The American Dream - Research Paper Example

The core fabric of the American dream is the fact any individual is capable of attaining the level of success desirable depending on their ability and achievements. Essentially, the American dream envisions an environment where thrift and hard work are the defining factors of the success of an individual. The issues of race and background do not in any obstruct a person in their pursuit for a better and fulfilling life. In the modern times, the definition of the American Dream has significantly changed to reflect the changing times.

Some people hold the belief that the American Dream means the pursuit of money. The ability to purchase a big house, own an expensive car and afford exotic holidays seems the motivation of a number of American citizens. Yet to some, the basic freedom to live in a society free from fear literally defines their American Dream. Both ways, the quest for material wealth and freedom still remain the central themes of the modern definition of the American Dream. According Adams (1931), the American dream is not merely a pursuit of cars and high wages, rather a dream of social order creating a society whereby every individual is able to attain the peak of achievement which they are created capable of.

Further, each individual deserves the right to be recognized irrespective of their position or the unchangeable circumstances of birth. He further points out that the pursuit of this dream should not sideline other individuals in the pursuit of their goals. The shifts in the modern society have made it almost impossible for every individual to have equal footing; it is hard to ignore the bitter truth that the circumstances where each individual grows in have a tremendous impact on their ability to attain prosperity in the future.

Of course the classic story of rags to riches still reverberates throughout the nation. But in reality, sometimes the odds are so great that in surmounting them to attain prosperity, one may have opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their prosperity. Indeed, the parody of our times is people working long hours to buy nice cars and big homes yet they spend over two thirds of their time tied in their work place. It is also necessary to note that it is easier for people coming from a prosperous background to achieve success than those that come from poor backgrounds.

Comparing two people of equal capability and with equal opportunity, the differentiating factor will be the initial background. As Mathew (2008) puts it, in the pursuit of wealth you can never run faster than your shadow however hard you may try. The truth is that inequalities in the society serve as impediments in the pursuit of self fulfillment. Growing disparities in class and social stratification make it difficult for the individuals from humble backgrounds to pursue the American Dream. In his article “Changing Concepts of The American Dream”, Mathew (2008) points out that many Americans no longer entertain the vision for future success through hard work and sweat.

Rather, most individuals covet a short cut to wealth. This partly explains the recent obsession with get-rich-schemes throughout the nation. Large prize television game shows have also become immensely popular who call in during the shows2. The CNN Memorial2 list a one Charles Henry Karczewski who was a benefits consultant at AON Group. In a tribute for him, his wife says that he loved that “stupid trade center”