Dream A Better Dream

In John Kenneth White and Sandra L. Hanson’s introduction The Making of the American Dream, a truth that appears consistent throughout the text and history is this shift from a materialistic American Dream towards a more abstract idea of an American Dream. When I describe a materialistic dream, I am referring to something that can be physically attained such as money, a house, or a car. When I describe an abstract dream, I am referring to an intangible idea such as unity, freedom, or simply happiness.

White and Hanson included a quote from Alexis de Tocqueville in 1831 that he proclaimed Americans had, “acquired or retained sufficient education and fortune to satisfy their own wants....they owe nothing to any man, they expect nothing from any man they acquire the habit of always considering themselves as standing alone, and they are apt to imagine that their whole destiny is in their own hands”. White and Hanson assessed that the opinions Tocqueville had are what “give the American Dream its staying power”: this idea of a materialistic American Dream. Although the historical context of the situation is completely different from that of today, some of Tocqueville’s statement I find agreeable. I agree that Americans should FIRST establish themselves as an individual in society by satisfying their materialistic needs, needs they know they NEED to flourish in the economy. I do not necessarily believe they should “imagine their whole destiny in their hands”. Of course in order to achieve an American Dream you’re going to need assistance or guidance in some way.

In addition to that, once your dream is achieved, you should figure out ways to help others achieve their dreams. The cycle should keep repeating to ensure that all individuals reached their optimum.

Based on the reading, it seem later in history, in times of turmoil and nation frenzy, materialistic dreams turned into abstract dreams. White and Hanson wrote that the American Dream “represents a state of mind...an enduring optimism” that can be used to “build a great nation”. Instead of following Tocqueville’s observation of American’s being selfish, the dream had now become not just a single dream for said individual but a dream that could benefit everyone. It seems as if it takes America almost being in shambles for the people in it to get WOKE.

During the Great Depression, material items were stationary and not easily available and so Americans could only hold on to these abstract concepts of hope and optimism. My great grandmother was around 10 during the years of the Depression and she would tell stories of how while her family didn't have much to hold call “theirs”, her parents had the utmost of faith and would continuously root positivity and optimism into her brain. She told how she would be so confused as to why her family was so positive about the situation when they were clearly poor and not living their dream. Her parents would tell her, “well what else can we do, we have to keep going”.

Overall, the concept of the American Dream has changed over the years from being one based on materialistic principles to abstract ones due to the constant societal changes. The abstract dream of unity and optimum has been used to bring about bountiful changes that have led to prosperity in the U.S such as inalienable rights being given back to Mexican and African Americans during the Civil Rights as well as women receiving more respect and rights in the workforce. If this trend continues, the American Dream will become faster to achieve.

American Daydream?

Let’s dissect the phrase ‘The American Dream’. According to Merriam Webster, an American is a native or inhabitant of North or South America. So basically someone that lives in those two continents. Dreams as defined by Merriam Webster are "a series of thoughts, images, or emotions that occur during sleep and especially during REM sleep- similar to a daydream".  Many believe that dreams are formed from some real events that occur in life but are a majority fiction. So put those two together and you get the American (North or South) inhabitant who thinks about fictional outcomes.

Brown defines America as being a “complex and unequal country”. Based on his definition, it seems as if it is inevitable to attain The American Dream if the country that was built on unity and equality only keeps you from striving towards your goal.

Lisa Weah’s American Dream is for America to uphold their declaration of creating unity and equality as well as promising life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Her ancestors, like mine, did not receive these promises from our founding fathers until almost a century later. Still, these principles are not fully implemented in society today as found in several discrimination cases such as police brutality and recent hate crimes against ethnic groups. Because of the many setbacks America has taken in achieving these goals, Weah’s dream of a “happy and together” American society is highly unlikely.

Aveonte Willingham admits his dream of helping all of the needy and poor by putting them in sanctuaries is cliche. He has an excuse because he is young and naive. His answer reminds me of when little kids tell their parents if they could do one thing they would end world hunger or have world peace. Of course if that could happen, sure, that would be amazing but unfortunately, America  is a “complex and unequal country”.

Everyone having advocacy on their side is what Olivia Chelko-Long wants as her dream. Advocacy for various groups around the country has been in action such as with farmers rights, LGBTQ rights, Black Lives Matter, and children with fatal illnesses. However, it seems these issues do not reach the government branches rapid enough and are not valued as a high enough priority. It takes a major incident, such as a death, for something to be done.  Similar to Weah, Long’s dream has taken part in our society in some form, however has not taken a major enough role for justice to be served.

What I like about Kaitlynn Cates dream is that it’s realistic and can make significant change in their lives. Cates is living her dream already by simply just keeping herself mentally and physically healthy after her tragedy from the Boston Marathon. However, tragedy and failure can occur over and over again and disrupt or even ruin the American dream. But the difference between Cates dream and the previous individual’s is that her dream is in her control and she doesn't have to depend on everyone else to make her dream a reality.

After reading this most would believe I don’t have an American Dream because I seem super pessimistic and doubtful about a majority of others. Your dream is YOUR DREAM. I only believe that your American Dream should be based on your situation and your life and to not factor in the whole world. Once everyone begins to work on bettering themselves, we could get past just an American Dream but finally have an American Reality that we all would enjoy living in.