Define The American Dream Essay

Definition Essay: The American Dream
Sipping a cold beer on your front porch on a hot summer day while the warm summer breeze hits
you. Most people have different views on the American dream. Most want to have the most
money or the most fame. For me the American is simple, just with a small family and a job that is
paying for my family and all the needs. The American dream still come with a price you need to
pay. To achieve your dreams, you would have to go to college. Then you would need to have the
mindset to achieve your goal and go out and do it. One of the last is that your family need to support
anything you do. The American dream has different meanings to different people wither you have so
many things in common. Some people think that the American dream deals with money.
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American Dream Definition
The American Dream
Every American strives to live what is called "The American Dream", but not many people know
what that actually means. Some people think that it means doing what you want in a country that
allows for anything possible. While many people think that the American Dream is the ideal that
every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to succeed and prosper, the American Dream also
ensures that regardless of race, sex, or religion, everyone should have the same opportunities.
The American Dream was first mentioned in 1931 by James Truslow Adamsin his book "Epic of
America". He also stated that it is not the guarantee of fancy sports cars or a big house. It's just the
guarantee that everyone be given the opportunity

American Dream Definition Essay
The words "American Dream" elicit many different thoughts in people. Rarely will you find a
group who will agree on the true definition of the American Dream. It is subjective and therefore
hard to solidify in a unified definition. Most people believe the concept of the American Dream
was originally, coined during the Great Depression when James Truslow Adams stated the
American Dream "is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for
everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability and achievement, regardless of class or
circumstances of birth" (1931). From that many have based their definition to entail that if a person
works hard they will achieve their own American Dream. But, to the surprise...show more content...
Then due to heavy government military spending the United States emerged from World War II
wealthier and stronger than ever and the economy had been revived. Many veterans returning
from the war took advantage of this and used their GI Bill to obtain mortgages for homes. This
ignited another building boom and the creation of suburbs across America. They were also eager
to purchase luxury items such as cars and television sets they had been denied during the war.
Americans soon correlated the American Dream to the acquisition of material things and they
watched the "idyllic" life be televised on shows like Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best
(Gale, 2016). Many of these purchases were made with credit cards and as Americans realized
their American Dream could be purchased on credit, saving was no longer a priority. This new
found ideology of acquiring goods took a huge toll starting in 2008 – 2009 with the Great Recession.
During this time 8.4 million jobs were lost in the United States labor market impacting those in the
working class the hardest. Most of the people who lost their jobs only had a high school education
or less and recent surveys indicated that many of the people who lost their jobs still cannot find new
jobs (Economic Policy Institute, 2016). This slow recovery has caused many to rethink the idea of
the American Dream being about their

Defining The American Dream
What is the American Dream? The American Dream was defined as the possibility for a better life
for every individual, regardless of their heritage, position in society and economic status. The
American Dream is written into the Declaration of Independence: "life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness." Lennie and George's dream of owning a farm and living off 'the fat of the land'
symbolizes this dream. The definition of this dream is that any individuals could improve on their
circumstance, and that their children could do better than their parents; this motivation has not been
maintained in the modern day. Of Mice and Men shows that for poor itinerant workers during the
Depression, that their American Dream became an illusion and an impossible

Extended Definition Of The American Dream
While the American Dream has a variety of definitions with different emphases, my own
American dream in a broad definition consists of being able to look back on my life as an older
adult and have no regrets because of a missed opportunity to live outside the usual. Since I was
young, joining the military has always been something I wanted to do, and yet I know there are
risks (such as being trapped in a job you don't want, with a low salary, on a terribly boring base,
with annoying commanders for a very long time). I also know there are great opportunities in the
civilian world that I may like to do as well with the interests that I have. So concerning careers, I
want to make the right choice, assuming there even is a right choice. If the

