The American dream is no different than the pursuit of happiness, in fact many would argue that it is just a different terminology. The most sacred document in our country, the constitution clearly declared pursuit of happiness for every citizen which gave path for the American Dream to be born in the heart of every human.
However, the question remains, what is it that makes it unique? .....is it Opportunity? can it be prosperity? or perhaps genuine happiness?
Hanson and White write many interesting points in their introduction. One of them being that the American dream is "elusive and therefore disappoints us....a never ending pursuit." They argue to show that the american dream in the 21st century has stumbled, people have lost hope and it is not perceived as before.
The uncertainty of the dream in the 21st century relates to another fact pointed out by Hanson and White, which is that in the 19th and 20th century the american dream consisted of economic prosperity and ownership. However, in the 21st century it has drastically changed to also include social reforms, personal well being and quality of life.
That is exactly what makes the American dream unique.The fact that is has changed. It has adapted to a new era in the timeline of the United States. For many decades the average citizen chased happiness in material ownership such as houses, income, and cars. As the decades went by they still could not find fulfillment or genuine happiness which they thought to find once the dream was achieved. However happiness will not be found in materialistic prosperity, at least not for very long.It will be found in a united society of equality and opportunity for all.No man can be happy with economic wealth when the country is constantly struggling with racial issues....dividing society by race and social hierarchy.
It makes sense that the past generation aspired wealth as their American dream, they lived in a time period of depression, world wars, and the rise of our powerful country.It is unfair to blame them or demoralize them for wanting prosperity.It is exactly what they needed at the time. However, the new generation aren't satisfied.They want to finalize the long lasting fight for social justice and civil rights to reach well rounded happiness.
I am personally disturbed and saddened by the immense division in our society. Black lives matter. Blue lives matter. Neo-Nazis. Immigration policies.Homelessness.Terrorism. Shootings. Discrimination. Many social issues that we have experienced in the past decade.None of these issues can just be ignored and replaced by the pursuit of personal wealth to be happy.I am proud and inspired that the American dream is not just about prosperity anymore,because it can not be, it was necessary for it to change and it should be now and always for the justice and advancement of society.
There is something very unique in American iconography about this notion of the pursuit of happiness.
David Henry Hwang
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pursuit_of_happiness.html
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pursuit_of_happiness.html
I think it is very important to bring light to the fact that, like you said, the American Dream is ever-changing. If the concept that prosperity and wealth made up the American Dream were to remain steady throughout the years, that would only benefit those who have benefitted from it since its creation-- basically rich white guys. In my opinion, the rapidly changing definition can only help more people, possibly those who would not have had the opportunity in the past, find success and prosperity in life. It is important to note the incorporation of social justice into the mainstream definition of the American Dream so that it can continue to be reformed and improved as time goes on.
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ReplyDeleteI found it fascinating how, in your response, you noted that the American Dream of the past was appropriate of the time period and the many events of it. After seeing you say that it makes sense that people would wish for success and wealth at a time when America was going through or recovering from the Great Depression, world wars, and brutal civil rights movements. Wanting greater prosperity and a good education made sense when considering how much they struggled at the time. And with that I find it equally important how you noted that the American Dream changes, because the needs and struggles of our generation are not the same as those of our ancestors, and therefore our idea of the American Dream is quite different from that of the past. It’s important for us to remember that circumstances change with the times, and so too do our goals and wishes for the future.
ReplyDeleteGreat job with this!!
(Lol sorry, first comment was just below the word count so I had to add another couple of sentences to it then reupload)
Haha. You made me life this morning, Macy.
DeleteI also found it interesting that you considered historic context to understand how the American Dream has morphed over time. Essentially, the dream of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" responds to and is shaped by social conditions of the time period.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Pablo.
Sure the American Dream has changed over time. However, I don't think that the American Dream has traveled off of it's course, established in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence came into play. This dream has evolved, and become more complicated, but has not changed. We still strive for success through the immense opportunities made available in this land we call home. Yes, we aim for happiness and prosperity. However, these are made possible through opportunity for education, employment, and financial stability.
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