And what means are generally used to attain it?
2006-07-21 13:31:57 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
No, I don't work for the school board. I'm only asking because I'm doing a summer reading for school and it asks me this question and I want to know what other people think. Plus I'm not sure what it means.
2006-07-21 13:37:56 · update #1
The American Dream is the ideal held by many in the United States that hard work, courage, and determination will allow you to achieve a better life for yourself and your family usually through money. I believe that its currently meaning places too much of an emphasis on material wealth as a measure of success and happiness and that this leads to disillusionment. More simply put, the American dream is a dream of having 2 children and living in a perfect house with beautiful possessions, and financial security.
2006-07-21 13:38:41 · answer #1 · answered by Mother Bear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's kind of obvious, isn't it? It's a dream that is dreamed by an American.
A French dream is dreamed by a Frenchman, a German dream is dreamed by a German, and so forth.
I don't think anybody would make the mistake of thinking you were on the school board. I'm sure everyone on the school board knows what an American dream is.
If you are clear about what an American dream is, then here is how to attain it. First, you have to be an American.Then second you have to go to sleep. Sometime during the night an American dream will occur.
2006-07-21 13:44:10 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor Hand 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly that a dream. It represents an aspiration to provide more than basic comforts for ones immediate family i.e a house, car, groceries and occasional night out. I don;t subscribe tot the American dream as I feel it is too limiting. Dreaming by definition is a fantasy state of mind. It should really read the "american plan" or the "american goal". Goal or plan meaning you're working towards it not fantasizing!
2006-07-21 13:38:51 · answer #3 · answered by black_diablo05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually think of stories like "The Great Gatsby" and "Death of a Salesman" or "Grapes of Wrath" when I think of the American Dream. It's the idea that pushed the early settlers across America that the individual has the ultimate power to create his destiny and fulfill all his dreams, against anything that might stop him.
In modern times, I think the Dream has morphed into the ideal suburban lifestyle. A nice, large house, with 2-car garage and pool. A perfect family with 2 kids, a wife, husband with good job. Neighborhood with good schools.
But also, the Dream is about power, and rising to the top in the field you chooses. Why do you think that shows like Survivor, The Apprentice, and American Idol are so popular? We like the idea of the average person able to rise above the rest, and we like the concept of winning and success.
The means used to attain the dream are commuting to the suburbs through hellish traffic, dating sites like match.com, SAT prep course. Everybody is rushing to get the right grades, to get into the right college, to get the right job, to marry the right person, to buy the right house, to have the right kids, and achieve the perfect life. This dream isn't realistic for everyone, and that's why I think it is like a virus to American society
2006-07-21 13:42:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of money. Big house. 2 or 3 car garage. swimming pool. 2 or 3 cars (nice ones). Married, a couple of kids. To obtain it?...work hard. sacrifice time with your kids to be at work day and night and on weekends. Lies, deceptions. Ulcers from stress. Sleepless nights from guilt. Are we really truly happy with all these things? By the way, I'm not there.
2006-07-21 13:36:48 · answer #5 · answered by Author Al 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you work for a school board because some lady i just met asked me that before.
It means being successful in life and growing old buying a house with a green lawn and a white picket fence if you know what i mean.
2006-07-21 13:35:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The concept of the American Dream is that regardless of your station in life, if someone works hard they can achieve success. In many places, what someone is born into is what someone remains. In America, anyone can become president if they try.
2006-07-21 13:36:44 · answer #7 · answered by tsopolly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
House and reliable cars, 2 1/2 kids, dog, faithful marriage, retirement savings, college savings, vacations, and lower taxes.
Hard work or the lottery.
2006-07-21 13:36:45 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i really don't know i'm still trying to figure it out myself. lol
2006-07-21 13:34:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hard work woman.
2006-07-21 13:34:18 · answer #10 · answered by jeepwrangler51 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