thesis statement examples for the american dream

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How to Create an Effective Thesis Statement in 5 Easy Steps

Creating a thesis statement can be a daunting task. It’s one of the most important sentences in your paper, and it needs to be done right. But don’t worry — with these five easy steps, you’ll be able to create an effective thesis statement in no time.

Step 1: Brainstorm Ideas

The first step is to brainstorm ideas for your paper. Think about what you want to say and write down any ideas that come to mind. This will help you narrow down your focus and make it easier to create your thesis statement.

Step 2: Research Your Topic

Once you have some ideas, it’s time to do some research on your topic. Look for sources that support your ideas and provide evidence for the points you want to make. This will help you refine your argument and make it more convincing.

Step 3: Formulate Your Argument

Now that you have done some research, it’s time to formulate your argument. Take the points you want to make and put them into one or two sentences that clearly state what your paper is about. This will be the basis of your thesis statement.

Step 4: Refine Your Thesis Statement

Once you have formulated your argument, it’s time to refine your thesis statement. Make sure that it is clear, concise, and specific. It should also be arguable so that readers can disagree with it if they choose.

Step 5: Test Your Thesis Statement

The last step is to test your thesis statement. Does it accurately reflect the points you want to make? Is it clear and concise? Does it make an arguable point? If not, go back and refine it until it meets all of these criteria.

Creating an effective thesis statement doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these five easy steps, you can create a strong thesis statement in no time at all.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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American Dream Essay: Structure, Outline, Sample, and Topics

21 July 2023

last updated

The American Dream is a recurring controversial topic in modern society. Individuals have developed different arguments to deconstruct what is the American Dream essay in the context of day-to-day life. In the academic setting, learners that engage in this discourse hold the weight of the proper expression of their arguments. A structured essay is analyzed with a focus on the introduction, main body, and conclusion of the five-paragraph essay. The process of topic selection, outline development, and structured writing is exemplified using an essay titled, “The Promise of the American Dream.” Recommendations for narrow scoped topics for exploring the concept are provided as a starting point for students.

In contemporary discourse, there is much controversy over the meaning of the American Dream. Basically, people hold different positions on multiple aspects of the concept in their essays and research papers. During the schooling years, it is important to acquire knowledge. Also, young minds benefit significantly from reflecting on the influence of their recently acquired knowledge on their position regarding controversial topics. Upon completing the reflection essay process, the expression of one’s newly defined position is the next step. An essay on the American Dream is presented to introduce the readers to the basic principles behind the concept. Moreover, the structure of a five-paragraph essay is explored with the support of an outline and a sample essay.

What Is the American Dream Essay?

1. general description.

The American Dream is a widely known concept, but there is no definition that can be identified as a correct, comprehensive, and precise. Basically, freedom and opportunity are the most critical aspects of the essay on the American Dream. In this case, freedoms are essential to the idea of achieving goals. It because these freedoms provide an individual with the space to live freely without any oppression from their peers or the government. Moreover, equal access to opportunity allows each individual to pursue happiness and prosperity regardless of the social class, gender, race, and other social or cultural factors that stratify society. Therefore, this concept may be defined as a set of beliefs that explain the experience of life that many people are expected to have in an ideal situation, where their freedoms are protected, and no opportunity barriers exist.

2. Unique Experiences

People are born into families that provide them with a unique starting point for their pursuit of desired goals. For example, the financial capability, level of education, and cultural beliefs of an individual’s parents define the foundation on which a person begins to achieve desired goals. As a result, all people may be pursuing the same ideas when writing essays. In turn, it is not a level playing field because some individuals may find themselves in better circumstances than others. Furthermore, it is differentiated at a personal level because individuals with relatively similar starting points may have distinct outcomes. Based on this perspective, it is highly unlikely that any two individuals can attest to going through identical experiences when writing an essay.

3. Belief Systems

Besides the circumstances of the starting points, an individual’s belief system plays a significant role in their strategy of achieving desired goals. For instance, happiness and prosperity are broad terms that have contrasting meanings for individuals because there is no standardized scale for measuring happiness or prosperity. Moreover, one person may consider owning a car and house to be a sign of prosperity. In contrast, another person may believe that providing his or her children with a college education to be prosperity. Hence, these beliefs are imposed on desires goals, which results in variations in the meaning of the concept for each individual to be covered in an essay. In turn, desires goals affected to a large extent by an individual’s beliefs regarding the things that make them happy or prosperous.

Topic Selection for American Dream Essays

1. challenges of topic selection.

The American Dream is a concept that people can examine from a variety of perspectives, which makes the selection of an essay topic for an American Dream paper quite challenging. During the selection of an essay topic, it is essential to remember that no point of view is more superior or correct than another. In this case, the weight of the claim proposed in the American Dream argumentative essay is dependent on the writer’s ability to explain a position logically and convincingly. Moreover, in the presentation of the argument in the essay, it is important to adequately consider competing counterarguments that may arise in the audience’s minds when writing essays. In turn, the failure to evaluate counterarguments critically may undercut the authority of the author, especially when writing for an academic audience.

