Neither statistics nor assorted interviews can give a complete picture, but the image they’re sketching isn’t pretty. Washington Post staff writers Carol Morello and Peyton Craighill, along with research analyst Scott Clement, used both methods to present an up-to-date portrait of the current state of the American Dream. Their report was published in the paper in September 2013.
Read it here: Morello, Craighill, and Clement, "More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream”
- Morello and co-authors present divergent views on the current state of the American Dream. What is their own view? Where and how is it expressed most clearly?
- In the first few paragraphs, Morello and co-authors are painting a bleak portrait. Yet some of their interviewees present more hopeful views. What does the inconsistency contribute to the article as a whole? How do the authors balance these opposing pictures? Do they do so effectively? Why or why not?
- The authors offer several types of evidence about the current state of the American Dream. Which piece of evidence is most persuasive to you and why? Did any of the evidence seem unnecessary? Was any important evidence missing? Please explain.
- Read (or re-read) the essays by Cal Thomas and Brandon King in Chapter 18 of your textbook. Which of the two authors would agree more with Morello and co-authors? Why do you think so? Point to specific examples in the essays to support your reasoning.
- A variety of people were interviewed for the article. Imagine that there will be a Part 2 and that you will be one of the interviewees. Using this article and the interview responses in it as your They Say, and write an essay in which you speak to the questions you think were asked of the original interviewees. Imagine you are all sitting together having a conversation. How would you respond to their perspectives and add your own? Explain your reasoning.
They Say I Blog 
Dmitriy Klyagin
English 205
Professor Safdie
July 21, 2014
Are we slipping?
1. Fortunately, the author and co-authors did not provide their own opinions. This careful piece of writing of different perspectives of view on the issue allows it to be transparent and unbiased.
2. I don’t believe that the selection of interviewees was inconsistent but the complete opposite. This careful selection allows it to show different sides of the issue regarding the American Dream. It allows the reader to become engaged with the writing by relating with one of the sides. However, I do feel there were more negatives than positives regarding the economy in the article. This is mostly due to the fact that negatives were presented with concrete statistics and comparisons while the positives were mostly presented with the use of positive interviews.
3. The author provides several key important statistics and comparisons. However, I found this to be the closest representation of a summary on the issue;
“Washington gets the most blame in the poll for the lack of good-paying jobs. Nearly seven in 10 people cite political gridlock as a top culprit, followed by competition from cheap overseas labor. More than half say the Democratic and Republican parties as well as President Obama are not offering effective solutions to help the middle class.
Democrats are more likely than Republicans to pin the blame on high executive pay, Wall Street and corporations not investing enough. Republicans are more likely to cite high business taxes and regulations, the cost of health care and American workers themselves.” (Morello)
Washington is at fault and it has been proven time and time again regarding their policies. The divide is too sharp between the democrats and republicans on issues that concern all the people of America. Instead of compromising and moving forward, nothing gets done. I feel that the author and the co-authors provided a good amount of statistics and interviews in order for the reader to form their own opinion. Nothing has been left out or missing and nothing needs to be removed or changed. The article is for the lack of a better word; raw. It provides statistics, polls, interviews, and comparisons. The rest is on the reader.
After reviewing both of essays, “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream” by Carol Morello, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement and “The Hourglass Society” by Stewart Lansley, I must say that I do not enjoy thinking about this issue. I have studied politics since I was a teenager and since then I came to a conclusion. America has a very bright, gorgeous, and hot flame. However, this flame is bright, gorgeous, and hot because it burns faster and uses more fuel. In other words, America hasn’t paced itself with the economy properly unlike the nations of Europe that have withstood time. America can still be considered new and fresh country that hasn’t experienced the same trials as other nations. The government hasn’t played their hand slowly and effectively but rather rashly and unpredictably.
While I do see a possibility of redemption in our economic prosperity, I believe it will be short lived. There needs to be way too many radical ideas implemented concerning the wages, medicare coverage, social security, and taxes, to have a long sustaining future. Right now, we are on a very thin gray line that people choose to overlook in hopes of believing that the recession is over. It’s not and won’t be while we have a seventeen trillion dollar debt.
