Friday, January 25, 2019
American Dream or Nightmare?
To understand the the Statesn daydream its easiest to look back in history at how great historical movements created and shaped the American dream theme. For starters a long time agone around the 30s, James Truslow Adams, a popular historian, was putting the last-place touches on the preface to his latest book. It was an interesting time in the smell of our nation. Though the crash of 1929 had signaled the beginning of the Great Depression that was to be endured for geezerhood to come, there was in addition a spirit of progress, of possibility.On the day Adams was finishing his manuscript, chair Herbert turn on the lights of the newly opened Empire State Building. eminent hopes amid ruffianly times the moment add togethered Adams thesis in his book, The Epic of America (Meacham 1-4). A history of the nation that was to spread a term not yet in the general lingo in those last long time of the reigns of Harding, Coolidge and Hooer. Adams subject, he wrote, was that American dream of a better, richer, and happier life for all(prenominal) our citizens of all rank which is the greatest contribution we have as yet do to the thought and welf be of the world. , (Meacham 1-4). It was not a new thing, this abiding imprint that tomorrow would be better than today. That dream or hope (Meacham 1-4). thither is no single definition of the American vision. Different good deal in the US have a different perception of the idea of American Dream. The history of American Civil War helps people understand the 2 different views regarding the American Dream. All thirteen colonies of the pre-independence era fought together against the British forces. By the end of the American Revolution however, things had changed.The southern colonies had different views which didnt match with those of the northern states. The northern states were against the tradition of slavery and wanted a federal government to rule the nation. They withal favored the growth of industries i n America. southern states on the other hand, wanted a sovereign state for them they also supported the system of slavery which provided them with cheap labor. Interests of these states lied more in the area of agricultural development as against industrial growth. These clashes and differences in opinions in the end culminated into the Civil War.Today, some Americans have lost their faith in the idea of the American Dream. Again John Mullers ideas from Capitalism, Peace, and the Historical bowel movement of Ideas, talks about a great point about the US Government. Imperialist policies of the US Government more than the economic crisis are accountable for the occurrence of this situation. Interestingly, the efforts of USA to establish superiority over other countries were perceive as a part of the American Dream by many (Mueller 169-184). James Field younger explains the history of war from his book biography of linked States Naval Operations Korea.After the formation of Ca nada, there was no soil left in North America for the US to expand. Thus, the US turned to the east and supported South Korea against North Korea in its effort to cave Chinas influence in the region. After helping South Korea in return key its territory from North Korea, the US decided to invade North Korea. Chinese authorities warned them against taking any such steps. However, the tensions between these countries rose and eventually the Korean War broke out. A 200,000 strong Chinese forces attacked the UN (United Nations) forces which supported the US.Fearing the intervention of USSR, the UN forces retreated back to the south. James Field JR. goes on to conclude The reason behind citing these instances is that, in the process of assert itself as a superpower, America went so far as to capture the weaker nations. The imperialistic policies of this country have therefore, acted against the very essence of the American Dream i. e. Liberty/exemption. In order for the American Dre am to exist and thrive, the US should not only strengthen its economy, but also act as a responsible nation. This is why the American Dream has and never entrust be feasible.The Idea of the American Dream has become so predominant in todays motto and goals that it is literally ruining people lives. People preeminence up at the proverbial starting line and originate a pissing contest in an attempt to pip degrees, cars and houses at an unreasonable debt, get jobs that we loathe, and max out our credit card game along the way. In the midst of this survival battle, people are property their eyes toward what they were all told about attaining the dream that includes a home, family, and acquiring as many things as we can.So why is the American dream so authoritative to everyone if there is no such thing as it? The first romance that America obtains as a nation is that anybody can succeed with hard work. For everyone to succeed with hard work, that would require equality of fortune , which does not exist because probability differs embed on syllabus and status. The American dream justifies inequality based on loving class by your position in class as a fair reflection of what you deserve. Justifying inequality based on ascribed status attributes inequality to a personal trial or rebelliousness in the minority group.James Tueslow Adams states that the American Dream is a dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or acquirement. Too many of us have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be acknowledge by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.The United States has always been considered a land of equal opportunities. Peopl e from all over the world have migrated to the US, mainly in search of employment and freedom of religion. However, there are many factors responsible for making America a sought-after destination in order to lead a palmy life. The United States is a nation where the individual, rather than collective population attains center-stage in the process of devising policies, making changes, taking up developmental initiatives, etcetera Alperovitz, and Thomas 18-23) The youth from the Third World nations have always found USA to be attractive for them, the socioeconomic conditions back home are in contrast with those found in America. The freedom which can be experienced in America is nowhere to be found. However, there is also a darker side to the American society which needs to be unders alsod. The American Dream has been flawed by social evils like slavery, racism and latterly by the grand policies of its government.John Mueller author of Captialism, Peace, and the Histroical Movemen t of Ideas writes that, the promissory note of all men are created equal in the Declaration of Independence was rendered meaningless when Negroes were use as slaves (Mueller 169-184). Just like any other nation, America too has its limitations. In order for the American Dream to exist, its a prerequisite to eliminate these social evils prevalent in the American society. The second apologue for the American Dream to exist is that free capitalism is the growing achievement of our democracy. For example Fair employment.
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