2. Solution

Equally important, writers should select a topic that has a link with their personal experiences. For instance, an argument concerning the essay about the American Dream gains a sense of authenticity when writers discuss an issue that resonates with their beliefs. It is essential because some passion is embedded in the essay. In this case, as a starting point for identifying the essay topic, writers may identify a “main concept” under review, for example, equal opportunity. Based on the main concept, writers can think through their life experiences and single out events that they consider invaluable in the position taken concerning the main concept (see the example of a simple brainstorming template). Finally, writers should settle on the essay topic that is specific and can be argued out entirely within the constraints of the essay requirements.

3. Example of a Simple Brainstorming Template

• State the main concept.
• How has it affected you?
• How has it affected other people in your life?
• Do you think the events mentioned above are in line with the American Dream?
• Specify the issue.
• Describe the ideal situation.
• Can the situation be improved?

American Dream Essay Outline

Introduction (approximately 10% of the word count).

• It is the first statement in the introductory paragraph.
• The statement should capture the attention of the reader, for example, a unique fact about the topic.

2. Overview of the Topic

• It comprises of two or more sentences.
• The statements should contain adequate detail for the reader to understand the thesis statement.

3. Thesis Statement

• It is a single statement that appears at the end of the introductory paragraph.
• The statement provides an answer to the essay prompt in the form of a single argument, which summarises the main evidence or rationale presented in the main body.

Main Body (Approximately 80% of the Word Count)

The creation of paragraphs in this section is based on the separation of ideas to ensure that each paragraph presents one original idea. In this case, each paragraph in this section must follow the sandwich rule, which dictates the organization of paragraph elements:

• Topic sentence – States the main idea for that paragraph.
• Evidence – Provides the information that is crucial to the paragraph’s idea.
• Evaluation of evidence – Explains the relevance of the evidence and offers an interpretation of the evidence.
• Transition statement – Summarises the paragraph and links it to the thesis statement or the next paragraph.

Conclusion (Approximately 10% of the Word Count)

1. Restating the Main Argument

• The first statement in the paragraph should repeat the main argument presented in the thesis statement.
• It should not contain the same words as the thesis statement, but keywords can be reused.
• Provide a detailed overview of the main points of the essay logically.
• Demonstrate the value of the main points in answering the essay prompt.

Five-Paragraph American Dream Essay Outline Sample

Introduction/Paragraph 1

Hook: Besides the differences in the American populations, they are similar because they pursue the same dream.

Overview of the topic: Outline some of the differences in the American population.

Thesis statement: Creating equal opportunities allows individuals to achieve upward mobility.

Paragraph 2 :

Topic sentence: Breaking down social mobility and its quantification.

Evidence: Definition and measures of social mobility.

Evaluation of evidence: Illustrate how upward social mobility is achieved while referring to the measures.

Transition statement: Introduces the need for self-improvement for social mobility to occur.

Paragraph 3 :

Topic sentence: Opportunity is a requirement for social mobility.

Evidence: The role of education in equipping an individual to utilize opportunities.

Evaluation of evidence: Demonstrate the link between education, access to jobs, and the ability to improve an individual’s quality of life.

Transition statement: Recognise that there are socially constructed limitations on the accessibility of opportunities.

Paragraph 4 :

Topic sentence: Discriminative practices affect an individual’s access to opportunities for social mobility.

Evidence: Identify some forms of discrimination and explain the occurrence of discriminative practices.

Evaluation of evidence: Describe the value of government and organization’s role in managing discriminative practices using policies that uphold equality.

Transition statement: Stress the centrality of equality in the argument for opportunity access and upward mobility.

Conclusion/Paragraph 5 :

Restating the main argument: Emphasise the importance of equality in securing opportunities for upward mobility and the attainment of the American Dream.

Summary: Allude to the measures of social mobility, the interaction between discriminative practices and opportunities, and the relief provided by policies on equality.

Sample of Five-Paragraph American Dream Essay

Topic: The Promise of the American Dream

Introduction

Although we are different, we share a single dream. In this case, the American population is composed of people of different genders, races, education levels, religions, and disability statuses. Nonetheless, each American is entitled to the opportunity to make themselves better regardless of the underlying differences. Thus, the American Dream thesis statement is that it is founded on the promise of equal opportunity for upward social mobility.

Social Mobility

Social mobility is a multidimensional concept. It can be assessed using a variety of measures that attempt to quantify the change occurring in an individual’s life. For example, the ability of an individual to move along the social hierarchy may be described as social mobility. In turn, there are different measures of social mobility. However, each one is focused on a specific aspect of average Americans’ livelihood:

• health status – the susceptibility of an individual to diseases,
• education – an individual’s highest level of education,
• homeownership – the capability of an individual to acquire permanent housing.