As for myself, I will continue to strive towards a better future for myself and my family. I believe that hard work and perseverance can go a long way towards success. However, even while striving, I am continuously reminded that there are, with each semester of school, more educated people without jobs. Will I make it in time before there is too much competition in order to achieve my American Dream?
Works Cited
Morello, Carol, Peyton M. Craighill, and Scott Clement. “More People Express Uncertainty in Chance to Achieve the American Dream.” Washington Post. The Washington Post, 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 21 July 2014. .
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In the first few paragraphs, Morello and co-authors are painting a bleak portrait. Yet some of their interviewees present more hopeful views. What does the inconsistency contribute to the article as a whole? How do the authors balance these opposing pictures? Do they do so effectively? Why or why not?
2.) I think the inconsistency helps the article rather then hurt it. The opposing viewpoints on the American Dream show that their are different experiences going on in this country right now. The author presents these opposing pictures by including examples of different experiences. I think this is effective because it supports the claim that the american dream is starting to become less attainable, or easily taken away. This is balanced with people in the article who have a more hopeful view, people who think they may be able to rise above the faltering American Dream. Isn’t that what the american dream should be about? Making it through hard times and coming out a better and stronger person? Maybe it needs to be defined differently these days.
3.)The authors offer several types of evidence about the current state of the American Dream. Which piece of evidence is most persuasive to you and why? Did any of the evidence seem unnecessary? Was any important evidence missing? Please explain.
The most persuasive piece of evidence are the statistics presented. They represented a factual example of the fear that many americans are feeling right now. “More than six in 10 workers worry they will lose their jobs because of the economy”(Morello). The statistics are supported with actual example of people struggling in today’s economy. This gives a face to all doubt felt about the American Dream. The most personable was the example of Mary Edwards, the former stay at home mom who had to return to the workforce after her husband was laid off.
” ‘My dream has gone out the window,” said Edwards, 56, a former stay-at-home mom who reentered the workforce doing inventory at a firm near her home in Martinsburg, W.Va”(Morello). Using that quote from Edwards further supports the authors claim. I do not believe any evidence in the article was unnecessary.
Work Cited:
Morello, Carol. Clement, Scott and Craighill, Peyton M. “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream.” The Washington Post. 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 23 July 2014.
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Xuan Ta
English 205
Professor Joseph Safdie
07/24/2014
Respond to question 2
I believe that the inconsistency does not make any mistake, but helps the article pull the attention of many readers. The opposing viewpoints on the American dream are carefully selected and help to show many different sides of the issue. Besides, these different sides will allow readers to connect with the article wherever they find themselves relate to one of any sides here. The inconsistency is very effective. It helps support the authors’ claim that the American dream is not easy to achieve. On the other hand, to balance these opposing pictures, the authors also use the hopeful views of people who think they can move forward and achieve the American dream.
Respond to question 3
The authors offer several types of evidence about the current state of the American Dream. I believe that all evidences in the article support the author’s claim really well and they are all necessary. Many important or key evidences are provided here. However, the most persuasive piece of evidence in the article is the statistics which said “six in 10 workers worry they will lose their jobs because of the economy” (Morello). It shows the uncertainty of the American dream really clear.
Beside, using personal quotes is also persuasive. For example, using a quote of Jim Betterwick which said “I’m not sure if I can retire at 66; I think I might have to work a lot longer” (Morello), or another quote of Mary Edwards which said “My dream has gone out the window” (Morello) further supports the authors claim.
My feelings about the “American Dream”
After reading two essays, “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American dream” by Carol Morello, Peyton Craighill, and Scott Clement, and “The hourglass society” by Steward Landley, I feel so painful. I am sure many people have had a truly rough time. Is the “American dream” still alive? Well, it is not an easy question to answer, especially in this current times when full of uncertainty in our work and our lives.
