They Live The American Dream

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The Space in Between Myth and Reality
Imagine being a starving young girl huddled next to a weakening fire gazing up at the shining stars, and dreaming of a world that she could live in happiness. This girl’s hope is her American Dream; it can be defined as, “the 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,” according to James Truslow Adams who first coined the phrase in 1931. However, in my personal opinion, I define the American dream as the belief that anyone can somehow achieve their greatest goal in life, if they put their mind to it. This vision is still a reality today; it can be achieved through perseverance and the fact that there …show more content…

In “They Live the Dream”, an essay by Dan Rather, several different America Dream stories are discussed, and some deal with overcoming difficulty,” . . . he accepted a football scholarship to a nearly all white college. Once there, however racism threatened to throw him off course. Instead he turned to activism and founded the school’s black student union,” (42). Wayne Ford, the topic of the activism story, could have easily given up, ended his education, and goal of turning a new leaf. However, instead he decided to overcome the unwelcoming and ominous atmosphere and continue on. If one is serious about a goal, they must persevere when faced with situations that could crush their …show more content…

Langston Hughes, an author who is known for numerous poems, uses his poems to convey the message that hindrance is ripping apart all chances some have in attaining their dream, “. . . I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars, I am the red man driven from the land, I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—And finding only the same stupid plan Of dog eat dog and mighty crush the weak,” (38). Hughes is presenting the struggle that takes everyday among the minorities who are obstructed and unable to attain what they wish due to the chances being ripped from under them and disappearing into thin air. Langston Hughes also feels struggle of people who believed in the American Dream; they wanted the vision to be true with all of their heart, however, these people were looked down upon and granted nothing. One may have all the passion it requires to wholeheartedly pursue a dream, but if they are forced onto the ground every single time they attempt to stand, is it truly possible for this dream to

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