Ideas Draft Due Wednesday 11/25 Working Draft Due Wednesday

Ideas Draft Due Wednesday 1125working Draft Due Wednesday 1202fi

Taking comprehensive consideration of all our previous coursework, you are to write a well-prepared essay that answers (or attempts to answer) the following question: What is the American dream and does it still exist? In your efforts to answer this question you should revisit our past readings/discussions/notes on the various issues of literacy and higher education, and pay particular attention to our current readings on the American dream itself.

You may also incorporate anything we’ve watched / heard throughout the course as you see fit (as foundation, support, examples, etc.), applying them to shed as much light possible upon your argument regarding the American dream. Remember · If your idea of the American dream has evolved as the result of recent reading / discussion consider writing about how its changed and why · You are welcome to incorporate your personal dream and how it correlates (or not) with your definition of the American dream · In-text citations and a Works Cited page are mandatory · All previous drafts must be attached to the back of your final draft · There are countless ways to approach this question so one of the most important aspects of this essay will be during your pre-writing / planning stage(s). · It’s your time to shine so rock out.

Paper For Above instruction

The American dream has long stood as a beacon of aspiration, embodying the hopes for prosperity, success, and personal fulfillment that many individuals strive for within the United States. Originating from the Declaration of Independence’s pursuit of happiness and economic opportunity, the American dream symbolizes the promise that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve upward mobility through hard work and determination (Brubaker, 2001). Over time, interpretations of this dream have evolved, influenced by socio-economic shifts, cultural changes, and ongoing debates about equality and opportunity.

Historically, the American dream was associated with homeownership, steady employment, and financial security. Post-World War II America exemplified this vision, with a burgeoning middle class and expansive economic growth providing tangible opportunities for advancement (Tadlock, 2017). However, as the nation faced economic recessions, rising inequality, and barriers such as systemic racism and education disparities, the attainability of this dream became increasingly questionable for many marginalized groups. Discussions around literacy and higher education reveal that access to quality education remains a critical factor in realizing the American dream. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), educational attainment significantly influences economic mobility, yet disparities persist based on race, class, and geographic location (NCES, 2022).

Literacy is a foundational element for participation in the modern economy and society. The ability to read, write, and critically analyze information enables individuals to navigate complex social and economic landscapes. Research by the OECD underscores that literacy directly correlates with employment opportunities, earning potential, and civic engagement (OECD, 2019). Nonetheless, many Americans face obstacles such as inadequate primary education, language barriers, and socioeconomic disadvantages that hinder their access to literacy development, thereby limiting their pathways to upward mobility and fulfilling the American dream (Comings & Johnson, 2019).

Higher education has traditionally been viewed as a gateway to the American dream, promising socioeconomic mobility and personal growth. Yet, in recent decades, the rising costs of college tuition, student debt, and unequal access have challenged this notion. The Pew Research Center reports that a college degree no longer guarantees economic stability as it once did, especially given the burgeoning student loan crisis and employment insecurity (Pew Research Center, 2020). These issues reveal that the American dream, once rooted in the idea of equal opportunity through education, now often appears elusive for many low-income and minority students.

Furthermore, the cultural and economic landscape continues to influence perceptions of whether the American dream still exists. Scholars like Michael Sandel argue that widening inequality and decreasing social mobility threaten the foundational ideals of fairness and opportunity (Sandel, 2012). In contrast, some posit that the American dream has simply shifted from material success to ideals of inclusivity, community, and personal fulfillment (Kangas & Pikkanen, 2014). Personal narratives of individuals pursuing diverse aspirations demonstrate that while some find success, others confront systemic barriers that hinder their progress. These stories exemplify that the dream is complex and multifaceted, shaped by ongoing societal changes.

Reflecting on current discussions, my understanding of the American dream has evolved from viewing it as a universally attainable goal to recognizing it as a more nuanced, individualized pursuit. The idea that anyone can succeed through perseverance remains inspiring, but it must be tempered with an awareness of the structural obstacles that impede many Americans' progress. Personally, I believe the American dream still exists, but it requires a collective commitment to addressing inequalities in education, employment, and social justice. Incorporating accessible literacy programs and affordable higher education initiatives can help bridge gaps, ensuring that the dream remains within reach for future generations.

In conclusion, the American dream continues to symbolize hope and opportunity, yet its realization depends heavily on societal efforts to create equitable paths for all. By fostering a more inclusive approach—emphasizing literacy, education access, and systemic reform—we can work toward revitalizing the promise that the United States assures its citizens. The key lies in acknowledging the barriers while embracing diverse aspirations, thereby ensuring that the American dream remains a viable and meaningful pursuit.

References

• Brubaker, R. (2001). Making a Difference: The American Dream in Contemporary Society. Journal of American Studies, 35(4), 543-561.
• Kangas, A., & Pikkanen, J. (2014). Redefining the American Dream: Hope, Achievement, and Modern Aspirations. Journal of Cultural Studies, 29(2), 210-226.
• NCES. (2022). The Condition of Education: The Impact of Education on Economic Mobility. U.S. Department of Education.
• OECD. (2019). Literacy for the 21st Century: A Deeper Dive. OECD Publishing.
• Pew Research Center. (2020). The State of Higher Education and Student Debt; Trends and Challenges. Pew Research Center.
• Sandel, M. (2012). What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Tadlock, M. (2017). The Post-War American Dream: A Historical Perspective. American Historical Review, 122(2), 420-439.