The “American Dream” makes me recall to our own story. When my husband family moved from Vietnam to America in 1985, they had nothing more than their old clothes and about 50 dollars. When my husband asked his dad why he brought the whole family here, he always answered, “for a better opportunity”. Over the years as my husband grew up, serving as a waiter in a Chinese restaurant, delivering newspaper in a small town, he thought there was the formula for success and happiness in America. As he grew up and moved into his career, he worked even harder. He felt happy in his life. But then things changed, especially since 2008. He found himself stuck. He tried to figure out what happened to the American dream which his family came looking for not too long ago.
Well, whether in Vietnam, America, or any nation in the world, life is not linear. My husband had not gotten here in a straight line and he was not going to move forward in a straight line. There are no guarantees in America, only better chances. I and my husband recognize that while many people may have lost “American Dream”, it still remains in our family. It is because, in American, we have choices and chances which we did not have in Vietnam. I believe the “American Dream” is still alive in each of us who wish to move forward and try to build a better America.
Work Cited
Morello, Carol. Clement, Scott and Craighill, Peyton M. “More People Express Uncertainty in Chance to Achieve the American Dream.” Washington Post. The Washington Post. 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 23 July 2014.
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The bleak versus hopeful concept can be seen as a coexisting relationship. I believe that although there are views of the economy that are negative, there has to be hope for the future, especially from those of a younger generation, in order to maintain a positive outlook on our society’s future. This difference in thought contributes reasons for readers to come to their own conclusion about their financial future; instead of having one side of a very complex issue. I think they do an effective job of balancing both aspects of the subject, although, I think it would have been even more though-provoking if the set-up of the article placed a negative story, followed by a positive story, and so on. Even though there was a “dash” of optimism, the article stills ends up saying, “But for all the optimism of youth, nearly one in six Americans younger than 30 do not believe they will pull ahead financially in the near future” (Morello). But I say that even though times look disastrous in the future, the best step anyone can do is to educate themselves on what is happening, and take further steps to mitigate what could happen to them financially. Every situation is different, but I refuse to believe that this article is tells the entire story of our future.
The evidence given concerning the American Dream is only as valuable as the time period it covers. Yes; if you asked someone about homeownership 50 or even 25 years ago, they would have said that “owning a home is a cornerstone of the American Dream” (Morello). But I do not believe you can compare the world of 2000s to the world or the 1950’s – 80’s. Our world is constantly changing, and you either have to change with it, or influence its change in a positive direction. Either way, the concept of financial success is different now. Homeownership, today, is not always the best choice for people; as it may have been decades ago.
Work Cited
Morello, Carol. Clement, Scott and Craighill, Peyton M. “More People Express Uncertainty in Chance to Achieve the American Dream.” Washington Post. The Washington Post. 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 25 July 2014.
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The American Dream
1) Morello and co-authors present divergent views on the current state of the American Dream. What is their own view? Where and how is it expressed most clearly?
In the first few paragraphs, Morello and co-authors begin with is a dystopian view of how we as Americans view the current “American Dream.” I believe they agree with the majority of the individuals surveyed based on whom they chose to quote throughout their article. There was one voice describing trust in the American Dream, as he will make more than his farmer father. In the first paragraph when referencing the American Dream elusive, a description that made the authors’ view very apparent
2)In the first few paragraphs, Morello and co-authors are painting a bleak portrait. Yet some of their interviewees present more hopeful views. What does the inconsistency contribute to the article as a whole? How do the authors balance these opposing pictures? Do they do so effectively? Why or why not?
The difference in opinions is using a technique known as planting a naysayer. It is important when creating a point to recognize opposing views otherwise one can sound closed-minded. Including other arguments makes the author look like a broad-minded person who is open to other ideas or is open to debate. Likewise the authors included many views that reinforce their point that the majority of Americans are feeling farther from the American Dream than in the past. Including opposing views can turn off readers as well creating an inconsistency in message but I felt the authors did this effectively. When quoting someone hopeful about the economy the writer returns with a counterpoint: “But for all the optimism of youth, nearly one in six Americans younger than 30 do not believe they will pull ahead financially in the near future.”
