Evolution of the American Dream

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The founding fathers stated, “Men believed people inherently possessed the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, as time moved on people became more materialist and cared about appearance. Many factor have changed the perspective of the American Dream. Three major factors were WII, Baby Boomers, mass construction of suburban homes. Previously, people aspired to have a nice house in the suburban with a couple of cars. Although, the American Dream has changed over time, it is still relevant and obtainable as exemplified in the life of Frederick Douglass and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The American Dream is something that everyone strives for whether there American or immigrates. In a article I read it stated, "In the beginning the American Dream simply promised a country in which people had the chance to work their way up through their own labor and ingenuity." Usually when you want to accomplish a goal it requires time and effort. However, most people think that going through life will be easy, but they are completely wrong if you don't put in the work there's no results. So to obtain the American Dream you need the state of mind. Some people have lived happy lives with nothing than more the necessities they need, this is possible because you don't need jewelry or clothing to make you happy.
Frederick Douglass sees education as a way to improve his life. This realization started with Frederick moving to Baltimore and meeting Mrs. Auld. Frederick stated, "Very soon after I went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Auld, she very kindly commenced to teach me A,B,C" (Frederick Douglass 20). However, what Mr. Auld stated afterward would change his life. To sum it up Mr. Auld told his wife teaching a black person anythi...

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...ater on acting. Each had faced obstacles that need to overcome to achieve their dreams. One would need to go through gaining knowledge and outsmarting his adversaries and another through his physique and charisma. However, both man accomplish their dreams and went to do greater things
In conclusion as time is changing so is the mindset of people. In the beginning both Americans and immigrants, American Dream was to have a house and a job. By obtaining those things they felt accomplished. This has changed over the sum of 200 years. More modern people want fast cars, mansion, clothing and all the accessories to go with it. Yet, there are people like Frederick and Arnold who not only know what they want, but work long and hard to get those dreams accomplished. It still show that the American Dream is for anybody that has the time and courage to get what they want.

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