Upward social mobility implies that an individual can improve their position in the social hierarchy through improving their performance on any of the measures of social mobility. Therefore, upward social mobility is the desired outcome of a successful pursuit of desired goals because it suggests some form of self-improvement.

Opportunity

The opportunity for upward mobility is vital in pursuing the desired goals. Basically, access to opportunity is facilitated by some factors, for example, access to quality education. In this case, an individual that has attended school and acquired the necessary skills has a higher likelihood of securing a job. If individuals acquire jobs, it becomes easier to secure health insurance, buy homes, and improve the quality of life for their families. Moreover, individuals can only attain what they want if they are provided access to basic education, which prepares them to maximize any opportunities. However, it is difficult for an average individual to pursue opportunities without the government’s efforts to increase the ease of access to basic needs.

Equality Policies

Many barriers affect an average American’s ability to access positive opportunities, and it manifests in the form of discriminative practices in society. In this case, discrimination in society may occur based on a variety of issues, for example, gender, disability, religion, and race. Basically, personal biases create ideological differences regarding superiority in the social hierarchy. It pushes individuals to deny others access to opportunities and the necessary skills to exploit those opportunities. Moreover, state and organizational policies against discrimination are created and enforced to maintain equality among Americans. These laws serve to eliminate the barriers that exist between hardworking people and the American Dream. Consequently, equality among individuals ensures that all individuals can take advantage of opportunities regardless of their gender, disability status, religion, race, and other social differences that tend to create boundaries between social groups.

Equality is crucial in the pursuit of the American Dream because it provides each individual with the opportunity to move up the social hierarchy. In this case, people can access upward social mobility by using various measures, which quantify an individual’s quality of life. Moreover, opportunities may exist, but individuals need to be assisted in developing themselves to a level where they can utilize the available opportunities. Hence, equality policies are useful in curtailing the power of discriminative practices in reinforcing social mobility barriers.

American Dream Essay Topics

• The origin of the American Dream.
• Intergenerational differences in the definition of the American Dream.
• The American Dream in contemporary music.
• Does society still believe in the American Dream?
• Defining the American Dream through the racial lens.
• Individualism and the American Dream.
• The influence of unrestricted surveillance on the American Dream.
• Health care policies and the American Dream.
• The impacts of globalization on the American Dream.
• The rise of right-wing populism and the future of the American Dream.

Summing up on the American Dream Essay

The capacity of a person to participate in the discourse on the controversial essay topic nurtured through the continuous practice of structured essay writing. Basically, the concept may be approached from a different perspective, depending on the individual’s beliefs and personal experiences. Nonetheless, the written presentation of these points of view is achieved through the use of structured essays. The five-paragraph American Dream essay examined in this paper is a useful tool for the expression of any argument on the topic.

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American Dream Thesis Statement

The American dream essay thesis: expectations, harsh reality and hope in vain

First of all, let’s clarify the term “American Dream” that should rather be “American dream” because that’s where everything is simplified.

It is the opportunity to achieve more wealth than they could have in their countries of origin; for others, it is the opportunity for their children to grow up with a good education and great opportunities; Finally, some people see it as the opportunity to be an individual without restrictions imposed because of race, class, religion, etc.

Throughout time we can realize that the American dream thesis is just a US propaganda so that more people come and do more work of labor and thus increase the production of their markets and products, we have realized that this affects immigrants because there is a lot of racism between different races in the US and actually every time more people are going to get the “American dream” only a small percentage gets it and the others are left in misery. The problem is within the Mexican borders, but that is not the reason why human rights violations committed unjustly against our countrymen must be allowed. It is unfair that an undocumented person receives the treatment of a criminal, perhaps the United States forgets the famous phrase of the Declaration of Independence: “All men are created equal”. There are few who achieve a professional career in the United States that are not Americans.

Besides that it is a lie you do not win as you wish in the future, there are better places to earn more or in the place of origin you can earn a lot of money, a serious example that a Mexican would go to the US would earn 2000 dollars a month and a Latino will earn 22000 pesos per month is a very large difference of money and balance per month. The image of the gringo that comes to Mexico spending dollars is inaccurate: Almost all these tourists leave in two weeks what they were gathering laboriously all year.

And they go back to work to pay for the debt they took to go to “Mexico “.

The reality is that the standard of living in the United States can be good, if one knows how to manage. Most, unfortunately, we do not know.

According to the American dream thesis statement, the American dream is only a product for the globalization of the US to be able to transport products and increase labor.

Young people do not find opportunities in Mexico; they do not find them neither to work nor to study. Only 9% of Mexicans in the US have a professional career, others do not even have completed secondary school.

