Redefining the American Dream

A detailed Summary of Redefining the American Dream

The American dream has long been defined as the "dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement" (Amin). If this dream were true, it would acknowledge people for who and what they are, in spite of chance birth status or social position. Unfortunately, in today's society, the American dream represents fortune and success much more than work and morals. Even so, the success that comes along with the American dream is not a practical want in today's society. We all have the equal ability to work hard, yet we don't have the equal ability to become successful from our work alone. The American dream has now become an unachievable aspiration, especially to those whose race, ethnicity and gender prohibit them from attaining the equality we all deserve.

America was shaped by ideals and high standards that inspired people to work hard and to be good people. Everything in life was not about money or recognition. Our society was one that defined success as happiness. The main goal was to become self-sufficient and to provide a healthy home for ones family. Somewhere along the way, this happiness became defined as money. We stopped focus

different levels with different advantages. This dream is extremely flawed in that it ignores all socio-economic classes, creating assumptions that are not true in our society where minorities do not have the same opportunities as the majority. This myth gives the Upper-class an unarguable excuse when they deny minorities the rights they deserve.

The American dream has become a tool of oppression used by the majority to dominate the minority. The promise of fair opportunity and the attainability of the American dream makes the minority believe that they have as fair as an opportunity to succeed as the majority does. By doing this, they are able to keep the minority suppressed. If any minority complains that there is economic discrimination or that they have become trapped in their class, the majority can just point out that all that is needed for success is hard work. This myth hinders society because it allows for the avoidance of the wrong occurring in our society. The Upper-class is able to make excuses, such as one didn't not try hard enough, and ignore the basic fact that all are not created equal, and everyone does not all have the same opportunities. White people are able to feel guiltless because they have come to believe that anyone can succeed. This myth actually encourages them and makes them feel positive about themselves because they convince themselves they have wor

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, american dream, success hard, society dream, today's society, equal ability, fair opportunity, dream practical, people hard, ones family,

Approximate Word count = 939
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History