WHAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM?
-term was first used by the historian James Adams in 1931in his book 'The Epic of
America', in 1931:
''The American Dream is the dream of a land in which life should be better and
richer and fuller for every man with opportunity for each according to his ability or
achievement''
to explain what had attracted millions of people of all nations to settle in
America
-there is no single definition of what the American Dream actually is, as it varies
for each American
-the American Dream has often been used to inspire and motivate Americans to
improve themselves an get on in life; it has also been blamed for creating
unrealistic expectations
DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
BAS IC IDEA: anyone can achieve anything
with a strong will and hard work, anybody can go “from rags to riches”
-set of beliefs and ideals which (in theory) allows every American the freedom to
prosper and advance socially and financially through hard work
-promise of material prosperity Americans feel that they can achieve a “better,
richer, and happier life” regardless of their race, colour, class, religion
-everyone can reach their goals if they really try → realization of dreams with
hard work
-central promises out of the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, equality and
the pursuit of happiness
-individual interpretations: fame and fortune or a fulfilled life