Now, how does this apply in the life of a person whose only desire is to be able to work and live well, but his country does not allow it and decides to go to work in the United States. One can be killed by working for an “x” company but the salary should be enough to pay off a university debt, or the current expenses of maintenance and to be able to save. However, reality is not like that.

Thesis statement about the American dream

Today we all resent the economic recession in the United States and the current generation has never experienced economic prosperity, so it is natural that young people feel hopeless in the harsh economic situation they face after finishing their careers.

In the third world things are not different, many made a great effort to pay for the race and in the end they did not get a job, so, where is that hard work will be what takes us out of poverty?

The reality of an economic depression is what deprives in the social bases of our economic systems. Which is fine for those who lead these systems, but not for the bases, that is what has to be highlighted.

Then, the situation will depend on the glass with which you look, if you go and ask the person who lives in a luxurious apartment in Manhattan, he will surely tell you that his hard work is what has reported everything he has. But if you go and ask someone who lives in the darkest of the slums, he will tell you that no matter how hard he works, he does not see the exit to the hole.

All American dream thesis will have its anti-thesis, however much you want to show the reality, it will not be possible if you only see one side of the coin, it is the general norm of the whole society, that, a few manage a lot of money and power, This does not change and I pitifully doubt that it does. The capitalist model works like this. I do not say that it is bad or good, because that will depend on the perspective where it is appreciated.

In conclusion, everyone has their way of seeing this phenomenon of the American dream. Perhaps for the majority it is simply the desire to live in consumerism to the fullest, or to give a better life to their families. The end justifies the means for those who wish to fulfill this dream.

Thesis statement about dreams: the fundamental thesis of the American dream

“Public opinion continues to be deceived,” they say, “regarding the causes and consequences of the crisis and political solutions. People are led to believe that the economy has its own logic, insisting on the free interaction of market forces with powerful financial actors, who “pull the strings” in the halls of corporations.

“The incessant and fraudulent appropriation of wealth, an integral part of the American dream,” says Michael Hudson, one of the researchers of the compilation, confirms the myth: “without wealth at the top there would be nothing to drip down.”

“Media disinformation serves the interests of a handful of global banks and institutional speculators, who use their control of the financial and merchandise markets to amass enormous wealth in money,” they add, adding that “the upper echelons of the state are controlled by the corporate ruling class, including speculators … Rushing the collapse of the competitor and wreaking havoc in economies of poor countries, are consequences of manipulation, an integral part of the financial architecture, inserted into the system.

“In practice, there is no region of the planet, in which the economic recession is not deeply rooted. Its effects are devastating in bringing countries and regions to: generalized unemployment, collapse of social welfare programs and sequential impoverishment of millions of people. ”

An interesting reflection of the authors, in line with American dream definition essay, is their appreciation that the economic profession, particularly in universities, rarely addresses the real world of markets: “There is no distinction between workers, consumers or corporations; they are all “individual operators”. No single individual has the power or capacity to influence the market. There is no conflict between workers and capitalists … Market fraud and manipulation processes are overlooked, while university and other research centers do not go to the bottom of the problem.

American Dream - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

The American Dream, a widely held cultural ideal in the United States, suggests that through hard work and determination, individuals can achieve a prosperous and fulfilling life. Essays on this topic might discuss its evolution, its representation in literature and media, and its relevance and attainability in modern society. Additionally, discussions could explore how the American Dream reflects or contradicts societal values and the experiences of different demographic groups. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to American Dream you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

A Raisin in the Sun American Dream

The play, “A Raisin In The Sun” is staged in 1959 during a time when African-Americans could not be successful in the economy due to the extreme amounts of racism that were present. The constant encounters of prejudices and racism causes them to have to put aside their hopes and dreams to focus on trying to figure out how to overcome the obstacles that are set out in front of them. During these times, the Great Depression had begun. The […]

The Theme of the American Dream in the Great Gatsby

The American dream is a concept that many strive for and will not be deterred from. Within The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby longs to create the most ideal lifestyle with Daisy, someone he has taken an interest in. Gatsby’s attraction to Daisy, who is married to Tom Buchanan, makes him go to extreme lengths to win her over. Ultimately, this leads to his downfall as this fantasy will not be the reality. Although his dream is […]

The American Dream in the Great Gatsby

The American dream often comes up in the novel The Great Gatsby. Hope and dreams are what keep people going to accomplish their American dream. Many characters in the book look at the American Dream a little different. For example, Tom and George look at the American dream differently just because of money wise, how is the class structure in America today, and can someone poor become rich? What is the American dream to us? The American dream for most […]

Corruption of the American Dream

The Great Gatsby is a story of a man's quest for an unachievable goal based off the social and economic repercussions around the 1920's. Although Gatsby's journey to win over Daisy came to a screeching halt with his death, his life story of wealth along with the other characters represented the corruption of the original American Dream derived from Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. Fitzgerald used West Egg (new money) and East Egg (old money) to show the growing divide between "old […]

