American Dream Essay: Many of us desire a so-called ‘perfect life’ that can be full of happiness which is sourced from a good job and money, comfort, spare time for family, and a healthy lifestyle. There is a belief that it requires better opportunities along with hard work to achieve material prosperity and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. It is a kind of dream or desire that people cherish and reflects a kind of attitude that drives someone towards fortune, prosperity, and fame. In this context, the American dream is a notion of hope, promise, and prosperity to people across the world.
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What is the American Dream?
The concept of the American Dream was introduced in 1931 by writer and historian James Truslow Adams in his best-selling book ‘Epic of America’. As per his interpretation, the American Dream is the desire for a life that is better and richer for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. The association of America to this concept is justified by the fact that there is a widespread belief that the United States is a country that is leading in wealth and prosperity, and gives the opportunity to bring economic success to an individual’s life.
The Reality of the American Dream
The concept of the American Dream has been developed through different forms over the centuries and is somehow influenced by the notion that success is related solely to wealth and material achievements. Consequently, the American Dream has shifted focus into a materialistic world instead of one’s aspirations and happiness. The fulfillment of the American Dream nurtures the idea that all people have the equal opportunity to achieve prosperity, liberty, and livelihood. However, the reality is somewhat different than ideal. The value of hard work and dedication towards success has been dominated by excessive materialism.
Fulfillment of American Dream
A lot of people including Americans and foreigners believe that the way of life in America makes it possible for anyone to prosper, succeed, and achieve a suitable career path. But in reality, one has to put a lot of hard work and dedication to make this dream into reality. One should not expect it just to happen. The American dream is motivating and hence achievable if you dare to overcome social obstacles to achieve progress on your terms. The American Dream is the idea for any person, irrespective of race and caste, to achieve status in society through hard work and determination. The idea begins when a child observes parents working hard and earning a living to make life better for him/her. The idea is absorbed in the children’s mind that sincere efforts and good deeds in life can lead to the fulfillment of their desire.
How American Dream Drives Us?
The American Dream is the attitude and ability of persons to create their future and achieve what they desire their life will become. It may start from improving education and skill, getting a job, or starting their own business, but ultimately they have control over the path they follow. Some sections of people believe that the American Dream is less attainable in reality because of lack of education, poor work opportunities, economic recession, overpopulation, inadequate political direction, and uncertain global factors. But the American Dream is a goal for the majority of people who believe that individual initiative and hard work can surely bring success in terms of materialistic wealth as well as aspirations. The idea of the American Dream becomes synonymous with controlling one’s destiny, becoming successful and living free from hustles. As time progresses, the concept of the American Dream has started reforming. It no longer measures success on material factors but on how each person defines prosperity and richness on an intrapersonal level.
Short Essay on American Dream
The Concept
The concept of the American Dream arises from the fact that individuals across the world tend to look for better opportunities that lead to wealth, prosperity, a good lifestyle, and success in terms of status and ambitions. However, for many people, the dream goes beyond just the material and emotional concepts. It is of success, freedom, and being able to control their destiny.
The Belief
The American Dream generates from the belief that people in America provide better opportunities to achieve prosperity, liberty, and happiness as compared to other countries. The concept is rooted in American values such as democracy, freedom, and equality, which are believed to give people the chance to create a better way of living. The desire is appealing mostly because of noticeable achievements by some persons who are perfect examples of ‘rags to riches’ and known for their possession and position.
The Parameters
It is to be noted that America might have useful resources to make a difference in one’s life, but one should emphasize hard work and initiative to fulfill their dreams. Especially for younger generations, the American Dream is a gateway to a materialistic world of happiness, instead of working on aspirations and ambitions. Everyone has a different opinion about the parameters that indicate the fulfillment of such dreams. The American Dream for one individual may be different from another. Many believe that high income, acquiring property, accumulating wealth, and luxurious life is the essential criteria for the dream. On the other hand, for many, it’s the quality of life, health, and happiness involving family members.
Conclusion
A dream always drives us to work towards its fulfillment and directs efforts in a positive direction. Similarly, the American Dream is expected to change the approach and attitude of an individual to seek opportunities for a better life.
FAQ”s on American Dream Essay
Question 1.
Who coined the concept of the ‘American Dream’?
Answer:
The concept of the American Dream was first coined in 1931 by writer and historian James Truslow Adams.
Question 2.
What are the favorable conditions in America to achieve the American Dream?
Answer:
Every citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.
Question 3.
What are the obstacles to achieving the American Dream?
Answer:
Lack of education and work opportunities, a recessionary economy, inadequate political direction, and global factors are considered significant obstacles to achieving the American Dream.
Question 4.
What is the idea of US citizens about attaining the American Dream?
Answer:
Almost 37% of people in the United States believe that the American Dream is less attainable today than it was for previous generations.