Obstacles of the American Dream

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Recommended: Development of the American Dream

“The American Dream, that 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.” --James Truslow Adams. The phrase “The American Dream” has been expanded upon or refined in various forms, but is essentially based on Truslow Adams’ idea. This concept has been subject to criticism because some people believe that the structure of society prevents such an idealistic goal for everyone. The economy, for instance, can cause poverty-stricken men and women to attain a major disadvantage. Other attributes goes towards inequalities that jeopardizes fairness, as well as apathy through lack of success to obtain the American Dream. The American Dream provides Americans hope that if they work hard, they will eventually be successful, no matter how penniless the person. To understand the construction of this topic, there is a need to understand the circumstances involved. The Epic of America, The narrative in which the American Dream was constructed, was produced in the nineteen thirties. During this time, the Great Depression was at the height of destruction, and the new president Franklin D. Roosevelt created the “New Deal,” which inspired newly-found hope. In his Second Inaugural Address, he voiced his vision for the expanded role that the government would take in American's lives by stating, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little” (Franklin D. Roosevelt). This began the facade of hope towards the impoverished folks attempting to achieve success. In reality the optimism and dedication given towards this dream is disproportional... ... middle of paper ... ...eve the American Dream, would it still be a dream? Works Cited Adams, Douglas. The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. New York: Harmony Books, 1980. 1979. Print. Dickinson, Emily. “Success is Counted Sweetest.” PoemHunters.com, 31 December, 2002. 29 April, 2014. Hargreaves, Steve. "The myth of the American Dream." CNNMoney. CNN, 9 Dec. 2013. Web. 29 April, 2014. Hughes, Langston. “Dream Deferred.” PoemHunters.com, 27 March, 2010. 29 April 2014. Hughes, Langston. “Militant.” History is a Weapon: A Selection of the Poetry of Langston Hughes, n.d. 29 April, 2014. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York, NY: Scribner, 1996. Print. Steinbeck, John E. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Group, 1993. 72. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. Roosevelt, Franklin D. "Second Inaugural Address." Washington D.C. 20 Jan. 1937. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. .

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