The Reality Of The American Dream Essay
Jasmine Bartlett
February 25,2013
TR 9:30-10:50 COMP2
Professor A. Westbrook The Reality of the American Dream
The American Dream is a national philosophy of the United States, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931 he stated “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. This definition of the American Dream is a naïve statement because equal opportunity, equality, and anti- greed are dreamlike in today’s society. The American …show more content…
The statement “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” over through the true meaning of equal opportunity. For example when applying for jobs, school or joining organizations people are asked if they know someone who’s associated with the company or organization. Most likely, the applicant with connections would get the position even if the other applicants are more qualified. It is also stated that getting a degree is a necessary experience and comes in handy when you least expect it. But what knowledge you have in the field you study most times only takes you so far. It’s the relationships you develop along the way that help get to where you need to go with that well-earned knowledge.
In my case I was not born to a well-connected family so while in college I’ll need to do a lot of favors, internships, and community service to gain connections. So, when I graduate I’ll have a greater chance of employment or a positive direction. In addition in today’s society for most jobs you are required college experience or a college degree which is not fair because everyone doesn’t aspire to go to
February 25,2013
TR 9:30-10:50 COMP2
Professor A. Westbrook The Reality of the American Dream
The American Dream is a national philosophy of the United States, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931 he stated “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. This definition of the American Dream is a naïve statement because equal opportunity, equality, and anti- greed are dreamlike in today’s society. The American …show more content…
The statement “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” over through the true meaning of equal opportunity. For example when applying for jobs, school or joining organizations people are asked if they know someone who’s associated with the company or organization. Most likely, the applicant with connections would get the position even if the other applicants are more qualified. It is also stated that getting a degree is a necessary experience and comes in handy when you least expect it. But what knowledge you have in the field you study most times only takes you so far. It’s the relationships you develop along the way that help get to where you need to go with that well-earned knowledge.
In my case I was not born to a well-connected family so while in college I’ll need to do a lot of favors, internships, and community service to gain connections. So, when I graduate I’ll have a greater chance of employment or a positive direction. In addition in today’s society for most jobs you are required college experience or a college degree which is not fair because everyone doesn’t aspire to go to