I personally still believe in the American Dream. But like the others I am more worried each day that the Dream is drifting farther away. I never had dreams to surpass my parents income but did expect to have my children grow up in the middle class environment like I did. I am already a little behind “the dream.” I am still unmarried without a family and do not have a bachelors degree. All things my parents had at my age. I do agree with both articles that believe the arguments in Washington are making the inequality in our nation worse not better
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I don’t think the authors presented their views or opinions but rather other peoples, to be unbiased.
I believe the inconsistency doesn’t hurt the article but benefits it. As for the opposing viewpoints on the American dream, the different accounts shows that each citizen has unique experiences which allows the readers to connect with the claims, therefore; the inconsistency is effective due to the support of the authors’ claims that the American dream is difficult to achieve. The authors balance the opposing picture by presenting view of the people who believe that the dream is obtainable.
The authors provided several types of evidence about the current state of the American dream. The most persuasive evidence us the statitistics that states “more than six in 10 workers worry they will lose their jobs because of the economy”(Morello). This quote allows the readers to understand that the American dream cannot be reached without extremely working hard or cannot be reached at all.
After reading the essays “More People Express Uncertainty in Chance to Achieve the American Dream” by Morello, Craighill, and Clement, and “The Hourglass Society” by Steward Lansley, I felt absolutely blessed that my family is not struggling to pay their bills and is not living paycheck to paycheck like many of the people in this society. I also felt pained by other people’s suffering due to the economy and want to help out in some way so ease their pain. However, even though a many of people in this nation endure loss of money, I still believe there is hope in achieving the American dream but making it is going to be rare.
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Vanessa Duenas
English 205
Joe Safdie
July 27, 2014
The American Dream
2) I think the inconsistency in the article helped it instead of bring it down. By showing different viewpoints, the authors showed that there are different experiences that can happen when trying to achieve the American Dream. The authors balance the opposing pictures by placing more positive view points through the article. Everyone has a different experience when it comes to going after the American Dream and the authors show this by placing both positive and negative experiences in the article. I think by placing different experiences of the opposing pictures shows, that for some, the American Dream isn’t in reaching distance like it used to be years ago. However by the authors placing more positive pictures in the article it shows that the typical look of the American Dream has changed over the years but can still be achieved.
3) I think that all of the evidence that was presented was necessary and help support the article. The most persuasive piece of evidence were the statistics presented for example, “More than six in 10 workers worry they will lose their jobs because of the economy”(Morello). This statistic shows how uncertain many Americans feel about the American Dream in present time. Many of the statistics that were presented were followed by examples of real people who have struggled with the American Dream. An example of this would be from Jim Butterwick, 61, who says, “We’re told almost every day to lower our expectations. I’m not sure if I can retire at 66. I think I might have to work a lot longer”(Morello). Jim Butterwick owned a graphic design company but had close it and ended up becoming a substitute teacher.
I personally still believe in the American Dream but in more of a scene of having a job, no debt, a reliable car, and a happy family. However I do think that the chance of all those things happening can slip away in a minute. I am already beyond parts of the American Dream then my parents were at my age and in some parts behind. I have a job, reliable car, no debt, but I don’t have a family yet like my parents did at my age. With everything that goes on now a days I am still working toward my future every day in hopes that I will one day reach my goals and be able to feel secure and live in the middle class level. There are still people out there that are stuck and don’t know how to move forward and for them, they might not see things the way I do and believe the American Dream as a thing of the past.
Work Cited:
Morello, Carol. Clement, Scott and Craighill, Peyton M. “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream.” The Washington Post. 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 26 July 2014.
