American Dream
Anna K. Smith
Expository Writing
MWF- Lasser
September 18, 2013
Much Ado about the American Dream The American Dream can most easily be defined as “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”, says the Declaration of Independence. Though this could be the easiest “textbook” definition, it does not begin to cover the glorious things about the American dream that drew, and continues to draw, millions of people to America. It is the freedom from a tyranny, a way out of poverty, an opportunity to gain knowledge, and most importantly, a place where to be whoever and whatever and build a life that people have always dreamed of. Some believe that the dream can no longer be a reality due to the U.S. military, economy, and cultural behavior, yet others believe, those are key subjects that continue to create the American dream. In “Waking Up from the American Dream”, Sasha Abramsky presents the different perceptions given to America. Margaret Drabble is a key contributor to the article by spelling out the death of the American dream and how and why the downfall will (or should) take place. Throughout the article, it is Drabble who believes the American dream is dead. However, it is apparent that Abramsky opposes Drabble’s views. Abramsky is shocked to see “someone whose country and class have so clearly benefited economically from the protection provided by the American military and political ties” shows such thanklessness towards the United States (86). Abramsky consistently supports his belief in the American dream throughout the passage, even as he presents other views that differ with Drabble slightly. He believes that it is jealousy from other countries from being “shunted onto the sidelines by the new superstar” ,yet it is apparent that, that jealousy has a greater grip on the impression of the United States than ever before (86).
In
Expository Writing
MWF- Lasser
September 18, 2013
Much Ado about the American Dream The American Dream can most easily be defined as “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”, says the Declaration of Independence. Though this could be the easiest “textbook” definition, it does not begin to cover the glorious things about the American dream that drew, and continues to draw, millions of people to America. It is the freedom from a tyranny, a way out of poverty, an opportunity to gain knowledge, and most importantly, a place where to be whoever and whatever and build a life that people have always dreamed of. Some believe that the dream can no longer be a reality due to the U.S. military, economy, and cultural behavior, yet others believe, those are key subjects that continue to create the American dream. In “Waking Up from the American Dream”, Sasha Abramsky presents the different perceptions given to America. Margaret Drabble is a key contributor to the article by spelling out the death of the American dream and how and why the downfall will (or should) take place. Throughout the article, it is Drabble who believes the American dream is dead. However, it is apparent that Abramsky opposes Drabble’s views. Abramsky is shocked to see “someone whose country and class have so clearly benefited economically from the protection provided by the American military and political ties” shows such thanklessness towards the United States (86). Abramsky consistently supports his belief in the American dream throughout the passage, even as he presents other views that differ with Drabble slightly. He believes that it is jealousy from other countries from being “shunted onto the sidelines by the new superstar” ,yet it is apparent that, that jealousy has a greater grip on the impression of the United States than ever before (86).
In
Cited: Abramsky, Sasha. "America and the World: How Do Others Perceive Us?; Waking Up from the American Dream." Trans. Array The New World Reader: Thinking and Writing about the Global Community. . Fourth Edition. Boston: Wadsworth, 2014. 86-92. Print. Ajami, Fouad. "The Resilience of American Power." U.S. News & World Report. 29 OCT 2008: n. page. Web. 5 Sep. 2013. Johnson, Paul. "America 's New Empire for Liberty." Hoover Institution: Hoover Digest. 4 (2003): 1-4. Web. 5 Sep. 2013.