Does the American Dream Exist? Essay Example

The American Dream is the belief that the government should protect every American's opportunity to pursue their own ideas. It has a long history that permeates the national character. Initially, the definition of the American Dream was different as compared to what it is today. It was about survival rather than success in terms of money. The Dream was invented during the Great Depression, and during this time, the focus was on a land in which life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyman with the opportunity for each according to personal ability or achievement. Americans are interested in increasing their sharing practices, learning about the sharing economy, and engaging one another at all levels. They believe that sharing builds community, lowers environmental impact, and helps saves money. Compared to the lives of most people before, things are going well for most families and those who aspire to make America great again. There are a number of components of American Dream including support for free trade, promotion of free flow of culture, belief that people from other culture should follow what Americans do, faith in the free market, and acceptance of private enterprise. Truly, American Dream still exists because currently, most Americans work towards a common goal and these goals define who they are as a society.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Initially, America was a relatively equal middle-class society. However, currently, inequality is a reality in the U.S (https://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/write/little-seagull-handbook-2/pdf/King.pdf). The past governments have tried to create a balance in the community, but most Americans feel that their effort was not good enough. A large share of economic growth over the past four decades have gone to a small wealthy minority. The lack of proper economic progress for lower and middle-income families is in itself an essential reason to seek a more equal distribution of income. The rich have formed their own virtual nation in which they have built their own self-contained world complete with their own health care system and travel network. The vast income inequality brings social inequality which is not just a matter of envy and insult but how much the great majority of Americans cannot afford to stay on two dollars a day.

The increase in wage inequality in the Western world is associated with the decline in union membership (https://english101sp2015.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/paul-krugman.pdf). Unions tend to raise the wages of their members and act as a countervailing force to management. They also enforce social norms that to a greater extent limit pay among people who are not members. For society to realize the American Dream, there is a need for change in the political climate. People who are highly paid tend to provoke public scrutiny in the sense that the public doesn't see any reason they should be paid such money (https://english101sp2015.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/paul-krugman.pdf). A new progressive society should question private sector pay when it seems outrageous and not in line with the job responsibilities. With the abrupt reduction in economic inequality in the early 30s and 40s, there is a possibility that the society will in the fight. Economists believe that the rise in returns on investments in human capital is desirable and beneficial. The current policies designed to deal with inequality takes into consideration its cause. The American Dream can only be achieved when the government and private sectors display the wage premium received by college-educated employees and high school graduates (http://www.aei.org/publication/the-upside-of-income-inequality). The increase in the proportion of the people joining higher institutions of learning is a reflection that the society is committed to implementing strategies that are in line with what was stipulated in the Declaration for Independence. When it comes to household income and wealth, the gaps between whites and blacks have widened. On measures such as life expectancy, the gaps have been narrowed. Also, on poverty measures and homeownership rates, the gaps are the same. This means that for a very long time, society has concentrated on equality.

There was the need to create a society governed by language, political system, and values and this allowed a diverse population to become a competitive advantage. When individual struggles to provide shelter and food for their families, any change for better is a success. Most people believe that The American Dream was made possible by an environment that was conducive to prosperity and peace. As America evolved throughout the 19th century, so did the notion that the country was different from other nations and was a land of opportunity where anything could be achieved if a person dared dream big.

An increase in the earnings inequality is unfavorable development. Higher rates of return on capital is a sign of greater productivity in the economy. The impact of higher income may be reversed when the society invests more on human capital (http://www.aei.org/publication/the-upside-of-income-inequality). The forces of inequality earnings in the United States are beneficial because they reflect higher returns on investment in human capital and education. Policymakers should focus attention on how to raise the number of American youth who complete higher education before joining colleges. The youth should be made away are that the society cannot achieve its goals when education is not given a priority. The dream of improving the lives of everyone with a quality education is universally shared by youths around the globe. In this regard, the government focuses on intellectual talent and achievement, social and emotional skills, physical and mental health, and family and community support. Young people of color in the United States attend under-resourced district schools. According to the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, only a third of the Hispanics and black learners are offered high-level science and math courses compared to more than half of their white counterparts. Despite this reality, leaders keep urging the young people of color that they can achieve the American Dream through determination and hard work. Empowerment in the society fails to consider structural inequalities present with the country's educational system. The government should focus on the ability of the people to succeed on the basis of their individual actions and aptitudes. Also, success should be based on moral virtues. Moreover, equal opportunity should apply to all in the sense that people should earn rewards based on personal efforts and abilities.