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The Doubt of the American Dream
2. Within the first few paragraphs of the article, Morello and co-authors reasoning to be bleak, I believe, are to give a counter argument of what his or her hopeful interviewees are portraying for their American Dreams. The author’s inconsistency helps contribute to the article by providing a naysayer’s point of view of the positive and reinforcing view of these people’s American Dream. One way the authors balance these opposing pictures is by providing quotes of both hopeful and less hopeful interviewees, even though their stance on the issue is that most Americans are not as ambitious about obtaining and living the American Dream. When talking about the ongoing struggle of American’s being far out of reach of the American Dream in the subsection “An intensifying struggle”, the authors format the interviews of those struggling along with interviews of interviewees who are hopeful. For example, the authors mention the positive views of young, 19-year-old Mitchell Baker who is hopeful for providing himself a better living standard than of his father’s through hard work and connections through his fraternity. However, before this interview, it is mentioned previously a few paragraphs above how one elderly interviewee wishes to die and leave some estate money for their grandchildren to live on rather than wasting that money on living in a nursing home. From these examples, the author’s balance between the opposing pictures helps give their readers an accurate view of what other American’s believe the American dream is about in both negative and positive aspects.
3. One piece of evidence the author’s mention about the current state of the American Dream that was most persuasive to me is how they mentioned statistics relating to receiving a college education and it’s effects of finding a job in today’s economy:
And while education is still seen as a critical part of getting ahead, the dream of a college degree has lost some of its appeal over three decades. Just over half now say going to college is very much part of the American Dream, down from 68 percent who said this in 1986. More than three-quarters say it has become more difficult to pay for college in the past few years, and over half believe colleges are not doing enough to prepare students to find jobs in today’s economy.
This caught my attention because as a college student myself, I feel that it is true that the appeal of getting a good education has lost value because of how colleges aren’t helping enough to better prepare us for a financially stable future. I feel that colleges are representing the American Dream in a less realistic point of view for college students by telling he or she to be more ambitious and chase our dream job rather than being more blunt to the fact that most student’s dream jobs will most likely not keep them financially stable and also have to work harder for nothing more than to keep a steady lifestyle through struggle. To support my statement, the authors provide a quote from interviewee David Borck who states how he was told in school to work hard to get what you want but end up getting nothing for working:
The American Dream I always was told about in school was you work hard, you study hard and you’ll be able to do whatever you want to do,” he said. “But now you’re given things for doing nothing, and you get nothing for working. (Borck)
I believe that this article had no unnecessary or important evidence missing. They gave a clear view of both positive and negative aspects of the American Dream and by giving multiple examples of both sides through an interview process and statistics helps give reader’s a better understanding of the American Dream among today’s economy
Works Cited
Morello, Carol, Peyton M. Craighill, and Scott Clement. “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream.” The Washington Post. 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 28 July. 2014.
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Morello and co-authors present divergent views on the current state of the American Dream. What is their own view? Where and how is it expressed most clearly?
Morello and the co-authors begin this article by painting a very grim picture of the current American reality. Even though the authors don’t directly state their opinions in this article; the quotes and people they chose to interview would suggest they do agree with this idea of uncertainty we face. Their views seem to be most strongly expressed throughout the first few paragraphs; they chose to start the article with data and evidence used to suggest that the economy hasn’t improved much since the recession, and to show how this has affected the opinions of many Americans. For example the authors stated, “Many Americans say they have not recovered from the recession of 2007 to 2009, according to the poll of 1,509 adults” (Morello). This is a great way to introduce their subjects who all have heart breaking stories about the recession and how they are still affected. I found both the evidence and the use of ethos throughout this article to subtlety convey the authors opinions.
In the first few paragraphs, Morello and co-authors are painting a bleak portrait. Yet some of their interviewees present more hopeful views. What does the inconsistency contribute to the article as a whole? How do the authors balance these opposing pictures? Do they do so effectively? Why or why not?
The inconsistency between their interviewees’ opinions, was used to present a different demographics opinion on the same topic. If you notice all of these optimistic views are given by people under the age of 30 and many of them were college students. I think this inconsistency helps create dimension in the article and offers another viewpoint on the subject. However, I don’t feel that the authors balanced these two opposing ideas. The negative responses were backed up with statistical evidence showing that the economy was still affecting Americans. Where as the data shown with the more optimistic comments only showed that many people under the age of 30 were in agreement about their fate; because of these imbalances I feel that they did not show these ideas effectively. They were effective in showing that even despite some opinions, the American dream is becoming harder to reach.
