American citizen might view the American Dream as winning the lottery. Each person has their own dream, and their dream can be connected to their country because that is where the resources to reach that dream are available for those who have an "American" Dream. Therefore, I conclude that since there are many different people in America, it is reasonable to believe that there is a multitude of American Dreams, each one representing the people of America.
We are culturally diverse, and so are our dreams. Thank you, Bill Moyers and Mother Jones editors for your fine investigative reporting on why nothing has been done to stop the Wall Street excesses that recently brought the world to it's financial knees. How do I sign up? January 14, In my view, David Beckmann is completely right because poverty and starvation are one of the most global problems of our time. More specifically, I believe that because we have so much wealth and opportunity in our country, we should help aid and feed the millions of starving people in third-world countries.
Therefore, I conclude that a key element of the American Dream should be helping those around the world who are not fortunate enough to have our abundance of opportunities, wealth, or freedom. In my view, Heather Booth is right because many people view themselves as not good enough. For example, people who are famous should not be exalted just because of their fame and fortune, but people should become famous for their personality.
People should have the ability to build their own dreams without being criticized, no matter the circumstances. Although Heather might object that people should believe in themselves, I maintain that it is even more important to believe in others as well. Therefore, I conclude that if all people in the world praised and honored their neighbors, they would feel better about their own dreams, and they might even be able to make them come true.
Ed December 6, 2: Unfortunately no one that matters will read my book and this message will be lost in the noise of vested. We need your "noise", Walt. First, we have to stop the passing of this latest health insurance legislation being magically called "health reform" People like to lead interesting lives, that's what "health" is all about. There's the very real possibility that they are all so full of hubris that they have again miscalculated the "risk" and the blowback. Anna D September 17, 4: Did you know that Hughes Aircraft was a non profit organization and its earning went to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute www.
When Hughes existed it never entered the medical field because it did not even want the appearance of any impropriety. What a tragedy that was because they were a premiere system engineering technology power house that could have transformed health care in the USA. I also go on to state that many of our defense companies should have developed transition strategies after the Berlin wall came down.
It has now been 20 years. What if some had entered into the health care arena with their massive systems engineering knowledge and technologies? And let's not forget "property taxes" where the home owner's slave wage is updrafted to cover the cost of city infrastructures for corporations Anna D September 17, Racism is but a stalking horse for the classism and cronyism thatgradually degenerate into slavery. Our present scourge is wage slavery.
Long live Johnny Rocket wherever you may be. Another correspondent, Klark Mouvinon, was reported lost when his compatriot returned from out of country contracting to reclaim his camping trailer and tow truck job. Where are Johnny and Klark now? On the street, I guess. That's where we'll all be heading if needed change is not forthcoming. Don't get behind on your rent, Anna.
Grady Lee Howard September 17, I myself am committed to this greater national purpose, and do my part. I embrace my role as one of the impoverished masses, because I know that the vast fortunes of a few are possible only if others are willing to live in poverty. I am proud to be unemployed, because I know that low wages can only be maintained if workers are desperate for jobs. I nobly partake of meals that consist of cheap, non-nutritious or harmful ingredients because I know that with each swallow of aspartame, each mouthful of fully hydrogenated vegetable oil, I am helping our country's Corporations.
My sacrifice allows them to absorb wealth while my body absorbs unhealthful foodstuffs. I relish the opportunity to inhale and drink toxic industrial waste products that have infiltrated the air and drinking water, because I understand that my own life is of no importance when compared with the chance to concentrate greater wealth into fewer hands. I happily go without the medical care I need, to help the pharmaceutical industry, the insurance industry and the medical industry to create the billionaires that are so vital to the realization of our Great Purpose. I am learning to like the new American wilderness of flat, barren land where forested mountains once were.