George and Lennie’s American Dream

The American Dream is difficult to define exactly. It means different things to different people. However, certain ideas and concepts are commonly held within most people's interpretations. The idea of self-sufficiency, of having a home and not having to answer to anyone is a classic part of the American Dream. The simple concept of being in control of one's own employment and livelihood has always been an aspiration for Americans. In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, […]

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American Dream in Death of a Salesman

The American Dream is based on the power and strength of achieving goals. It is an individual’s capability of being able to have the freedom of controlling his or her own life. A person’s background or past does not matter (Rank 2-3). One aspect of the American Dream is success. Living a successful life means having stability and security. In the play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, the topic of the American Dream is explored through the characters’ […]

Literary Analysis – Death of a Salesman

In “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, the conflict between father and son shapes the work’s overall significance and explains all the unfortunate occurrences throughout. The American Dream plays a big role in this novel. The American Dream symbolizes the ideas of futurism and possibilities. The American Dream has a definite objective for many people, and it means a different thing for all. The American dream also is accessible, but in this world, people still believe that because of […]

The Idea of the American Dream

The idea of the American Dream was presented around the same time America was facing the Great Depression. The ideal stated that every citizen of the United States had equal opportunity to attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through hard work and determination. But is that really the case? John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men supports the premise that the American Dream is dead by showcasing the obstacles that many faced, the lack of support and loneliness […]

Willy Loman’s Aspiration for the “American Dream”

The American Dream is where anyone can reach wealth and relaxation is at the core center of Death of a Salesman. In Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller examines the American Dream by illustrating to us a few days in the life of a declining salesman named Willy Loman. The American Dream is desired to a great number of people, meaning something unique to everyone. Willy Loman's dream is an alteration of the American Dream. Willy thinks that what influences […]

Death of a Salesman Summary

"The tragic play Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller is a story about a salesman named Willy Loman, who spends his whole life with a deluded dream of achieving lofty goals in an unforgiving society. Willy often neglects his family’s needs, because he is so blinded by the thought of vast riches that are unattainable for him. Being a modern day tragedy, Death of a Salesman examines the effects of what can happen when a person chasing the […]

My Thinking about American Dream

Introduction It’s a difficult thing to “know your place” and fulfill your familial duty when around you, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, all lived these carefree lives without constraints. They seldom just did “as they’re told” and they spoke their opinions. Opinions which were met with respect and encouragement. Still, I was happy and thought I had it all back then. Life eventually taught me that I actually had nothing without free choice and free speech. Chapter 1: The American […]

Reaching for the American Dream

The American dream is a dream that many people tend to wonder about. People are curious to know if it really does exist, is the dream attainable and what can be done to reach it. The American dream is about working hard and achieving the life style that one wants without struggling. In todays world, the American dream is still about success however, the avenues available to reach it differ. There is no equal opportunity so many barriers exist that […]

Pursuit of the American Dream

Can peace be defined both internal and externally? Peace is defined as a method to articulate group conflicts, especially collective violence and creates a common sense of tranquility. In The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald, Nick Carraway claims that everything with Gatsby will turn up all right in the end. At the beginning of the book, Nick Carraway claims, "No-Gatsby turned out alright in the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what dust floated in the wake of his […]

An American Lie the American Dream

“In recent years, thousands of Americans have died at the hands of law enforcement, a reality made even more shameful when we consider how many of these victims were young, poor, mentally ill, Black or unarmed” (Hill 1).  Minorities have struggled for years to be accepted into a society that excludes them. In “Nobody” by Marc Lamont Hill, he compares the injustices occurring today to those that happened years ago. African Americans are constantly suffering from racial discrimination and denial […]

Poor Education is a Social Issue

Poor education is feasibly at the top of many great American social issues. Because I believe it is the main root that leads the American citizens astray from the path of achieving the American Dream I am addressing it in this paper. James Adams said “the American Dream is the social order in which both, man and woman, are able to attain the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, […]

The Option of Urbanism Investing in a New American Dream

After World War II ended, men and women all over America chased after The American Dream. A three-bedroom home. A backyard for the kids and the dog. A white-picket fence. Maybe a detached garage for grandma and grandpa when they get too old to take care of themselves. Far out in the suburbs, they'd be safe from the noise, danger, and filth of the city. However, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare as highways were built, the cities emptied, […]

Students’ American Dream

American Dream Imagine a five bedroom and three-bathroom home bricked dark brown with an attached three car garage with a red door with see through glass windows. This home is equipped with televisions in every room, Wi-Fi, computers, printers, two loving parents, three children, and enough food to feed the entire neighborhood that is situated with houses that have white picket fences aligning each perfectly cut yard with aesthetically pleasing square patterns. We have all seen this house in our […]