The American Dream
An idea that individuals in America have been provided with equal opportunities to grow and pursue
their happiness regardless of their economic and social status is the crux of an American Dream, an
aspect that has been applied for a long period to define the nation's psyche. When referring to the
American Dream, individuals tend to believe that it relates to having better opportunities to achieve
material prosperity, living a comfortable lifestyle, enjoying the nature of the landscape, and living a
life without much hustles. However, it is necessary to note that the dream goes beyond just the
physical and emotional concepts, and includes the intellectual aspects that promote happiness within
a person. As Rosenberg (2011) explains, the...show more content...
It is a clear indication of the individualism existing in the contemporary American society. The
different types of films, some similar and others different, end up relating to the common theme of
achieving the American Dream. Directors and writers have to identify with the emotional impacts of
the films in showing the idea of patriotism in America, and the role it plays in helping individuals
realize their capabilities, utilize their potentials, and work towards achieving their dreams.
The American dream is defined as social ideals that represent the society of United States, such as
material prosperity, equity, and democracy. When individuals find themselves having achieved one
or all of these ideals, they feel they have achieved their dreams. Individuals in the country work hard
to achieve the major ideals described above, and most of them feel content and regard themselves as
having achieved their American Dream once they acquire and retain those ideals. Various films shot
in and out of America highlight the main concepts of the American dream, though it takes critical
analysis and interpretation to understand the relations to the main theme. One of the films, Requiem
for a Dream, represents the tribulations and trials that individuals have to undergo in seeking their
American dreams. The movie focuses on a group of individuals, who had their lives intertwined in
search for the dream. They underwent various obstacles while searching

Defining The American Dream
Being American is more than having the right to proudly wave a red, white, and blue flag, more
satisfying then being a part of a fairly organized government, and evidently more honorable than
simply a tittle. To have a group of isolated tribespeople understand what it truly means to be an
American, they would have to understand the American Dream; a dream that was so unique to each
individual, it required equal opportunity for all. Three things that represent what it means to be a
unique dreamer in the pursuit of happiness are snails, Ford T car model, and fireworks. A snail is a
miniature, bottom of the food chain, extremely sluggish moving 'gastropod'; so, how can they be
compared to Americans with their power and swift advances decade

American Dream Essay "The American Dream is the ideal that the government should protect each
person's opportunity to pursue their own idea of happiness." In my opinion the American Dream
is having the opportunity to have a paying job that you like, friends that surround your life with
love, a family that supports you, being free, and being happy. Other people have different
perspectives on what the American Dream is. "The American Dream could only thrive if it was not
hindered." Some think the American Dream is drugs, alcohol, and all those bad things because
that's what makes them happy and they feel free. "The feeling of freedom is so important that
people say they're ready to die for it, and supposedly have"–pg. 57, chunk 6. "Freedom is a popular
word. Individuals talk about how they feel free with one person and not another, or how their bosses
encourage or discourage freedom on the job"–pg.57, chunk 6. People wouldn't actually die for
freedom, because if they did die, they would gain nothing from it, and that they are just
overreacting."The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals
(democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for
prosperity and success...."...show more content...
"The feeling of freedom is so important that people say they will try to work hard to
succeed"–Wikipedia. "The American Dream has been credited with helping to build a cohesive
American experience...."–Wikipedia. Nowadays I played too many sports that I don't like sports
anymore, I want to be a computer technician or a video game

American Dream Definition
What is your definition of success and happiness? Do they seem to correlate in any type of way
with your dreams and aspirations? The "American Dream" is something that everyone at one
point in their lives, strives for. It imposes inspiration to most people's lives and inflicts feelings of
hope and optimism. It is the time one can believe anything is possible and when it becomes easier
to dream this, the more wonderful experiences someone will have. The American Dream is always
assumed to be something positive and easily attainable as long as you put the hard work and
dedication to reaching it. However, the reality is that despite everyone different opinions on what the
American dream is, it is not equally attainable for all Americans. The...show more content...
Sometimes finding the easiest way to complete something could benefit you more than hurt you,
however when trying to reach your highest potential the easy way is not the best way. As
Americans we look at the American Dream and try to disregard the fact that it will take a copious
amount of focus and dedication to reach it. As a result we try and look for the easiest way
possible to reach it which actually makes is harder to obtain. Tying it back to the influence of the
media, it is brainwashing kids from a young age and as the children get older, their minds stick to
attempting to find the easy way out rather than utilizing all the skills they learn to reach the
American Dream. So not only do we not have a clear idea of what the American dream is, not
only are we are not equally equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to reach it, and not
only is there a lack of motivation but we are trying to find the easiest way to acquire the dream that
is already difficult to