I know that mountain-top removal mining is efficient, and that mountains are unnecessary. The fewer there are, the more of America I can see with an unobstructed view. And as everyone knows, the only value of timber is in its harvesting. In what other country are people sufficiently patriotic to sacrifice more than mountains for the Greater Good? I humbly wallow in ignorance, because I understand that if educated, I might be subjected to dangerous ideas. I might be corrupted by unnatural desires for a home, respect, dental work, a little time to relax, and similar extraneous desires that might distract us from the accomplishment of our Goal.
Unlike the fools in every other industrialized country, I recognize that I do not deserve a job, decent pay, proper nutrition, a heated home, an education, clean drinking water, respect, or any such absurdities. I, like millions of others, am a proud American, willing to subjugate my own welfare to the Laudable Endeavor to create a tiny parasitic class of billionaires who can have whatever they want, and do whatever they like, without regard for anything or anyone. How glorious it is to contribute to this Land of Opportunity! A land in which a billionaire can find enough write-offs to pay absolutely nothing in taxes, while every homeless veteran who gathers enough coins to purchase a cup of coffee pays tax on it.
Ah, to be American! Anna D September 16, 9: I see that you already understand how narrow and limited your comments must be to "get a grade. Jews, Blacks,and the 'Post Racial" Presidency". America should not be conceived of by college students as a melting pot, vegetable soup or a healthy salad. Those are nursery concepts for day care kids.
Much of the fervor in the health care debate comes from racism and classism fostered by propaganda from big corporations. So much for free speech. Some of you students say people come here for a better life, but isn't it often the actions of first world business keeping poorer countries from developing or having a democratic government?
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So you immigrants are now in the core rather than the periphery. Were you part of the elite privileged class at home? If you were you might have quite a good time exploiting uninformed American natives when you graduate. They may have degrees but they are allowed to learn very little. Young people, in the last decade of American empire you must learn to read between the lines, even on Bill Moyer's Journal. Get curious and get active. Demand that your instructor let you learn something useful! Grady Lee Howard September 15, 7: Im a student at the Northern Virginia Community College doing a assignment for my communciations class.
My opinion is that I agree with this vision on how America welcomes other countries and provides opportunities for them. The Melting Pot metaphor does tie in with the American Dream by how the United States is very diverse with many people from different countries living there. All these people share their cultures with others and want to live free and happy.
Racial issues continue to be a problem in this society. I do agree with what she says on how it should come to an. We should move on from the past, accept the differences and move forward into the future. I notice that the racial problems are delaying us from being able to fix the other important problems we are facing today. How can society function properly if we continue to hate each other because of the color of our skin or our cultural backgrounds? This metaphor Melting Pot does tie in with the American Dream by how the United States is so diverse and people should get along with each other no matter what cultures they come from.
Melissa Fernandez September 15, 5: I have always been an advocate of freedom of speech and I felt really strongly about it. Coming here I was aware, mostly from reading books and watching a few American news editions, that there was freedom of speech but what I found exceeded all my expectations and made me realize of the real meaning of the word.
It shockingly made me realize also that what I was fighting for before was far less freedom than these people actually have. Intercultural communications —comment on Mr. Adela Gernandt September 15, America is a wonderful country and I realize that every day more and more. I believe this is the place where other ethnicities become conscious for the first time of their natural roots, and all this because these amazing people have such genuine interest in other cultures and embrace all of the diversity in such a wonderful and noble way.
This is my second year here in America and I can say that I have grown intellectually and I am a better person now due to constant positive reinforcement and encouragement of talent and ability as Mr. Merle Black also states. It really is the land of opportunities and if you are able and willing to grab one you can be anything you want to be.
Intercultural Communications-Comment on Mr. How are we going to ever achieve world peace without accepting diversity? There are more advantages to accepting other cultures than disadvantages. Maybe another nation has a better way of running government? Kelly September 15, 8: Anytime i hear anyone speak of the American Dream the first thing that comes to my mind is money. I believe people think that in order to be happy, you have to be wealthy. This media is constantly spewing stories and images of wealth and it translates to the general public as wealth equaling happiness.
