american dream
The American Dream is different for everyone, though it is most commonly associated with success, freedom, and happiness. The concept of the American Dream seems to have dwindled from where it was in the past few generations. It has gone from success, freedom, and happiness to having lots of money and the nicest possessions. In today's society we all hope and strive for this dream, but how many actually achieve the American Dream? Is it a reasonable goal that Americans should strive for, or is it a myth that only leads to self-destruction? Having a lot of money, a good job, and expensive possessions are all characteristics of this American Dream. Even though, many Americans seek to achieve all of these material possessions, how many can say that they are truly happy, once they reach this goal?There is no standardized description of being rich. Some people see money as the only way of measuring how prosperous one is, but is money the only way to achieve the American Dream? One can only have so much money. Even the richest of the
Americans are always demanding more, while in poverty-stricken countries people are just thankful for what they do have. The American Dream is still alive, though it is not what it used to be. In the story "Ragged Dick," Horatio Alger writes about a young man's progress from poor background that searches for wealth. But are they fulfilling their version of the American Dream? Keeping up with the Joneses is still a part of our everyday lives. Based on my experiences of work, I try very hard to keep up with my job, attending training classes, subscribing to technical magazines, and studying for technical certifications to further advance my knowledge, even after all my training there is still much to be learned. Society today tells us that we should have the best of everything if we don't, we are of a lower class of people. rich aren't satisfied with what they have, yet they strive to make more and more money in order to live up to their dream. Americans today do in fact look at celebrities and long for their lavish lifestyles, but also still do try and keep up with the Joneses. In this story Dick has gone from rags to riches, immediately after his success he wants to move to a "nicer quarter of the city" (312). We as Americans are never satisfied with what we have. In today's high tech society we are seeing more and more people advancing to higher positions because of the never-ending advances in technology. We are sucked in by these beliefs because we as Americans do not want to be shown up, and want to be part of the higher class. It has been said that Americans are no longer trying to keep up with the Joneses, but instead looking at celebrities, and envisioning themselves with the same expensive possessions. No mater how rich or how much one owns there are always bigger and better things. Ever look at your neighbor's new car and want one of your own? It is very common to see your neighbor pull in their driveway with a new Mercedes, then look at your car and think of going and getting a nice new car that is comparable to the Mercedes.
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