American Dream (myth vs reality) PDF

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Summary

Zusammenfassung...

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Definition: ✗

The American Dream determines the dynamics of America today Core idea:

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If a person works hard enough that person can achieve his/ her goal and improve his/ her position in life

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Centers around the idea of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness → Originally viewed as achievable for everyone

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Representative symbols: American flag, statue of liberty

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Concept is deeply rooted in the American society

Immigrants: •

come to America in hopes of a better life

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see America as the new Canaan= the promised land

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attracted by the concept of “rags to riches”

4 type of dreams I. Social dream: equality and opportunity II. Economic dream: success and prosperity III. Political dream: justice and democracy IV. Personal dream: self-realization and freedom

Government: •

Minimum state control: → Believe it’s the responsibility of the individual

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US has no state welfare system

A.D throughout history: •

Everyone has their own version of the American Dream Past: •

Middle class dream

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Having a house and a family

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Wealth

Puritanism: •

Puritans left England due to religious persecution

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Settled in the US

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Very religious and narrow-minded Belief:

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hard work as a way to please god

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Very strict moral principles

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Discipline Puritanism in Americas culture: ◦ Hard work still plays an important role ◦ Being discipline

Patriotism and nationalism •

America has a very strong patriotism = strong identification with one’s nationality and national pride

Individualism •

Principle of individualism is very important: = being responsible for oneself Consequence: ◦ You need to work hard to be successful ◦ State won‘ t help you → minimum state control, no interference ◦ i.e. no public health care

Civil War ✗

From 1861 to 1865

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Issue of slavery was important part of war

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War between northern states and the south

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North: wanted to abolish slavery

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South: in favor of slavery

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13th amendment finally abolishes slavery

Civil right movement ✗

1950s and 60s

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fight of African Americans to end racial discrimination and segregation and gain equal rights under law

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African Americans actively fought for equality and against discrimination

Abraham Lincoln: •

former US president

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played an important role in the abolishment of slavery

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famous fir Gettysburg address

Martin Luther King: •

African American activist

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prominent spokesperson and leader in the Civil rights movement

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famous for his speech “I have a dream” in which he envisions an America without segregation and racial discrimination

Obama’s vision of the American Dream : •

equal rights for ethnical minorities ( i.e. black people)

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No racism

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Democracy

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Free education

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Public health care

• Immigrants still see America as the promised land à Thousands of people still immigrate to the the US in

• Concept applies to only a few individuals not groups

hopes of a better life

à minorities are excluded

• Idea of A.D which is equality, freedom and hard work are

• Low social mobility

still important today • Success stories prove social mobility and success through hard work • Personal responsibility brings out the best in people, increases motivation and hope

à Poor remain poor • Gap between rich and poor is widening: riches 1% has more than 90% of wealth • Certain races seem to be excluded from social mobility: most prisoners are black • Education as the number one factor for success: à price of college à First generation students are rare...