Question

In the 19th century, fierce individualists -- men such as Andrew Carnegie -- represented those who had reached the height of the American dream. The idea that every person could succeed if only they tried hard enough was believed by many.

But could rampant individualism be detrimental to society as a whole? If every man is an individual, seeking their own fortune, where does that leave society? Could men such as Homer Plessy, or women such as Ida B. Wells, succeed in American society as individuals without having the same opportunities as everyone else? Or did they need collective action to achieve their dreams? If there is no equal opportunity for all, is the American dream a sham or a ruse? Have the inequalities that existed then been fixed and is the individualistic side of the American dream alive?

I'd like to hear your own personal views about the American dream, but I'd also like you to specifically mention some of the figures of the era and how you think they relate to the American dream as it existed then. Please feel free to use contemporary examples of those who have achieved the "American Dream" in your answer.

Answer 1

The American dream may be something completely different to each citizen in the U S.. It’s outlined as the ideas of freedom, equality, and liberty held accessible to each American. This implies that each American has the chance to realize their dreams of having a successful and meaningful life. This started when immigrants initial came to America and are still around today. The American dream is simply as valid because it was when America was founded, however, depending on whom you are and what you do for a living, it's going to be more achievable to some than others. When America was initial founded, immigrants from everywhere across the world were coming to the country to see what it holds from them in this conutry. People thought of America, as the country of hopes and dreams, with several opportunities present. All of them wanted to have a succesful job, with a lot of support for their families, alongside freedom and equality. Currently, the common dream might be to have a job with a reasonable amount of financial gain, an enormous house with nice cars, and have a family that they can support every day while being happy with their life. This country still has its freedom and equality for all individuals, and they are chances to be employed for jobs of all kinds. People will always have dreams of being successful and it's been that way for many years. It may not be hard, because now people dream of being independent or equal with others, however, is still thought about, especially for those who are discriminated against, whether its race, religion, politics, or sexual preference. Although it may mean something completely different to everyone, I feel that it’s still valid today in the U.S, because people can always have that one dream that will fulfil in their lives.

Although the American dream continues to be valid today, it may not be achievable for all Americans. Everybody has different jobs which can control how successful they're, or want to be. Looking on social class or financial gain, one’s dream may be more achievable to some than others. For example, in the story, we read known as 'America and that I', a Russian immigrant who came to America had these huge expectations of the country and dreams for herself, however since she was so poor and was working in a factory, she had a tough time fulfilling her goals. I feel that the majority dreams revolve around one’s happiness and well being, and this is often achievable for all. If someone’s dreams are regarding money and having a successful job, then this is often not achievable for all. You probably have to be wealthy to be able to be given all your “wants”, and not everyone will be a doctor or a lawyer. Obtaining employment is harder for some because of the way America society looks today, or simply because of the economy, so that could hold someone back from succeeding in their dreams. Having freedom or equality will always be a part of the American dream and can always be achievable for anyone in America. American qualities like freedom, liberty and happiness are achievable for any American, however obtaining all of your wants and needs may be more difficult to achieve because of jobs, income, and/or social class. Although the American dream is denied directly to everyone, the common definition is that the ideas of freedom, equality, and liberty held available to each american. This still holds true today. The American dream is just as valid as it was when America was founded, however, depending on whom you are and what you do for a living, it may be a lot to achieve to some than others.