The American Dream is Built on Family Bonds

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The American Dream is a concept that is essentially older than the United States, dating back to the seventeenth century. It was then when people began to come up with hopes and aspirations for the newly discovered, unexplored continent. The “American Dream” is in essence the idea in that puts forward the notion that all people can succeed through hard work, that all people have the right to the pursuit of happiness, and be successful. The definition of the American Dream has been expanded upon and redefined over time. The concept of the American Dream has always been debated and put under criticism. There are many that believe the structure of American Society belies the idealistic goal of the American Dream. It points out examples of deeply rooted inequality based on class, race, and ethnic origin. This idea is the base that puts in question the attainability of the American Dream for everyone. Generation after generation, people have strongly had a belief that with the right mix of grit, guts, and character, one could achieve new levels of success for themselves and their families. Implied in this amalgamation are the concepts of hard work, and a determination to overcome adversity. That, in my belief, is the definition of the American Dream; with enough toil and a strong backbone, one can take advantage of whatever natural strengths one has and manipulate them to earn success. As Americans we have always believed there was someplace to move, something to overcome, in order to improve our lot in life and raise ourselves up. According to the article on “Economic Recession” from Issues and Controversies, a panel of economists determined that the U.S. was in a recession from December 2007 to June 2009, making it the longest ... ... middle of paper ... ... in those around you. It’s what makes us grow, and keeps us going; which is exactly what the American Dream is all about. Works Cited "Economic Recession." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. . Thomma, Steven. "For Many, 'American Dream Is Struggling'." Detroit Free Press. 27 Mar 2011: A.18. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 21 Nov 2011. "Economic Recession." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. . Thomma, Steven. "For Many, 'American Dream Is Struggling'." Detroit Free Press. 27 Mar 2011: A.18. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 21 Nov 2011. "The American Dream - Redefined for One Family | A King's Life." A King's Life - Enjoying Family Travel Adventures. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.

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