Then And Now American Dreams Analysis
Mana,
NPR Here and Now ‘Then and Now American Dreams”
Attn: Ethan Lindsey-Editor
1667 East Broadway Avenue
Boston, Mass. 10002
Dear Ethan Lindsey,
I am writing to voice my concern with your recent article and broadcast on NPR’s Here and Now show titled “Then and Now American Dreams” it leads the reader to believe the American dream is no longer attainable. The American Dream is an important part of our culture and has been since the time of the Declaration of Independence.
The American Dream is a phrase and believe coined in 1931 by James Adams he said this: “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” This quote was said during the times …show more content…
of the Great Depression and there was still optimism that one could achieve the American Dream in this country. Despite the economic impact on the U.S., American’s were given more opportunities for jobs during the First World War. The underlining theme had been around even before the 1930’s when in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in the Great Gatsby this:
In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, he told me, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.
In recognizing the meaning in the above, it is important to remember not everyone in this world even has the advantage or chance to have an American Dream. Obtaining anything close to this dream is far out of reach of most people in other countries around the world.
In your original article you interviewed Kenneth White a political scientist of Catholic University and he said point blank: “We have a lack of confidence by many Americans in the future of the country” This is coming from a man who edited a collection of essays called The American Dream in the 21st Century. I believe your article confuses a lack of confidence in the future of our country with the loss of The American Dream. If this confidence can ever change it will be because there are folks that still believe things will turn around and always get better in the end. How far would the frontiersman of gotten had they lost confidence as they headed West- probably no farther than the Mississippi River. In my opinion the American Dream means something different to all Americans it been around since the times of George Washington working hard and forging ahead, pulling yourself up by your boot straps- is more of what this dream is about. Where the confusion comes in and the lack of confidence is setting the bar so damn high that it seems as if it is unattainable. The American Dream has been distorted from Media and Entertainment, they say: even when you are rich and famous you still have to up the ante until it is over the top. Maybe just maybe the American Dream is hidden under all the glamour and glitter it’s not that it is gone or even confidence is lost.
The Dream is still very much alive and even despite the devalued American dollar these days similar to the Great Depression times it is flourishing.
“Only in America” is a phase the world knows, every single U.S. politician runs there campaign around this promise that they will make and keep America great. The fact that a person here can go to college and earn an education is also a sign that this dream is alive. How many folks from around the world come right here to the United States of America to get an education in order to guarantee their success? Over time it is difficult to track these numbers, but is this a lack of confidence problem or a truly failed dream. In 2009 our current President Barack Obama stated in his inaugural address that his career had been a fulfillment of the American Dream and ending that statement with “a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.” Only in America this statement has a thousand other different stories behind it similar to President Obama’s. As a news source like NPR and a reputation like yours and as the editor of such a show it is disappointing that you would further muddy the waters on a topic like our precious American Dream. Please don’t become like the Reality Television shows dumbing down the population with nonsense when it is still clear the American Dream is alive and
well.
In the future it would be refreshing if your show focused more on the idea that if one works hard, they still do have the right of prosperity and the pursuit of happiness. One does not have to lower their sights or believe they must win the mega millions lotto to succeed in America. This is still a country that with a bit of toughness and an education, a willingness to achieve what you want, one can still fully attain it. “Only in America” should be the title to your next show.
Sincerely,
Mana _______
All the Best, -s
NPR Here and Now ‘Then and Now American Dreams”
Attn: Ethan Lindsey-Editor
1667 East Broadway Avenue
Boston, Mass. 10002
Dear Ethan Lindsey,
I am writing to voice my concern with your recent article and broadcast on NPR’s Here and Now show titled “Then and Now American Dreams” it leads the reader to believe the American dream is no longer attainable. The American Dream is an important part of our culture and has been since the time of the Declaration of Independence.
The American Dream is a phrase and believe coined in 1931 by James Adams he said this: “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” This quote was said during the times …show more content…
of the Great Depression and there was still optimism that one could achieve the American Dream in this country. Despite the economic impact on the U.S., American’s were given more opportunities for jobs during the First World War. The underlining theme had been around even before the 1930’s when in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in the Great Gatsby this:
In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, he told me, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.
In recognizing the meaning in the above, it is important to remember not everyone in this world even has the advantage or chance to have an American Dream. Obtaining anything close to this dream is far out of reach of most people in other countries around the world.
In your original article you interviewed Kenneth White a political scientist of Catholic University and he said point blank: “We have a lack of confidence by many Americans in the future of the country” This is coming from a man who edited a collection of essays called The American Dream in the 21st Century. I believe your article confuses a lack of confidence in the future of our country with the loss of The American Dream. If this confidence can ever change it will be because there are folks that still believe things will turn around and always get better in the end. How far would the frontiersman of gotten had they lost confidence as they headed West- probably no farther than the Mississippi River. In my opinion the American Dream means something different to all Americans it been around since the times of George Washington working hard and forging ahead, pulling yourself up by your boot straps- is more of what this dream is about. Where the confusion comes in and the lack of confidence is setting the bar so damn high that it seems as if it is unattainable. The American Dream has been distorted from Media and Entertainment, they say: even when you are rich and famous you still have to up the ante until it is over the top. Maybe just maybe the American Dream is hidden under all the glamour and glitter it’s not that it is gone or even confidence is lost.
The Dream is still very much alive and even despite the devalued American dollar these days similar to the Great Depression times it is flourishing.
“Only in America” is a phase the world knows, every single U.S. politician runs there campaign around this promise that they will make and keep America great. The fact that a person here can go to college and earn an education is also a sign that this dream is alive. How many folks from around the world come right here to the United States of America to get an education in order to guarantee their success? Over time it is difficult to track these numbers, but is this a lack of confidence problem or a truly failed dream. In 2009 our current President Barack Obama stated in his inaugural address that his career had been a fulfillment of the American Dream and ending that statement with “a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.” Only in America this statement has a thousand other different stories behind it similar to President Obama’s. As a news source like NPR and a reputation like yours and as the editor of such a show it is disappointing that you would further muddy the waters on a topic like our precious American Dream. Please don’t become like the Reality Television shows dumbing down the population with nonsense when it is still clear the American Dream is alive and
well.
In the future it would be refreshing if your show focused more on the idea that if one works hard, they still do have the right of prosperity and the pursuit of happiness. One does not have to lower their sights or believe they must win the mega millions lotto to succeed in America. This is still a country that with a bit of toughness and an education, a willingness to achieve what you want, one can still fully attain it. “Only in America” should be the title to your next show.
Sincerely,
Mana _______
All the Best, -s