The American Dream - Notes

The American Dream is a central theme in American culture, representing the belief that hard work leads to success and future generations will have better lives.
However, after the recession of 2008, many feel the American Dream is in jeopardy.

Lorain, Ohio, once a thriving industrial town, now exemplifies the decline of the American Dream.
John Beribak recounts the loss of major industries like shipyards, Ford, and steel plants.
The town has transformed from a place offering stable jobs and comfortable retirement to one of economic hardship.

Michael Dimock of the Pew Research Center notes the American Dream is an implicit contract where playing by the rules leads to success, a belief more prevalent in the U.S. than in countries like Germany or France.
In Germany and France, people are more likely to believe success is determined by external forces rather than individual effort.
Linden Strandberg, a retiree, shares his story of immigrant parents from Sweden who found economic opportunity in the U.S. He worked at a phone company for 35 years, bought a house, and traveled to Europe.
Strandberg doubts current young people can achieve the same level of success without a college education.

Political scientist John Kenneth White attributes the crisis of confidence to more than just the economy.
Paradoxically, the American Dream originated during the Great Depression, a time of hope and optimism.

In 1931, James Adam's book, originally titled The American Dream but published as The Epic of America, popularized the term.
Themes of growth and optimism date back to the Constitutional Convention, symbolized by the rising sun on Washington's chair.
Initially, the American Dream was not available to all, excluding Black people and women.
The 20th century saw the gradual expansion of the American Dream to include more of the population.
Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" (1942) and Mahalia Jackson's gospel song (1948) embody the expansive optimism of the American Dream.
President Obama's election in 2009 was described as a fulfillment of the American Dream.
Politicians like Mitt Romney emphasize personal stories of overcoming poverty to appeal to voters, highlighting the idea that hard work guarantees success.

Pollster Dimock notes that skepticism towards the American Dream is growing, particularly among lower-income whites and African-Americans.
Higher-income individuals, regardless of race, tend to be more optimistic about the American Dream.
Many people feel they followed the rules but the rules have changed, hindering their success.
Economic statistics show that the average man working full time earned 10 percent less last year than a decade ago.
The article concludes by questioning whether the American Dream can be restored and what it means for American identity if it cannot, referencing Langston Hughes's question, “What happens to a dream deferred?”

What is the American Dream? Based on the article, the American Dream is the belief that hard work leads to success and future generations will have better lives.
What is the meaning of implicit? In paragraph 6, the word "implicit" means understood.
Which quotation from paragraph 6 helps you understand the meaning of the word "implicit"? The quotation "it's a faith" helps understand the meaning of the word "implicit".
What best summarizes the central idea of the passage? Many Americans are losing confidence in the idea that anyone can make it in America.
What best summarizes the purpose of John Kenneth White's statement? To contrast the optimism that existed during the Great Depression with the pessimism of today's economic recession.
According to the informational article, how does President Obama embody the American Dream? President Obama is described as embodying the American Dream because he is a man whose father, less than 60 years before his inauguration, might not have been served at a local restaurant, yet he was able to become president.
What can you conclude about the American Dream based on the section titled, "Skepticism Grows"? Belief in the American Dream differs primarily by social class and income.
What is the author's most likely purpose for concluding the article with a series of questions? To encourage the reader to reflect on the future of the American Dream.

Is the American Dream in jeopardy? Does hard work equal success? This question prompts reflection on whether the traditional belief in the American Dream still holds true and whether success is solely determined by hard work.
How does a person become successful in America? This question explores various factors that contribute to success in America, such as education, networking, and entrepreneurial skills.
How did more people get access to the American Dream during the 20th century? This question encourages consideration of historical events and social movements that expanded opportunities for different groups of people.
What is the biggest threat to the American Dream? This question asks for an analysis of the major challenges facing the American Dream, such as economic instability, lack of access to quality education, affordable housing, and affordable college.
What makes America unique? This question invites reflection on the distinctive characteristics of America, supported by evidence from the text, personal experiences, and other sources.