The American Dream: Alive and Well Essay Example

and 10% believe it involves becoming wealthy overnight. The founding fathers believed that the American dream is rooted in a revolutionary perspective, where everyone has inherent and equal rights given by their creator, including life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Fernandez's story portrays the American dream as providing individuals with fertile ground to thrive and achieve greatness.

According to Fernandez, the belief that one can achieve their greatest potential in America makes the American dream still alive. Liz Murray's portrayal of addiction and morality suggests that the American dream is about limitless potential for personal growth without obstacles. In my interpretation, the American dream encompasses a land with affordable taxes that encourage entrepreneurship, a conflict-free environment where everyone has equal opportunities for personal growth, and a country that provides free and high-quality education, decent housing, universal healthcare, and supportive employment for oneself and one's family. The Founding Fathers recognized these values as essential for individuals seeking satisfaction, freedom, and innovative opportunities. By upholding these principles, they established an immensely appealing society for those striving for a better life.

A recent poll reveals that more than 50% of Americans have doubts about the existence of the American dream, and a majority (59%) think it is now unattainable for most people. The belief in its inaccessibility stems from various factors such as insufficient retirement savings, inadequate wages, and limited prospects for children's achievements. Regrettably, these accomplishments are currently restricted to only the wealthiest individuals.

Despite the rise of inequality, many people struggle to afford the essential components of the American dream. Only a privileged few experience limited financial growth, while others still live with their parents. Non-affluent Americans are

burdened with overwhelming student debt and lack access to insurance coverage and medical care. However, it is important to recognize that reviving the American dream can be achieved through collective efforts. This includes reducing the influence of wealthy elites in elections and addressing economic disparity. A significant 40% of Americans have faith in the vitality and success of the American dream. The pursuit of this dream often begins with individuals taking small steps towards progress as they aim to surpass their parents' circumstances (Gruenewald et al., 2015).

Affordable training is the key to achieving success. It is important for individuals to not just attend prestigious schools, but also consider institutions that offer good value for their money. This may include options like community college and skilled trade training. Moreover, people should prioritize their overall well-being instead of solely focusing on their desired occupation. Instead of solely pursuing happiness through a perfect job, they should be willing to begin with a less desirable job and work towards progress.

Attaining the American dream necessitates effort and is not guaranteed. Numerous US presidential candidates have endorsed this ideal. George W. Bush and Bill Clinton both backed homeownership as a fundamental component of this dream. In Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign for presidency, her American dream plan encompassed college education, homeownership, children's health insurance, and retirement. President Obama broadened healthcare access through the affordable care act to support the realization of this dream.

Conclusion

The concept of the "American dream" can vary among individuals, as it encompasses different aspirations and goals. Some people view it as achieving material success through possessions like a large house, luxury car, and successful

career that provides financial stability. Others see it as the ability to pursue their passions while still having enough money for a comfortable retirement. Thus, education, profession, living a life free from debt, the opportunity to retire, and access to healthcare are all factors that contribute to the American dream. Each person in America has their own interpretation of what the American Dream means.

Work cited

• Ehrenreich, Barbara. The hearts of men: American dreams and the flight from commitment. Anchor, 2011.
• Gruenewald, T. L., J. Williams Robinette, and T. E.

Arpawong (2015) conducted a study titled "Achieving the American Dream: Life Course Educational Mobility and Later Life Health and Happiness" which was published in the Gerontologist journal, volume 55.

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