Is African Americans Counted out the American Dream

Ever since the early 1900s, equality has been of great concern on the basis of race. This has always been the source of division among people in the United States. Racism is also the most obvious form of inequality in America. Living the American dream is a phrase coined in 1931 to describe an equal state where everyone receives a certain level of acceptance and the ability to have equal benefits despite their race or state of outward appearance. It […]

The Crisis and Contradictions of the American Dream

What are the crisis and contradictions of the American Dream?. In the first article Unequal Opportunity: Race and Education, the author explains how students are segregated in the U.S educational system. At the beginning of the article Darling-Hammond talks about the educatioanl gap between white and minority students.In the middle of the article Darling-Hammond futher explains how minority students are at a disadvantage because of the  schools unfair system .Darling-Hammong concludes that well education resources  make the difference.In the second […]

How Coming to America Changed my Life

Moving from Nigeria to the United States permanently feels great, but at the same time, it is sad leaving some loved ones and family behind. Most people have several events or things that have changed their life or their way of thinking. One of the major changes that occurred in my life was when I moved from Africa to America. This change has entirely affected my personality positively. Why? Many foreigners want to come to America mostly in search of […]

The Quest to Achieve the American Dream

Education is the constant distinguisher between white and black Americans in the quest to achieve the "American Dream". Educational disparity is defined as the pervasive difference in the academic achievement of the races.  African Americans have achieved at lower rates than their white counterparts for decades. According to The Journal of Blacks in Education,  white Americans graduate at a rate that is 24.7 % higher than that of African Americans.  In order to narrow this gap, we must first understand […]

The American Dream in USA

The strive to be successful in America is seen throughout time, this idea of success has been characterizing Americans for centuries. For as long as this country has been created every citizen and immigrant that has arrived strives to work as hard as possible to fulfill their American Dream. This idea of the American Dream has been criticized by these famous books: The Great Gatsby and in Of Mice and Men. The story of The Great Gatsby takes place after […]

The Death of the American Dreams

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "you become what you think about all day long", and with James Gatz from Francis Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, that is completely true. James Gatz spent his days obsessing over following the American Dream and becoming a wealthy and prosperous man, and from James' imagination manifested a man named Jay Gatsby. Just as Jay Gatsby spent his life vying for Daisy Buchanan's love, and obsessing over her as mimicked through several love poems, he […]

The Hypocrisy of Tom in the Great Gatsby

The original American Dream strives in the darkness covered by money, alcohol, parties, singing and women. The setting takes place during the “Jazz Age”, the 1920’s, where money instantly correlated with success due to the impulsive american people who have corrupted the dream that past settlers had once dreamt of. Nick Carraway opens up the story that he came to the West Egg to make a fortune as a bond salesman and entangles himself in many trifling situations that involves […]

What is American Dream for me

Kenny Guinn once said, "There is something permanent, and something extremely profound, in owning a home," and I could not agree more. Owning a home brings a sense of fulfillment, permanence, privacy, and security, something that is less available when renting. It also imparts a sense of pride as it is an indication of success and achievement. There are also the economic advantages of owning a home. Equity, collateral, and appreciation of your home's value are just a few. Both […]

An Idea of American Dream

Have you ever looked at the weather through the eyes of someone else? Depending on who that person is, the perspective maybe very different from the house. Best, their ideas and opinions may differ as well. And exact representation found when comparing what Whitman's I hear America singing langston Hughes I too. The two pumps being considered reveals others attitudes of pride women rights I hear America singing singing with open mouth stay strong melodious songs lines 128 through 29. […]

No Access in the American Dream of Hope

The American Dream of Hope has been failing since history and people have been fighting it for it all the time to reach their goals. The 3 sources that give examples of unequal access in the American dream of hope is the bool Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldua, and The Problem We All Live with by Nikole Hannah-Jones. The American Dream of Hope has unequal access because of […]

Willy’s Obsession with the American Dream in Death of a Salesman

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The American Dream is a topic that has inspired countless research papers. Many essay examples about the American Dream focus on the experiences of immigrants who come to the United States in search of a better life. Some essays explore the challenges of immigrating to America, while others examine the role of hard work and determination in achieving success. There are many free persuasive and argumentative essays on the American Dream, and there are numerous essay topics to choose from. Some essays examine the challenges and opportunities faced by those who have immigrated, while others uncover the impact of economic inequality on the ability to achieve what you want. By exploring essay examples selected by our experts, you can learn how to research and gather information effectively. When you start the American Dream research paper or essay, it is crucial to begin with a clear introduction and develop a thesis statement and outline. This approach can help you stay on track and maintain a well-organized writing structure. You will also get to know how to support your own arguments and ideas and recap them in a successful conclusion. This topic remains an important source of inspiration for people around the world. Through essays and research papers, we can explore the experiences of migrants and the role of the American Dream in American society. Whether you are pursuing your goals overseas or simply inspired by the idea of dreaming big, there are many opportunities to contribute to this ongoing conversation.

