The American Dream

1. How would you describe the “American Dream?”

The idea of the 'American Dream' is interpreted different by everyone.  Personally, when I hear this term, I think about post-industrial revolution period, as well as the 1920's.  The industrial revolution brought great advances for most countries around the world, starting with Europe and leading into the United States near the end of the 19th century.  The revoltion created a different way of life for most, and creating technology and innovations that are still used today.  I would describe the American Dream as something that is not tangible: a hope.  The American Dream is the idea that anything is possible and anyone can acheive their goals.  With technology and innovations on the rise, as well as the victory in World War 1, the idea of the American Dream came alive in the roaring 20's.  During this time period, there was wealth abundand for people and opportunites for those less fortunate, to advance in social class with wealth (Gatsby).  The American Dream is indeed a dream that people hope to become true.  It is not hope, but hard work and dedication, that allow this goal to become a reality, and it is easier than ever during the roaring twenties.  Overall, I would describe the American Dream consists of ideals and hopes of wealth and prosperity, that is able to be fullfilled by anyone.

2. What is your definition of wealth? 

My definition of wealth is the posessions of items worth a high motenary value.  When it comes to wealth, I mainly think of having money, and lots of it.  Those who are rich are also described as wealthy, as they have lots of money, but there is a difference between being rich and being wealthy.  I belive that being 'rich' is dealing only with money and how much one has.  Wealth is more attributed towards tangible items, such as cars, mansions, art, ect; these items represent monetary value and wealth, instead of just having lots of money.  

3. What are Americans’ attitudes toward wealth and poverty?

This question could be answered in a thousand different ways.  Each person has their own beliefs and attitudes towards wealth and poverty.  This opinion can be influence by one's experiences, social class, and the veiws that their parents exposed them to first.  Those who come from a lower class are faced with everyday struggles dealing with the need for money have a different view about poverty than those who have wealth.  I think that those in poverty are more sensitive and caring about doing something to fix the abundance of the problem, while those who are wealthy are less concered with a problem not regarding them.  While this is not always the case, it is a theme throughout America, and there should be more done to prevent poverty. 

4. What is your attitude toward wealth and poverty?

My attitude towards wealth and poverty revolves around the American Dream.  I belive that anyone has the opportunity to achieve what they desire with hard work and dedication; I also belive that different people, depending on their sitution and background (social class, region, race, religion) have to work harder, or not as hard, to reach this goal, but it is attainable for all who are dedicated to put in the work towards their goal.

The Great Gatsby is a perfect representaiton of the American Dream in the 1920s. Coming from a poor childhood, Gatsby always had a dream and hope of being wealthy.  Instead of wishing upon it, he dedicated himself to becoming rich and eventually acheived his dream.  This shows that there is no limit to what one can accomplish: no matter what situation you begin with, there is always a way to achieve what you dream.