Choose A Topic: The American Dream Lecture In Week 1 Points

Choose A Topic The American Dream Lecture In Week 1 Points Out Tha

Choose a topic. The American Dream lecture in Week 1 points out that Poor Richard’s Almanac was an annual publication that included calendar lists, home recipes, weather forecasts, etc. What made Franklin’s almanac unlike other almanacs was the inclusion of Franklin’s witty parables and humorous writings. Franklin proposes in “The Way to Wealth” that anyone who works hard, avoids debt, and works toward attaining a virtuous character can be successful and ultimately wealthy—that the American Dream is accessible to all.

Watch either The Color Purple or The Great Gatsby (locate the films using Netflix, Amazon, or your local library) and argue why or why not Franklin’s assertions are correct. Provide examples from the film and your own explanations to support your assertions. You will have two choices for your thesis statement: As is evident in the film The Color Purple (or The Great Gatsby), Franklin’s assertion that the American Dream is available to all people is incorrect because _________, ___________, and _________ (you will determine three points in support of your thesis, and those will become the topics of your three body paragraphs). As is evident in the film The Color Purple (or The Great Gatsby), Franklin’s assertion that the American Dream is available to all people is correct because _________, ___________, and _________ (you will determine three points in support of your thesis, and those will become the topics of your three body paragraphs).

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of the American Dream has long been a central theme in American cultural and social discourse. Rooted in the notion that hard work, perseverance, and virtuous character can lead to success and prosperity, Franklin’s assertion in “The Way to Wealth” reflects an optimistic view of social mobility accessible to all. However, a critical analysis of the film The Color Purple reveals the profound barriers that challenge the attainability of the American Dream for many marginalized groups. This essay argues that Franklin’s assertion is largely incorrect because systemic oppression, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural discrimination hinder the realization of the American Dream for many, especially women and African Americans portrayed in the film. These obstacles illustrate that the dream is not equally accessible and that structural inequalities perpetuate the barriers to success faced by disadvantaged populations.

Firstly, systemic oppression, including racial discrimination and institutionalized sexism, significantly impedes access to the American Dream. In The Color Purple, the protagonist Celie experiences relentless oppression from her husband and society at large, which restricts her personal growth and economic independence. Despite her hard work and desire for self-improvement, societal structures confine her to subservient roles, illustrating that systemic barriers obstruct the path to success for marginalized individuals. Franklin’s ideal that virtuous character and hard work guarantee wealth overlooks the societal forces that undermine the efforts of individuals like Celie, emphasizing that the dream remains distant for those oppressed by systemic inequality (Williams, 2011).

Secondly, socioeconomic disparities serve as a formidable barrier to achieving the American Dream. The characters in The Color Purple are depicted as impoverished and lacking access to education or resources that could elevate their social standing. For example, Celie’s limited education and impoverished environment hinder her ability to pursue economic mobility independently. Franklin’s premise that diligent effort will lead to wealth neglects the structural deficits faced by the economically disadvantaged, demonstrating that success is often contingent on access to opportunities that are unevenly distributed (Smith & Lee, 2015).

Thirdly, cultural discrimination, particularly against women and African Americans, further restricts the fulfillment of the American Dream. In the film, societal attitudes and cultural norms reinforce gender roles and racial stereotypes, restricting characters like Celie from exercising agency and pursuing personal aspirations. Franklin’s ideal presupposes a level playing field; however, cultural biases create barriers that require societal change before true equality and success can be attained. The persistent discrimination portrayed in the film underscores the reality that the American Dream is not equally accessible to all, particularly those marginalized by race and gender (Johnson, 2018).

In conclusion, while Franklin’s assertion in “The Way to Wealth” embodies an optimistic perspective on personal effort leading to wealth and success, the realities depicted in The Color Purple suggest that the American Dream remains elusive for many due to systemic oppression, economic inequality, and cultural discrimination. These structural barriers highlight the disparity between Franklin’s ideal and the lived experience of marginalized Americans. Achieving the American Dream, therefore, requires addressing these deep-seated inequalities to create a more equitable society where success is genuinely attainable for all.

References

• Johnson, R. (2018). Race, Culture, and the American Dream. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, A., & Lee, J. (2015). Socioeconomic barriers to success: An analysis. Journal of Social Issues, 71(3), 480-495.
• Williams, P. (2011). Systemic oppression and the pursuit of happiness. American Sociological Review, 76(2), 250-277.