Best Free Essay About The American Dream In this day and age a lot of Americans have hope that they will achieve the American dream through working hard and determination. However, there are also those who are opposed to the idea of the American dream, and say that it is not possible to achieve. Despite that, even though for some it might be very hard to achieve, it should still be possible if one focuses enough on it. Part of the American dream is social mobility. Social mobility is when one moves through the social hierarchy and their social status changes, be it in their job or social class. Part of this is structural mobility. Structural mobility is when one changes their economic status and is able to move up or down is social class. Included in this are also life chances, which is when one gets an opportunity to change their status. Mostly everyone at one point in their life have the dream of achieving the American dream. The American dream can even be as simple as going to college, getting a degree, and getting a job and home. However, those things are not as simple to achieve for some as it is for others. For example, lower-class families may have a lower chance to achieve the American dream, but not entirely impossible. Lower-class citizens usually do not have a lot of money, and therefore will not have the money to spend on college. One may get discouraged by that fact and think that they may never have a chance to become anything greater than they already are, and never go to college and achieve the American dream. However, it is possible for one to get a life chance, which in this case could be a scholarship to college, if they work hard enough and are determined and achieve good grades. based on this one could also get a chance to achieve structural mobility. However, it is not just college that one worries about to achieve their American dream, but also money and one’s job. Taxes nowadays are very high, so if one is making the same salary for a few years, and the taxes keep rising, then instead of gaining they are either staying the same or losing money. At this point one can stop believing that they will ever achieve the American dream and go through structural mobility. if one gives up hope and stops trying then they will never achieve the American dream. It is becoming harder and harder to achieve the American dream, but not impossible, people are just giving up hope that they will achieve it. Most people perceive the American dream as moving up in social class, have opportunities, and wealth. However for other’s the American dream could also be perceived as being financially secure, happy, and have a happy family life. The latter version of the American dream is much easier to achieve, however, that is not to say that one still cannot achieve the former also. There are a lot of life chances out there, one just has to realize it at the right time. For example, if part of one’s American dream is to also become a singer there are a lot of singing competitions that give one the opportunity to achieve it. However, if one just wants the typical American dream then they should look for opportunities in their daily life. One should look for what they are good at and work at it so that they excel at it, and then work hard and try to get scholarships to get into a good college. this could all also help one to achieve in social and structural mobility. Even if sometimes things seem hopeless, and like one may never achieve their dreams, one should still work hard and try to remember that nothing is impossible. The American dream is something that most people want to achieve, however, there are some who argue and say that it is not achievable for most people. If one works hard and has determination than that is one step closer to achieving the American dream. Part of the American dream that people want are structural mobility, social mobility, and life chances. Structural mobility is when one’s economic status changes, social mobility is when one moves up or down in the social class, and life chances are opportunities that one can get to help them change their status. So, keeping that all in mind, the American dream is achievable for most people.

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American Dream vs. Reality Throughout History

Introduction, the american dream: a dream, recommendations, works cited.

Narrowed Focus: The concept of the American dream held by many citizens in the United States has become a dream.

Thesis Statement: Although many American citizens continue to hold on the American dream and its role in promoting upward economic and social mobility, the existing facts reveal that the conception remains an illusion that the government should address using evidence-based programs and policies.

The American dream became a powerful driving force in the United States from the 1930s. Within the next few decades, the concept encouraged many citizens to work hard. The objective was for them to achieve whatever they wanted. This became a national identity whereby many people undertook numerous measures to record noticeable economic or social mobility. Political leaders and psychologists used the notion to encourage their followers to embrace the most appropriate activities and initiatives to achieve their potential. Unfortunately, many American citizens continue to grapple with numerous challenges and issues. They have also been unable to achieve their aims. The paper presented below explains why the idea of the American dream is nothing but an illusion.

The idea behind the American dream was to establish a nation that supported all people equality and empowered them to achieve their potential. Before the year 1964, many societies believed that the country had the right resources, opportunities, and policies that can support such a vision. All citizens were encouraged to work hard, pursue new objectives, and take their children to the best schools. This kind of development encouraged many citizens in the country and across the globe to acknowledge that America was indeed a land of immense opportunities (“Academic Freedom”). The message was that those who were ambitious, courageous, and productive would achieve great things for themselves and their respective families.

The experiences and events of the Civil Rights Movement (CRM) presented new realities to every American citizen. It was quite clear that the United States faced the major challenge of racial discrimination. Such a problem made it impossible for many victims to realize the dream of equality. This means that they did not have access to better jobs, sustainable medical services, or quality education.

These predicaments would eventually force African Americans and other minority groups to challenge the concept of the American dream by engaging in nonviolent protests (“Academic Freedom”). The reality would be that the increasing levels of justice and inequality in the United States led to reduced social mobility rates.

