The American Dream in contemporary society

¶ … American Dream' is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with the opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. 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 of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position. (What is the American Dream, Pg. 1)

The preceding quote was written by James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book, Epic of America. It is believed that this was the first time the term "American Dream" was used. However, the basis of this dream is written right into the fabric of the constitution. "All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Today the American Dream is an intrinsic part of every citizen and aspirant citizen of the United States. People from all over the world still flock to America through both legal and illegal means in order to pursue some element of this dream.

Unfortunately, this particular dream has been warped by our culture. Many today see the American Dream as financial wealth. They see it as the ability to do as little work as possible, while still attaining material riches. They see it as a means to economic power. May of the philosophical underpinnings of the American Dream have been lost in today's culture.

It is important to remember our modern political philosophers such as Martin Luther King Jr. And Arthur Miller who have spoken and written about the American Dream. It is through their eyes, that the modern dream should be looked at. Not through the eyes of celebrity musicians and actors.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of the creed. We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal! (Martin Luther King, I have a Dream)

It is clear that Martin Luther King's dream was one of inclusion. His dream focused on the idea that all people should be treated as equals. He focused on the idea that when this happened, the true American Dream would be fulfilled.

In today's society we still battle hate crimes. We still dwell in fear of our neighbors and we still have prejudices. Racial profiling happens on a daily basis and a new found hate for those who practice the religion of Islam has swept through North America. Women in similar positions as men still make less money. Homosexuals are battling for basic rights. And those who are from the Middle East who currently live in America are treated as second class citizens, regardless of their beliefs

One element of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream came together. It was through his work that segregation was eliminated. And King was directly responsible for the heart and soul of the Civil Rights movement. However, the core of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream has not yet been realized. But this is part of our challenge. To make the American Dream a reality, we have yet to make it accessible to all.

Arthur Miller's Pulitzer prize winning play, Death of a Salesman is a look into the dark heart of the American Dream. Within the play, a salesman rapidly approaching the end of his life realizes that his dream, a dream of financial success and popularity, was the wrong dream. His entire life had been spent pursuing his concept of perfection and forcing it on his children. It is only at the very end that he comes to understand that his flaw was his dream, that his dream was not one that would fill his family with love and pride, but one that ultimately tore his family apart.

The American Dream is evolving. It is a fluid force within the heart of this country that we pursue with vigor. The danger, according to Arthur Miller, is not understanding what is a false dream and what is a real dream. The pursuit of materialism alone is a false dream, whereas the pursuit of happiness in a country which treats all of its citizens as equals and provides for their needs might be a real dream.

Webster's New World Dictionary identifies a dream as, "a fanciful vision of the conscious mind; a fond hope or aspiration." This dictionary definition makes it appear as if the American Dream is unattainable. This is not true, the American Dream is something that we can work for both individually and as a society.

It is important for people to remember that their social groups and their alliances with organizations can help make the American Dream real for those with nothing. Churches and schools cannot remain silent when it comes to hate crimes and prejudice. Businesses and city councils must promote programs the provide equal education for all children regardless of what school they go to. And the individual must vote in this democracy for those who keep the American Dream in their hearts.

A large element of the American Dream for me revolves around the idea of education. Education and the ability of young people to think for themselves is a tremendous part of my piece of the dream.

As a future educator I hope to show children how to become more self-reliant, how to develop their own critical thinking skills and how to work their way into a higher education program.

As America focuses on terrorism and potentially a war, there are many children who are in substandard classrooms. There are many children in over-crowded classrooms. There are children who do not have access to modern technology in the classroom. Underpaid teachers are leaving their jobs for more lucrative work at an astounding rate. Students dropout of school across the country on a daily basis. In some states there are actually programs which discriminate against students who speak English as a second language. In others, extra-curricular activities -- which is all that keeps some students sober and in school -- are being thrown out the window. Priorities appear to be a little off base.