American Dream

Huang 1

Richard Huang

Professor Harper

English 1A Iconic Ironic

10 October 2014

American Dreams

In the chapter entitled, “American Dreams,” in Creating America, Joyce Moser and Ann Watters write: “Perhaps the closest we can come is to say that the American dream represents both what Americans believe themselves entitled to and what they believe themselves capable of. In other words, it is the promise inherent in the idea of America itself.”(147) The idea of this statement is that, in one’s American dream, one is given certain things that cannot be taken away from us, thus are entitled and inherent. One is also believed to be able to obtain what they are capable of. The definition of the American dream that Mosers and Watters provide is valid. This becomes clear when one considers a number of things. First in American Beauty capability becomes clear when the Caroline tries to sell the house but ends up in disappointment. Then, American Beauty also points out that social standings are rather inherent. Then, in Class in America, inherent is pointed out as the text mentions the myths of how everyone can succeed. Then, in “Students Probe The Promise of American Dreams” the text explains how the American dream is inherent but ever changing. Then, in “American Dreams and Discontents: Beyond the Level Playing Field”, capability is clarified when the text explains the Belief in Equal opportunity.

Huang 2

Then, in “Keeping the Dream Alive”, capability is pointed out as a important factor of the American dream.

America has always been thought as a place of opportunities, wealth and dreams. Yet these beautifully ideal statements are very much questionable. In American Beauty capability becomes clear when the Caroline tries to sell the house but ends up in disappointment. From “I will sell this house today!” to “Stop it, shut up, stop it, you weak little...” The Burnhams was a wealthy family with high expectations from their American dream. They had a great...