In my opinon this is a huge misconception. My American Dream would be to do something in my life that i love and that gives back to not only my country, but my world.
Saving the American Dream
Jessica Dabaghi September 15, 7: Phillip Pan Intercultural communications Pan is a perfect example of the salad bowl concept, because like his dream he has immigrated into American society but he holds the cultural values that his parents thought him. Also the salad bowl concept represents a culture open to add ingredients different people from different culture to the mixture along the way. Greg Mitchell Intercultural Communications Maintaining free speech of press is key concept to the salad bowl concept because it allows for each culture in America to host their own news programming, which express their cultures values and gives a pride to peoples cultural roots.
Jeremy Bilowus September 15, 7: With the concept of the American dream in mind a quote of Carl Shurz: Laws might be just but the people that enact them might carry their own prejudices. By each of us following the American Dream, we encourage and strengthen the principles we hope our country to follow. TF September 15, 2: I believed that the American dream lies to each individual trying to improve their lives in the United States. It is true that the United States is the land of opportunities but opportunities varies from each individual depending on what they want to achieve.
The American Dream only happens to people who works hard and has a goal in life. It is still up to the person on what they want to achieve in life. Everybody has a choice; most people consider rich and fame are the definition of the American Dream but for others American Dream is just being happy and satisfied living. I think these videos are very inspiring. These are only about a minute long or even shorter than that, but it concisely presents some great points. There seems to be a debate whether it's an American Dream or an American Nightmare. In reality, immigrants seem to go through various challenges; however, they don't tend to speak up for their rights.
People complain about the hardships, but not many people seem to stand up and raise their voice. Just like Mr Bittle mentioned in his video, "public should be really engaged and have their voice be counted". It is not a "sports". If we want things to change, we need to be actively engaged. Harris also claims that American Dream is a "collective action", and a "process of being together".
American Dream is not about one individual's goal; it is about all Americans'. Seong Hee Shim September 15, 2: The point is that the time I had spent with my family and friends, whether happy or sad, I felt happy by just remembering the memories. On the other hand, money is still important in our life. It gives us freedom, power and maybe happiness. Cris Bobis September 15, 1: America itself is a beautiful country, full of opportunities. People from different countries see America as a place for freedom, a place where people struggle to make a living, a place where everyone works together to form a strong community.
If you need a professional help, send us your essay question and our qualified writer will help you to create an answer. The novel, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is about the American Dream, an idealistic and illusionary goal to achieve wealth and status.
The ruthless pursuit of wealth leads to the corruption of human nature and moral values. Fitzgerald uses characters in the novel to show the corruptions and the illusionary nature of the American Dream. The superficial achievement of the American Dreams give no fulfillment, no real joy and peace; but instead, creates lots of problems for the characters in the novel.
Each character has a different dream. For Nick Carraway, his goal is to find someone whose achievement in life could prove that the American Dream is not an illusion. In order to fulfill their American Dreams, the characters in the novel have actually given up the moral values and beliefs that were once precious to them, and the result is that they reap only emptiness in their heart and soul. The main theme in the Great Gatsby focuses on the corruption of the American Dream.
The Great Gatsby Essay, Failure of the American Dream We have so large base of authors that we can prepare a unique summary of any book. By clicking "SEND", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.
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We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails. The basic quality of the American Dream described in the novel is the hope for something, and the consistent determination to reach your idealistic goal. For Jay Gatsby, his dream is to win back the love of Daisy, the perfect woman of his dream. He sacrifices his integrity in order to get rich by involving in illegal business. Gatsby thinks that he can recreate the past, which is the relationship between himself and Daisy, with money. He thinks that he can impress Daisy with his wealth so that she will love him once again.
Gatsby believes that with his money and material success he could buy anything in life including true love and happiness. With no other purposes in life, Gatsby ends up engaging in illegal activities.