The American Dream & wealth
The American Dream. This ideal has evolved since it first originated in 1920-30s to the modern age we live in. When the term was first coined, it meant freedom (protected by the Declaration of Independence), mutual respect, and opportunity. It emphasized ideals, in which life should be fuller and richer for everyone, rather than material goods. As the term became more commonplace, its connections to this idea of equality and collectiveness lessened. With the influence of media, the American Dream became associated with homeownership and material prosperity.
Today, many question if the American Dream is still alive, or if its meaning is consistent with what it was in the past. I see the American Dream today as still holding true to its meaning of success and opportunity yet evolving with our consumerist society- therefore, focused more individually. I believe the American Dream is still alive; it just depends on how you define it. To me, the American Dream is about success in terms of accomplishing what we wish for and reaching happiness, in whatever way that is for each person.
The way we define wealth and our attitudes towards it differ from person to person as well. In my opinion, many Americans see wealth and poverty as a clear cut division of one's standing in society. Wealth is typically associated with the one-percent, and poverty with anyone falling below the middle-class. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald hits on what it means to be wealthy- portraying it as material items and extravagant houses. While in terms of money, of course, we would consider someone who owns many luxurious things to be wealthy. Americans admire wealth, and they desire it. Our exposure to the extravagant lifestyles that have become dominant in the media has created an aspiration for us to be like who we see. So much value has been placed on materialism to make us successful, but what happens when you lose it all? The desire to be wealthy has in some ways generated us to criticize the poor, without fully acknowledging or understanding why poverty is as prevalent as it is.
Today, many question if the American Dream is still alive, or if its meaning is consistent with what it was in the past. I see the American Dream today as still holding true to its meaning of success and opportunity yet evolving with our consumerist society- therefore, focused more individually. I believe the American Dream is still alive; it just depends on how you define it. To me, the American Dream is about success in terms of accomplishing what we wish for and reaching happiness, in whatever way that is for each person.
The way we define wealth and our attitudes towards it differ from person to person as well. In my opinion, many Americans see wealth and poverty as a clear cut division of one's standing in society. Wealth is typically associated with the one-percent, and poverty with anyone falling below the middle-class. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald hits on what it means to be wealthy- portraying it as material items and extravagant houses. While in terms of money, of course, we would consider someone who owns many luxurious things to be wealthy. Americans admire wealth, and they desire it. Our exposure to the extravagant lifestyles that have become dominant in the media has created an aspiration for us to be like who we see. So much value has been placed on materialism to make us successful, but what happens when you lose it all? The desire to be wealthy has in some ways generated us to criticize the poor, without fully acknowledging or understanding why poverty is as prevalent as it is.
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