American Dreamz

T he American Dream is such a central concept to those living in this country, it resonates with anyone who’s ever had a dream. The undying faith for the betterment of one’s life serves as a constant reminder that nearly anything is attainable as long as you’re willing to give it your all and accept that it most definitely won’t come easy. In “The Making and Persistence of the American Dream,” an introduction to Sandra L. Hanson’s and John Kenneth White’s anthology The American Dream in the 21st Century , the American Dream is analyzed and questioned as to why it is so difficult to achieve, yet still remains so relevant in even the most desperate of times. The section that intrigued me focuses on the American Dream as a myth, explaining how it never dies in a country that has faced so many devastating events. Americans in varying time periods have undergone drastic obstacles towards their dreams and continue to cling to the American Dream as hope for a better future. With event...

The American Dream has been sought after since the mere idea of a “dream” had surfaced. Many take to describing this dream as that of happiness and the belief that every citizen has the ability to transform their life into success and achievement, through perseverance. Throughout American history, the hope for a better life has been pined for by individuals countless times. With the Declaration of Independence to the wealth-driven dreamers of the Roaring 20’s, the American Dream continues to be desired even in the modern world. My personal American Dream lies with the belief that individuals should live almost selfishly, in a world they no longer feel guilty for chasing after what they truly want. People are too often shamed for wanting such grand lives for themselves, or for harboring huge dreams that may never be reached. Others may put down self-oriented dreamers and consider them to be unrealistic for wanting something so selfishly and egotistical for wanting somet...