The definition of "The American Dream" is an idea that every U.S citizen should have an equal
opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.
Though this is the definition of The American Dream, many people think that there are different
aspects to it. People grow up in different environments, and they grow up in different ways. Some
people have different views, and thoughts than others. The key aspects of the American dream are
the ability to put forth effort, to have faith, and to have a family you can love. One of the key
aspects of The American Dream is effort. Thomas Edison once said "Many of life's failures are
men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."Edison...show more
content...
In the book The Great Gatsby, the main character Jay, spends the whole book trying to be with his
soulmate. This is very important to him, and he believes that if he and Daisy end up together, he
will have everything he needs. At the end of the book, Jay Gatsby gets murdered. Right before he
dies, he whispers the name "Daisy." This shows that you can not live without having people to
love, or people that love you. Without having family, there nobody to lean on during the hard times.
No matter what flaws you have, or what bad things you have done, family is always there. Having a
family that you can love is a key aspect of the American

The American Dream By James Truslow Adams
The American Dream is the sole reason that millions of people decided to come to this country,
whether it be generations ago, or last week. But even so, this shared dream faces problems. To
solve the problem, the American Dream has to be defined. James Truslow Adams, author of the
1931 book The Epic of America, was the first person to mention and therefore define the
American Dream. He established it as: "[T]hat dream of a land in which life should be better and
richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement... It is
not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man
and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature... and be recognized by others for what
they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position" (Adams 214–215). Adams
says that the American Dream is not just becoming as rich as one can but to achieve to the best of
one's abilities. He also describes the equal platform that all citizens should get when in America.
Overall, the American Dream is defined as the idea that in this country, everyone, free from
discrimination based on uncontrolled traits, has the opportunity to achieve their own dream,
whatever it may be. And, with sweat and toil, their dream will come true. This was true back in
Adam's time, but fast forward 84 years to today, and the American Dream seems more like a
hallucination or a fantasy. Too many attributes of the working

When America was founded, the definition of the American Dream was to better one's
circumstances; however, Fitzgerald shows through his novel The Great Gatsby that the definition of
the American Dream has changed: it became the desire to make it big as fast as possible.
F. Scott Fitzgerald pushed the idea that the American Dream was unattainable goal throughout his
novel The Great Gatsby. He used characters and places to show the impossibleness of the so called
dream that filled the people of the 1920's. The character Myrtle was a prime example of the desire
to get the American Dream and not reaching it. She desired to be a rich woman and tried t act as if
she was one through her affair with Tom; however, she was never similar to a rich woman for her
attempt to seem rich resulted in her acting as those with new money do and not dignified like old
money. During the party at Myrtle and Tom's apartment, Fitzgerald describes Myrtle as,"[h]er
laughter, her gestures, her assertions became more violently affected moment by moment"
(Fitzgerald 30–31). Her voice was shrill and unpleasant because Myrtle thought that rich women
spoke in that way. The dream that Myrtle had was unreachable due to her upbringing and
misconceptions of who she wished to be. Similar to Myrtle, Gatsby dreamed of being rich as
well; although he craved more than richness, he wanted to be part of the old money society.
While it is possible to consider Daisy as Gatsby's dream, what truly attracted Gatsby was Daisy's
upbringing. Daisy was raised with old money, and Gatsby connected Daisy to the society that he
wanted to become a part of. He deluded himself and thought that if he married Daisy, he would be
accepted into old money. On one of the nights they had spent together before Gatsby left,
Fitzgerald writes of Gatsby's realization,"Out of the corner of his eye Gatsby saw that the blocks
of thee sidewalks really formed a ladder and mounted to a secret place above the trees" (110). To
Gatsby, Daisy was the ladder that would lead him to that secret place; however, when she married
Tom, Gatsby's dream became unattainable. The impossibleness of the American Dream was also
shown with the valley of ashes. The valley is described as a land of ashes,

The American Dream Definition Essay
My interpretation of what it means to be an American includes the "American Dream", freedom,
and racism. Now you're probably wondering what the "American Dream" is not. The "American
Dream" is not settling for less.The "American Dream" is not staying at the bottom. The
"American Dream" is not giving up. The "American Dream" is not living with regret. All those
things listed are what the " American Dream" is not. What does the "American Dream" do? The
"American Dream" is an improved lifestyle. The "American Dream" offers opportunities. The
"American Dream" is going the extra mile. The "American Dream" is working to the top. Now you
know what types of things the " American Dream" can do. What are some examples of the
"American Dream? An example of the "American Dream" is having success. Another example of the
"American Dream" is starting from the...show more content...
The first example of freedom would be freedom of speech. Also freedom can be the freedom of
religion as an example. The final example of freedom is the right to bear arms. What is listed is
some of the examples of freedom. Finally the classifications of freedom meaning what are the
types of freedom. One type of freedom is having social freedom. Another type would include
having a religious freedom. Also even having a personal freedom as a type of freedom. Finally, a
type of freedom would be your political freedom. That's the types of freedom that would classify
freedom. The final topic would be racism, in this paragraph would be what racism is not. Racism
is not getting along with others due to your race. Another thing racism is not living in peace. In
addition to what racism is not kind or safe. This shows what racism is not. Let me tell you about
what racism does. Racism hurts and may even kill people. Also racism can make an individual feel
useless. Even racism can either make people angry or maybe sad. That is what racism can

