Is The American Dream Attainable

The American Dream, the idealized life that is to be led by all Americans, paved with equality, opportunity and prosperity. This dream has been a mainstay of American mentality since the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Even in today’s rapidly evolving society, this mentality is still thought to ring true. In contrast to this, individuals who think that the American Dream is no longer accurate state that due to an ever-increasing gap between the social classes, low rate of upwards mobility and lack of equality renders this idealized goal of prosperity and equality into an unobtainable, outdated dream. The Merriam Webster Dictionary states that the American dream is defined as an American social ideal that stresses the principals

Sam Walton was raised during the great depression to a lower-class family in the country. Yet, through his unprecedented work ethic and perseverance, Walton jumped the economic gap out of poverty, established a multibillion dollar company and became the richest man in America (Packer 353). This could be a prime example of successfully achieving the American Dream, persevering through trials and tribulations to find prosperity and closure at the end. But if Sam Walton is a prime example of the American dream, Jay Z is its quintessential personification. Shawn Corey Carter, otherwise known by his stage name Jay Z, was raised in the poverty-stricken ghetto alongside his brother in a single-parent household (Packer 357). Entering the drug game at age 15 to help his mother pay bills and his personal expenses, Carter’s dedication and ferocity was unrivaled amongst his peers. The odds stacked against him were monumental as an African American, with high mortality rates, discrimination and numerous other factors. His work ethic and dedication remained unparalleled, even as he entered the music industry, stating that “Music was just another hustle” (Packer 359). Carter established a multibillion dollar industry, ranging from record labels and a movie studio to a clothing line and vodka. The mere fact that “a black kid from a single-parent house” could persevere through the economic barriers, racial discrimination, and social influence, and become one of the most established artists of the 21st century may exemplify the epitome of the American Dream (Packer