From the 1960s, several achievements have been recorded in the United States. For example, many corporations and industries continue to dominate the global market by inventing and presenting superior technologies to meet the needs of different customers. New policies and laws have emerged to challenge a wide range of misbehaviors, including inequality in working environments, gender disparity, ineffective social welfare programs, and disempowerment of the elderly and minority groups. The vision of ensuring that America remains the land of diverse opportunities is something that has continued to inform such ideas or laws (Gescinska 47). However, the outstanding fact is that the number of citizens who have been unable to get closer to this reality has continued to rise.

The issue of poverty is the first example to support this assertion. The United States is one of the countries with the highest rates of poverty despite the fact that it is a wealthy democracy (“America’s Wealthy”). Most of the programs implemented to address this challenge have failed to deliver positive results. Citizens languishing in extreme poverty find it impossible to achieve inequality and pursue their objectives in life. The number of children living in poverty is quite high in this country (Gescinska 50). Such a challenge is a clear revelation that the government has done very little to transform the current situation.

The second area of focus is that of income inequality. Attributes such as standardized salaries and wages for all are capable of catalyzing a true conception of a national dream. The wave of globalization has created a scenario whereby the government has ignored the issue of inequality completely. The political decisions and choices many citizens make have led to superior policies that seek to support the interests of corporate America (“Academic Freedom”). Consequently, different citizens have been unable to get better jobs and pursue their economic goals.

Education is one of the catalysts of economic growth and development. Those who proposed the idea of the American dream believed that all people should be empowered and guided to acquire quality education. Such an achievement would have made it possible for all citizens to pursue their goals and engage in activities that would eventually transform their lives (“Academic Freedom”). The reality on the ground is that the government has failed to treat education as a powerful driver of new opportunities.

Many children are unable to access quality education since America’s learning institutions and colleges offer expensive academic programs or courses (“Academic Freedom”). Some state government has also failed to offer equal resources and educational opportunities to individuals who decide to study in religious-based institutions.

The concept of self-improvement appears to have taken the place of the American dream. Many people believe that this idea imposes responsibility in individuals to pursue their goals and work hard to emerge successful (Gescinska 50). However, this goal has become quite heavy or impossible for many people. Consequently, underprivileged individuals in the country have become physically or psychologically troubled. On the other hand, those who decide to focus on their goals will eventually ignore others, thereby resulting in increased levels of disparity. The rich have gone further to join the corporate world. Today, such businesses influence what people eat, drink, or think. They also influence political systems and support leaders who can protect their goals.

Due to the ineffectiveness of the current systems and policies, a small number of citizens in America control the largest percent of the country’s wealth. Statistics reveal that around 43 percent of wealth is managed by only one percent of the population (“America’s Wealthy”). This pattern might not change in the near future unless the government implements appropriate measures. A small number of citizens control many businesses and corporations in the country. These attributes, therefore, reveal that the American dream remains an illusion to the greatest number of citizens.

The current situation reveals that there is a need for the government to implement appropriate laws and policies to address the major predicaments many people in the United States face. The first important issue is to focus on the developments that have disoriented the importance and role of democracy in transforming the lives and experiences of all citizens.

For instance, the idea of political leadership has followed a different path whereby corporations and entrepreneurs in the country tend to support parties that can protect their expectations or business interests. Consequently, the number of people incapable of realizing their potential in a land that was supposed to be of equal opportunities continues to swell (Cramer 45). The transformation of the country’s political system to support all people’s goals is the first thing to consider.

Secondly, new laws aimed at improving the quality and availability of education are needed in the United States. For example, the NAACP has been promoting a new policy to ensure that all boards of education across the country treated students with dignity, addressed their needs, and promoted programs that resonate with the needs of different communities (“America’s Wealthy”). The introduction of superior policies and programs will ensure that more citizens are able to achieve their potential and reap the fruits of the American dream. Additionally, superior programs aimed at improving the social welfare services, healthcare, transportation, and income levels will empower more people to achieve their goals.

The government should also introduce and support better laws to address the predicaments many citizens in the country encounter, including inequality, underrepresentation, unemployment, income discrimination, homelessness, and poverty.

The above discussion has revealed that the American dream is no longer a reality. Although the pioneers behind this concept encouraged all citizens to work hard and focus on their goals in life, subsequent governments failed to promote superior or evidence-based policies and strategies to support it. The introduction of new policies, laws, and programs will ensure that the challenges many citizens continue to face are addressed, thereby making it easier for them to lead better lives.

“Academic Freedom.” Editorial. Radical Teacher . 2012, p. 77.

“America’s Wealthy.” Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection , Gale, 2015. Opposing Viewpoints in Context . Web.

Cramer, Reid. “The American Dream, Redeemed.” Washington Monthly . 2013, p. 45.

Gescinska, Alicja A. “Self-Improvement.” American Governance , edited by Stephen Schechter, Cengage Learning, 2016, pp. 47-50.

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