What is a specific incident or issue when America did not live up to at least 1 of it ideals in American dream

Answer 1

I guess it depends on what you mean by American dream.

If you mean a dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement, perhaps the lack of opportunity - as in the case of slaves - would be an example.

Or the current welfare state, where some folks seem content and are apparently rewarded, to sit on their butts and do nothing. Welfare has been abused for years -- instead of it being the end state for people, the welfare system should have two basic responsibilities: to teach/help people become self-reliant and to care for the poor and the needy in times of crisis.

Answer 2

The way the Native Americans were treated. For example, look up the Trail of Tears.