Poverty and the American Dream
Poverty and the American Dream
Research Paper Final Draft
Jeffery White
English 101
Section 7
December 20,2012
The American Dream has driven many people for a long time. The dream has been presented in Hollywood movies showing a family or person striving to succeed in America. When the dream is mentioned it is done so as a powerful symbol inspiring a whole nation of immigrants. However, the “Dream” is misleading because it implies there is only one rather than many. Moreover, there are many perceptions of the American Dream and its fulfillment depends on culture, age and citizenship. This misperception of the American Dream has led to the downfall of many immigrants who came in search or pursuit of the American dream. For example the lack of opportunities in the United States has prevented individuals to a proper education and well paying job. Someway along the road, they succumbed to the many distractions and or unclear subliminal messages, which can be changed through the provision of education. Regardless, for many it has been an unfulfilled dream or as many whom chose to return to their native lands or simply give up, it is for them the “misperception of the American dream” and how it leads to economic poverty.
“What happens to a dream differed?” This question begins a very famous and insightful poem by American poet Langston Hughes. With this question Mr. Hughes highlights in my mind that there is no ONE American dream but multiple that can either facilitated or differed (Harlem, 1998) A 2004 survey by the National League of Cities found that majority of the participants (23 to 65 years old) defined the American dream in terms of “material prosperity.” “For many of the older participants financial abundance takes second place to quality of life in their vision of the American dream. “They were focused on the health aspect and the ability to enjoy good health. On the other hand, “over 45 percent of the younger respondents believe that living in
Research Paper Final Draft
Jeffery White
English 101
Section 7
December 20,2012
The American Dream has driven many people for a long time. The dream has been presented in Hollywood movies showing a family or person striving to succeed in America. When the dream is mentioned it is done so as a powerful symbol inspiring a whole nation of immigrants. However, the “Dream” is misleading because it implies there is only one rather than many. Moreover, there are many perceptions of the American Dream and its fulfillment depends on culture, age and citizenship. This misperception of the American Dream has led to the downfall of many immigrants who came in search or pursuit of the American dream. For example the lack of opportunities in the United States has prevented individuals to a proper education and well paying job. Someway along the road, they succumbed to the many distractions and or unclear subliminal messages, which can be changed through the provision of education. Regardless, for many it has been an unfulfilled dream or as many whom chose to return to their native lands or simply give up, it is for them the “misperception of the American dream” and how it leads to economic poverty.
“What happens to a dream differed?” This question begins a very famous and insightful poem by American poet Langston Hughes. With this question Mr. Hughes highlights in my mind that there is no ONE American dream but multiple that can either facilitated or differed (Harlem, 1998) A 2004 survey by the National League of Cities found that majority of the participants (23 to 65 years old) defined the American dream in terms of “material prosperity.” “For many of the older participants financial abundance takes second place to quality of life in their vision of the American dream. “They were focused on the health aspect and the ability to enjoy good health. On the other hand, “over 45 percent of the younger respondents believe that living in
References: Chiteji, N. (2006). African Americans and Poverty. In M. Odekon (Ed.), Encyclopedia of World Poverty (Vol Harlem. (1998). In M. R. Napierkowski & M. Ruby (Eds.), Poetry for Students (Vol Johnson, L. A. (2001, March 18) “The ‘American Dream’: A Delusion?” Retrieved from: www.sunfell.com Keys, S. (2006). Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. In G. M. Martin, P. (2011). Immigration Reform. In M. Shally-Jensen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues (Vol Poverty Reduction. (2007). In Encyclopedia of Governance (Vol. 2, pp. 733-736). Rojas, D (2012, December 14) Personal interview with Steven Moronta Smith, J Van de Rijt, A. (2008). American dream. In V. N. Parrillo (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social Problems (Vol