My American Dream Essay
First, let's define "American Dream". "American Dream" is what you would consider a "perfect
life." It can be full of happiness, money, love, food, cars, whatever you desire, everyone has a
different opinion. One person's American Dream may be totally different from someone else's, that
is what makes us all individuals. My American Dream would include a good job and lots of money,
spare time for my family and I, and most importantly, healthiness. It seems that so often the subject
of economic standing and wealth, are said synonymously with the phrase "The American Dream". It
seems that it takes money to be happy and economic stature to be accepted, however, many people
who fall into this trap out of ignorance will never achieve "The...show more content...
To me the "American Dream" is not just a dollar sign, or desk name–tag at work, but the ability to
walk into a room or a home, and know that your presence is welcomed and looked forward to. The
dream is realizing that in America, we have the resources to make an honest difference.
Unfortunately there was no reading that really embodied my version of the American dream.
From the birth of America, to America today, the driving force and the heart of America has
always been the "American Dream." The "American Dream" is a goal for the majority of people
who live in the realms of the Americanized world. I believe that the "American Dream" is
controlling my own destiny, becoming successful, and living free. Examples of this dream are
things like television, automobiles, supermarkets, malls, Internet, planes, trains, etc. The
"American Dream" is success, freedom, and being able to control your own destiny. The ability to
be free made this country into the melting pot it is today and that ability still brings many
immigrants who believe in the "American Dream" to the country. Today freedom is often
overlooked because all of us are use to it, but in many countries freedom is just the "American
Dream". My American dream has been unwavering since my youth. I find it easy to think of ways
to place a metaphor on the dreams of others, however, it is difficult to

Definition Essay On The American Dream
Everyone has various ideas on what the "American Dream" is and if it is achievable. Some
people say that it is the land of opportunity and some believe that you can achieve what you want
wherever you are. However, there is no direct or absolutely clear definition of the American
dream, as it is viewed by people on the basis of their worldviews, mental health, social status and
backgrounds. Yes, it is definitely diverse as far as different viewpoints are taken into consideration.
When I think of the "American Dream" I think of Martin Luther King JR, Oprah Winfrey, and
freedom/equality for all. "I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists,
with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition

The American Dream My definition of The American Dream is people being able to have
freedom. They all have equal rights and freedom of speech. The American Dream have the same
equal rights for the people. There are three things important to The American Dream. First, would
be freedom because it allows the people to achieve their goals in life through working. Second, is
education because with the citizens going to school to get a good education they need, they are
able to go to college. Third, is money because you need to be able to have money to survive and get
the things you want. The American dream is to have freedom, to get an education, and to earn
money. The American Dream is made up of freedom. One example,is people being able to have
freedom of speech. Being able to say whatever they want without being told. Citizens get to speak
without having the fear in what they say or how...show more content...
One example, is going to college. The reason of going to college is to pursue your dream career
or job. One example, Most people goal is to achieve college and get a good education. Some
people goal is just to get a good job and have knowledge. This example, shows In order to even get
a good job and be able to have knowledge you have to have education. You might not have to get
an education to have knowledge but without education I don't see how people will survive.
Another example, can be school. The reason for school is build your knowledge and be able to
know the things you need to know in life. Not many citizens had schools to walk in or to sit in.
Not many citizens can be able to get educated like they was suppose to. All that changed now.
People can go to schools and get ready to be able to even go to college. In conclusion, education is
important to The American Dream because without education it wouldn't be going to college and
getting a good job it will be your brain not knowing anything in

