The American Dream has shifted from being an actual idea to the desire to gain as many material items as possible. People no longer think of the American Dream as working hard and having a vision for where they want to take their life. I think most Americans don’t even think about the American Dream anymore, unless it is in the manner of evaluating all of their material gains and how these items apply to their satisfaction level throughout their life. I don’t understand how a person can achieve the American Dream by having a lot of stuff. Stuff doesn’t last and it is replaceable. Then there is the stereotype of the American Dream, which Cullen illustrates as, “Economically self-sufficiency, a secure and esteemed profession (e.g., the ministry), the leisure to pursue a career in politics: these among others were the yardsticks by which upward mobility was measured,” (pg. 61). Personally, I do not agree with this view on the American Dream because all of these characteristics are centered on gaining money and power. I believe the American Dream has to do with finding personal happiness and being able to realize that having a dream gives oneself a purpose in life. Money and material items cannot help one come to this realization. Therefore the American Dream resonates within the individual.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to assume that there was once a pure American Dream that is now devolved into something strictly material. Could it be that both ideals and things have been mixed together from the outset? If so, then we need to pay attention to the proportions and the interactions between them.
LDL