The American Dream is Still Alive Today

The Enduring Promise of the American Dream

In my perspective, the American Dream is still alive because employment in the past few years has contributed to prosperity in the United States. The concept of the American Dream was coined during the Great Depression by James Truslow Adams, who wrote that the American Dream “is a dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with an opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” (Adams, 1931). Many advocates say that the American Dream is dead, but it is still alive according to liberalists. Despite the challenges posed by the Great Recession, the pursuit of this dream has continued to inspire prosperity.

The Resilience of the American Dream

The American Dream is not over; it is a concept that persists despite claims to the contrary. Critics argue that society is unfortunate and the government is out of control, robbing every citizen and preventing the achievement of the American Dream. However, people with strong beliefs, such as those in monotheism, can find hope and resilience in their dreams. The principles of achieving the American Dream are not dictated by individuals or cultures but are a personal journey.

In America, the belief that anyone, regardless of their birthplace or social class, can attain their version of success is a core tenet of the American Dream. This dream is achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work. In 1931, James Truslow Adams was the first to define the American Dream in his book "The Epic of America" (Adams, 1931). He envisioned a society where individuals could achieve their fullest potential and be recognized for their true selves, regardless of their birth circumstances.

The Historical Context of the American Dream

A French historian, Alexis de Tocqueville, explored American society in the 19th century and documented his observations in the book "Democracy in America" (de Tocqueville, 1835). The allure of the American Dream drew millions of immigrants to the U.S. Another historian, Emily Rosenberg, identifies five components of the American Dream: the belief that other nations should emulate America's development, faith in a free market economy, support for trade agreements and foreign direct investment, promotion of the free flow of information and culture, and acceptance of government protection of private enterprise (Rosenberg, 2003). The American Dream was established as a pathway to prosperity, peace, and opportunity.

The Foundations of the American Dream

There are three factors of the American Dream that make it possible: the United States' large landmass under one government, its benign neighbors, and abundant natural resources that fuel U.S. commerce. The U.S. exemplifies how natural resources have boosted the economy and contributed to its global position. The American "melting pot" generates more innovative ideas than a homogeneous population might. America's success can be partially attributed to the benefits of cultural diversity.

The Declaration of Independence initially extended the dream to white property owners, but the idea of inalienable rights was so powerful that laws were eventually added to extend these rights to slaves, women, and non-property owners. The American Dream has significantly influenced the course of American history itself.

The Evolution of the American Dream

In the 1920s, the American Dream began to evolve into a desire for material wealth, as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" (Fitzgerald, 1925). The character Daisy Buchanan cries when she sees Jay Gatsby's shirts, symbolizing the unattainable nature of this materialistic dream. The Great Gatsby's vision was of “an orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us.” This evolution reflects the ongoing transformation and complexity of the American Dream as it continues to shape and redefine itself in response to societal changes.

References

• Adams, J. T. (1931). The Epic of America. Little, Brown, and Company.
• de Tocqueville, A. (1835). Democracy in America. Saunders and Otley.
• Rosenberg, E. (2003). Spreading the American Dream: American Economic and Cultural Expansion, 1890-1945. Hill and Wang.
• Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner's Sons.