The American dream

The American dream

The American dream is the conviction that everyone regardless of nationality, class, or ethnicity, can attain their form of success in a society where progression for everyone is possible. The dream is attained from risks, sacrifice and hard work rather than chance as some individuals perceive.

The United States of America attained, the name, “the land of opportunity,” as it possessed all the needed infrastructure that supported political and economic freedoms. The dream further promises freedoms when making personal and business decisions, as well as freedoms to accumulate wealth and lead the desired life. The statements promoted millions of people from all over the world to immigrate to the U.S. However, they failed to consider that America was a country with numerous inequalities and insecurities.

The American dream conceived by Thomas Jefferson saw each citizen have the right to life, autonomy and happiness. However, the dream was not a guarantee of the results; various historical events learnt in schools identify various ways the American dream is flawed. The spread of the settlers into the lands of the Native Americans, slavery, constitutional suppression and other injustices. No research is needed to identify the stated issues as they are part of society with many communities being marginalized due to their socio-economic status. Income inequality has also contributed to the loss of value in the American dream.

The notion is best demonstrated with public workers such as educators always complaining of the low wages compared to tasks and economic pressures. It is also noteworthy that the income inequalities also align with racial inequality within the country. African American students are treated in demeaning manners contributing to the insecurities among the majority race.

It is essential to view the systems the country protects to understand why the American dream is a failure for most Americans. Capitalism is the most critical system as it creates the base for the American dream. Capitalism is a system where the private sector controls the trade and industry controls. The system significantly contributes to the ideals of the American dream. However, the system does not allow even distribution off resources. The result is inequality in socio-economic classes. Capitalism is not a defective system, but rather it is a system that benefits from discrimination. The discrimination is n the form of wealth inequality. The majority for profit continually exploits the marginalized groups. The notion was most apparent during the slave trade, where Africans were sold to Americans as commodities. The discrimination is present to date; it is evident in law enforcement as well as academic study. The cultural difference also contributes to the widening socio-economic gaps. The public should accept the notion that societal inequality is the cause of the failure of the American dream. The public has already created perceptions of communities with many identified as “undesirables.” Moreover, the majority fails to acknowledge the atrocities experienced by the minority races from slavery to segregation. The majority expect historical issues to be forgotten. At the same time, the minority fails to offer practical resolutions to the problems in some cases. It is the lack of unity as a country that the American dream failed.

Alternatively, it is critical to reassess the American dream. The American dream is an individualistic ideal where success is attained by those who struggle. From the perspective identified, the American dream is a success for both the minority and Majority races. Numerous individuals are examples of the success of the American dream. A just legal system governs people. Though discrimination and inequality are present, they are not barriers as identified by personalities as such as Oprah Winfrey. She was a victim of the discrimination and abused by the socio-economic difference. However, she sacrificed and worked hard to become the reached African American woman in the world. Her success story, as well as others, are the numerous testimonies that can support the notion of the American dream being present and attainable. If immigrants such as Elon Musk can become among the wealthiest people in the country, they symbolize the opportunities the American dream offers.

Conclusion

Overall, the American dream is defined as the ideal of equal opportunity in a progressive society. However, the American dream is a failure to some as they are subjected to various forms of discrimination and inequality. Discrimination and inequality become obstacles limiting many from attaining the promised opportunity. The American dream promised equal opportunities but failed to deliver on the belief. Additionally, inequality has contributed to the division of the country along socio-economic and cultural borders. The minority has been discriminated and oppressed by the majority. The reality of the situation is that the American dream is a failure for many. The uncertainties of the American people influence their judgement. Nevertheless, some have overcome the barriers to success brought about by the numerous inequalities present in the country. They represent the few Americans who believe the American dream is still viable.