How Does Willy Loman Define The American Dream
The American Dream is a concept that everyone has the equal opportunity to have a successful
and prosperous life if they work hard enough, and have the will to do it. This is not how Willy
Loman would define the American Dream. He believes that if you have a good personality
everybody will like you, and that it will eventually bring him to be successful in life. His version
of the American dream, unfortunately, is a dream that doesn't become reality. Instead he lies to
himself that he has been successful through his version. Willy believed that if he was well liked
that he would be successful. While being well liked by others is a good thing it doesn't mean that
you be successful. Willy's neighbor's (Charley) son, Bernard, was not well liked, Willy: Bernard
is not well liked, is he? Biff: He's liked, but he's not well liked (1246). So, to Willy's version of the
American Dream Bernard will not be successful like Willy, or his son Biff, who is a popular
football athlete posed to succeed. Willy continued his conversation with Biff saying, "That's just
what I mean. Bernard can get the best marks in school...Willy Loman is here! That's all they have to
know, and I go...show more content...
The one most people define it with is that if you work hard, and keep going no matter how hard it
gets you will have a successful and prosperous life. Willy's was that if you're well liked then
everything will eventually come your way. Unfortunately, that's not how the dream works or does
reality. He knows this, but lies to himself to make him feel better, and that this is the life he
wanted. Willy means well, but this career of selling is just not for him. Willy is not the only one
to have bought into the American Dream though. Even if somebody does work hard, it doesn't
always mean they will become successful or have the life they want. As George Carlin once said,
"That's why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe

Definition Of The American Dream Essay
What is an American ? To me, an American means freedom. Freedom to choose and practice a
religion of your choice without persecution. Freedom of speech, press, and expression. An
american is not only someone who is free but is also strong. Americans have the freedom that most
other countries do not have. There are still some countries, that classes in power, still uses
everything from force of religion, to gender inequality, to oppress their people, and robb them from
their right and liberation. These countries, for example, do not allow their citizens the right to
vote,or whip. lastly they rob them from their right and liberation. "I think America offers great
opportunities" (Jean, What is the american dream?) This quote helps show that america's
opportunities are more advanced than other countries. "freedom to pursue your dreams" (Chris,
what is the American dream?) This is another quote that helps show that America is a land of
freedom. "When you live in America you have hope for what you wanna be someday" (Aidan, what
is the American Dream?) This quote shows that when you live in America you are able to pursue any
dream with passion....show more content...
The united states has been the most powerful country in the world for close to a century.
American power grows. The United States is the world leader and will be for decades to come.
"I, too, am America." (Hughes, Page 13,5) this quote shows that the U.S. has a lot of passion and
pride. And having that helps show how strong we are as a nation. " It's a beautiful country"
(Thomas, What is the American dream ?) Thomases quote shows that he also has a lot of passion for

Definition Of The American Dream Essay
The American differs in each persons' perspective depending on what that certain person is going
through or as been through. The biggest idea of the American dream is having a big nice house,
with the fancy sports car, tons of money, and being able to travel wherever they please. However
only a small percent of Americans actually get to live that dream as a reality. TheAmerican dream,
an idea to some people that it has to do with the class you were born into and where you were
born, but that is not true. The American dream can be achieve by anyone and everyone through
hard work and sacrifice. It does take time but you will appreciate the wealth and the fun more
because you The American dreams differs in each persons eyes, depending on what a person is
work for it, if was not given to you.(American dream/.)
Now looking from others perspectives there are...show more content...
It was a land of opportunities for them to live a better and a more free life. This does relate to an
article where in Hollywood, California, they were convincing a lot of foreigner to come to the
United States to get the wealth, beauty and the "American dream". Americans filled their heads
with this dream foreigner wanted a better life, but they were disappointed when they came into
America that the big idea of the American dream was not just handed to them. However, they got
to live in a better country and even if some of those foreigner got to meet the American Dream
through blood and sweat, it was all worth it in the end. The American Dream: a dream or reality.
The American dream is a reality we can live and make but it takes work, it does not only have to
be a dream, it only stays a dream because some people rather sit there and complain on what they
don't have instead of getting up and doing something about it. An American dream is real, not a

Definition Essay On American Dream
President Obama once said, "We may come from different places and have different stories, but we
share common hopes, and one very American dream." The American dream is defined as "The ideal
that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through
hard work, determination, and initiative." In my generation everyone is entitled to have a dream, and
most importantly everyone is destined to fulfill their dream. My generation is not limited by status,
economics, race, gender, religion, education and anything else that would interfere with the pursuit
of happiness. Due to the civil rights act we have the freedom to dream and achieve whatever we
want without being restricted by past stereotypes.
Dreams are

Define The American Dream Essay

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Define The American Dream Essay