Final Exam: The American Dream
Mr. Smith
AP Language
Final Exam The American dream James Truslow Adams's first described the phrase “American Dream” as "That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.".[Adams, The Epic Of America(1)] According to his definition the “American Dream” is exactly that a dream, or A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind, meaning that it is an actual plausible concept and not merely a myth. It is my belief that everyone has their own American Dream that is unique to the individual while maintaining some common archetypes, the most prevalent of which being the concept or thought that …show more content…
The answer to this question isn't simple, the truth is that there are many variables that will affect whether or not a person reaches their dreams, there is bias and prejudices people have, there are personal interests that come into play,there is even a bit of luck that affects where we end up in the pyramid of life. In conclusion there are many obstacles that can bring a person down and not as many solutions. As time goes on instead of us finding better ways to reach the “American Dream” we are forcing youth to join into the competitive world at younger ages. Anna Quindlen worded it best “You all will live longer than any generation in history, yet you were kicked into high gear earlier as well.”[Anna Quindlen, An Apology To The Graduates(4)] Quindlen goes on to describe life as a “relentless treadmill since you enter preschool at he age of 2”. So in this exhausting society that is ever evolving to increase the work load of it's youth, forcing them to have resumes that rival that of college graduates out of high school how can the “American Dream” be anything more than a myth? The answer is simple, America was founded by workers and has ever since been a nation of workers, Benjamin Franklin described America as “a land of labor” and warned “those interested in a life of leisure need not apply”.[Textbook page 192(5)]
AP Language
Final Exam The American dream James Truslow Adams's first described the phrase “American Dream” as "That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.".[Adams, The Epic Of America(1)] According to his definition the “American Dream” is exactly that a dream, or A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind, meaning that it is an actual plausible concept and not merely a myth. It is my belief that everyone has their own American Dream that is unique to the individual while maintaining some common archetypes, the most prevalent of which being the concept or thought that …show more content…
The answer to this question isn't simple, the truth is that there are many variables that will affect whether or not a person reaches their dreams, there is bias and prejudices people have, there are personal interests that come into play,there is even a bit of luck that affects where we end up in the pyramid of life. In conclusion there are many obstacles that can bring a person down and not as many solutions. As time goes on instead of us finding better ways to reach the “American Dream” we are forcing youth to join into the competitive world at younger ages. Anna Quindlen worded it best “You all will live longer than any generation in history, yet you were kicked into high gear earlier as well.”[Anna Quindlen, An Apology To The Graduates(4)] Quindlen goes on to describe life as a “relentless treadmill since you enter preschool at he age of 2”. So in this exhausting society that is ever evolving to increase the work load of it's youth, forcing them to have resumes that rival that of college graduates out of high school how can the “American Dream” be anything more than a myth? The answer is simple, America was founded by workers and has ever since been a nation of workers, Benjamin Franklin described America as “a land of labor” and warned “those interested in a life of leisure need not apply”.[Textbook page 192(5)]