American Dream Dead or Alive?

The American Dream is a national ethos of the U.S. in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the definition of the American Dream may mean differently to every U.S. citizen. For some it is the dream of freedom and equality, for others it is the dream of a fulfilled life or even the dream of fame and wealth. "In this remarkable time for the world, I refuse to believe it's time to stop believing in the possibilities of our remarkable country. I refuse to accept the downsizing of the American Dream; I refuse to bet against American entrepreneurial spirit and American ingenuity. The competitions tough, and it requires us to be tougher, tough-minded, never hard hearted." This quote was by Senator John Kerry, who believes that if you work hard you will achieve what you want. The American Dream is alive to those who chose to achieve it.

As a result, there are many surveys that were taken to prove that the American Dream is alive. There was a survey taken in 2009 on a CBS news Article, on whether people achieved the American Dream or not. In the article it said that 44 percent people did achieve the American Dream. Another 31 percent say they will reach the American Dream in their lifetime. This survey shows that many do achieve it and believe they will one day. There is also another survey that compares the growth of U.S. Family incomes. From 1917 to 1979 mostly everyone in each social class achieved the American Dream. From the years 1979 to 2008, the highest social class meaning the rich were more able to achieve the American Dream. The chart shows that in our society now in days, the people who tend to achieve the American Dream are the rich ones.

However, there are ways for low class people to achieve the American Dream. Barack Obama in 2005 gave a commencement speech at Knox University. He said "The American Dream is still attainable if citizens take individual initiative and provide community support and neighborly generosity." Meaning , that everyone could achieve the American Dream if you take a stand and get help from others and the community.

The immigrants are mostly the ones who come to the U.S to achieve the American Dream. They have the American spirit more than us American citizens. Most immigrants achieve the American Dream. Some become politics, own big headquarters, become actresses, singers, etc. In an article I read, the guy that wrote it said a story of an Irish man, who came from a small Irish village to work in America as a butler. He married and started a family. By his 40th birthday, he had raised the capital to start his own highly successful Irish pub-one that afforded him a fantastic living. This is an example that immigrants come to the U.S. to have a successful life and live their dream.

We know that if you chose to pursue the American Dream it will happen. Many surveys were taken to prove that it is still alive.