The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold? by Brandon King
Autor: Alexandra Mathis • April 25, 2016 • Essay • 605 Words (3 Pages) • 2,093 Views
Lexi Mathis
English 2030
09/21/2015
The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold? by Brandon King
The Individual’s “Dream”
In, “The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold?” , Brandon King questions whether or not the “American Dream” is still intact, and why he believes it is alive today more than ever before. King’s arguments stem primarily from the outcomes of the Great Recession that occurred in 2009. He believes that the recession increased people’s drive to achieve the “American Dream” even more, because it became an even greater challenge for them to attain. King goes on to say that even though he believes the “Dream” is still undamaged today it has been redefined immensely. Today’s principles of the “American Dream” emphasize stability and security much more than the old “Dream” of material wealth. The game of “Keeping up with Joneses” is out and the realistic goals of securing a stable job and retirement is in. The essay continues on to discuss why some believe the dream is dead, reasons including: unequal wealth distribution, impractical safeguards, and the lack of taxes on the wealthy. King continues to counteract these arguments by explaining the best way for people to keep the “Dream” alive is to be more responsible for our own financial well-being, whether it be planning for the future or saving our pennies.
I completely agree with King’s view of the “American Dream,” because I too believe the “Dream” is very much alive and that it is the individual’s responsibility rather than governments to truly achieve the “American Dream”. I feel that in order to reach the “Dream” it is necessary for people to have confidence and motivation to believe they will actually succeed. They must also possess a certain drive that will encourage them to strive for achievement. I believe that the Great Recession of 2009 not only provided people with a tough obstacle to overcome, but also the traits that one needs in order to achieve the “American Dream”.
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