With the Affordable Care Act, a piece of social welfare legislation, many Americans can access health care. It is time to declare an end to a regulatory experiment that has led to the greater disparity between the top earners and the middle class. New strategies on how to raise the minimum wage, reduce obstacles to union organizing, and taxing on passive wealth should be adapted to create an environment where equity is a priority. There is no successful market that is supported by the structure of the government in one way or another. This means that for the society to achieve its goals and objectives, the government must be fully involved. Currently, frustrations of most Americans is understandable since most of them are out of work. According to Tim, nations such as China and India are outpacing the United States in growth and development, especially in infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing capability. The United States has a market-oriented economy where most decisions are made independently by individual businesses. Inventions spring from labs, universities, and garages, and these eventually propel growth in all aspects. However, in China, the government encourages investors and ordinary internet users to set strategies that will make it possible to succeed in the nation. The same government sets rules and regulations that must be observed by the investors.

Even after WWII, the idea of the American Dream was still idealistic and consisted of religious freedom to worship according to the dictates of an individual's conscious and equal opportunity for all. In the early, 70s, American Dream had something to do with material wealth and owning something of your own. The idea was very popular with American leaders including President George W. Bush who later assigned the American Dream Downpayment Assistance Act to allow most Americans to own homes. The Dream was associated with the gratification of and security of a comfortable home within our borders. However, at first, the dream extended to white property owners.

In a position that the American Dream meant a fuller and richer life for everyone, professionals also dream of a well-earned and nice retirement. Currently, there is a trend that measures purely economic data. The idea of the nation where one can dream for more and rich higher is a common thread in various areas. Most people argue that the American Dream will continue to represent shared ideals as society moves forward. However, there is the fear that with the increased polarization, there is a possibility of a variety of America Dreams replacing the old one. This means that the focus should be on ideals that strictly define the society and are in line with what the society stood for from the beginning.

With the abundance of natural resources such as oil and plenty of rivers, most nations consider the United States an example of how natural resources can boost the economy and to a greater extent gave the nation a head start toward garnering its current position in the world (https://www.wsj.com/articles). Most companies in the nation have a large, accessible test market for new products. Also, diverse demographics allow these entities to test niche products. The success of America is attributed in part to having the benefits of cultural diversity and the idea that the majority focus on a common goal.

The idea of a new world where people were encouraged that everything is possible encouraged immigration. Most people from around the world still move to the U.S to achieve their dreams. The dream is considered an opportunity for success. In this case, success is all about money, happiness, and family. Compared to many other countries in the world, the United States is a place where one has the opportunity to determine personal goals and success. Some people argue that the American Dream is all about focusing for the future. The Declaration for Independence protects the American Dream. For the Americans to secure unalienable right, the government should derive its just powers from the consent of the governed (https://english101sp2015.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/paul-krugman.pdf). This idea was so powerful that laws were added to extend rights to slaves, non-property owners, and women. In this regard, the American Dream changed the course of the nation itself. The desire of each American to pursue happiness was not just self-indulgence but was part of what drives creativity and ambition. By legally protecting the rights of every individual, society was very attractive for those who aspired to a better life.

Conclusion

America is built on the premise that true individual freedom cannot exist without the full realization of economic security and independence. During campaigns, leaders tend to advocate for the American Dream Plan in which health to all is a priority. Also, they encourage business growth and individual prosperity. However, with the rising income inequality, the realization of this dream is a challenge, and most Americans turn to a new definition of the American Dream which reflects the values of the nation for which it was initially named. The Declaration for Independence did not...