American Dream

18 November 2011

The American Dream

There are different views on the American Dream and if it is possible to reach in life. Many believe that the American Dream is about fame, while others believe that just graduating from high school and making family history is the American Dream. No matter where you come from in this world, the American Dream is possible to reach.

To Adam Shepard, the American Dream was simply going from not having much to having something. He pretended to be homeless just to prove that it does not matter what your background is, anything is possible. I agree with Adam on this point because everybody has to start somewhere. It might not be where you want it but you can change that if you really wanted to. He also showed that no matter how hard things get, that’s when you push for it the most. Adam states “There it is. Life is like a baggage claim: you can be aggressive and self-serving or you can be aware of those who need help and lend a hand” (220). Meaning that you should live every moment like it is your last, and if someone is struggling along the way it is nice to help them out. For example, when you see a person on the side of the road begging for money, you should help. Regardless if they really need the money or not, helping them out shows that you can take time out of your life and help someone in need.

Barbara Ehrenreich also showed how hard it is to reach the American Dream. Barbara went through a lot just to prove a point:

“To find out, Ehrenreich moved from Florida to Maine to Minnesota, taking the cheapest lodgings available and accepting work as a waitress, hotel maid, house cleaner, nursing-home aide, and Wal-Mart salesperson. She soon discovered that even the "lowliest" occupations require exhausting mental and physical efforts. And one job is not enough; you need at least two if you intend to live indoors.”

Explaining this quote, Barbara showed that having low wage job in America will not...