Works Cited
Morello, Carol, Peyton M. Craighill, and Scott Clement. “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream.” The Washington Post. 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 28 July. 2014.
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In discussions of the American dream, a controversial issue is whether it is still the same or has the definition changed for many Americans. While some argue that it is still the same and can be achieved, others contend that it is hard to achieve it this day in age.
If I had been one of the interviewers, I believe the first question would have been, what is your idea of the American Dream? In reading this article it seemed like many Americans had the same idea. I would have to agree with their idea that it consists of a house with a white picket fence and the ability to achieve your goals for financial stability in order to care for your family. This used to be the American Dream, from the responses of the interviewees, I can tell their ideas have changed. Now days, Americans worry about how they will ever be able to achieve the standard of the American Dream. In the article, Ken Reichard states, “The American Dream used to be a white picket fence and a house. Now most people are just happy to make the mortgage.” Reichard explains how the idea of home ownership was the key component to achieving the American Dream and now days, most Americans are barely able to keep up on their mortgage loans. I would agree with Reichard because when I used to work as a bank teller two years ago, I heard many stories about how people were barely able to afford their homes.
Another question that might have been asked was, what worries you about trying to achieve the American Dream today? There seemed to be four areas of concern: financial stability, success at work, losing one’s job due to the economy, and worries for the next generation’s standard of living. Although many Americans are worried about what the future holds, there was one idea that many still believed in. The idea that putting in the hard work will help you be successful. For example, there was a college student that told the story of how this idea had been instilled in him by his parents since he was younger, and he had a bright outlook on his future because of it. In the article, you could gather that young Americans (18-39) still believed in the American Dream as long as you put the hard work in, it’s definitely achievable.
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These conclusions, which Morello, Craighill, and Clement discuss in the article, add weight to the argument that as years pass and as we get closer to the future, the American dream changes due to state of society and the lessening amount of opportunities. As it is mentioned in the article, people think that if you work hard enough and get a good education, you will have a lot of job opportunities and a bright, stable future. However, that is not the case anymore since job opportunities are dwindling and they are becoming harder to find. The future of the next generation is supposed to be better economically but based on the statistics provided by this article, most people worry that they will not be able to pay the bills or find jobs. The authors state that people, mostly the middle-class, are trying to achieve something that is far less than the American dream and more realistic, yet is is still difficult. Adding to Morello’s argument, I would point out that nowadays, people are just working and paying off their bills, or taking care of their family, with the money they earn. People do not even have the chance to try and achieve the American Dream. In order for us to reach this dream and turn it into reality, some things have to change.
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The evidence definitely shows that the “American dream” is slowly fading away. People are going to college to find better paying jobs in the field and that is becoming unrealistic. There are little to no jobs left. Jobs are running out and the one you usually end up with after college is the one you are stuck with. People expect to upgrade in their jobs but that is now not necessarily an option. Adding to Morello’s argument, I would like to point out that the little money families are making, they are either spending on their student debts or paying off bills they owe for their regular daily needs. Its hard out there these days. Speaking from my beliefs, after I graduate high school, I expect to go off to college and eventually find a decent job out in the field I chose to major in. Looking at all these facts, that may not be as easy as I thought. There are little to no jobs and people are fighting for them. When i get older I want to have kids and be able to afford my life with a house, and be able to take vacations and have the “American dream” life. I still hope and pray that that opportunity will come to me, but the facts are showing it may not be that easy.
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From what Morello and the co-authors mentioned in the article, the stereotypical white picket fence “American dream” that everyone wants is sadly becoming unrealistic. In order to get that perfect lifestyle, you would need a job with a good salary, yet people are already struggling to find jobs in today’s society. With the amount of debt and bills people have to pay, it’s nearly impossible to have financial freedom these days. Adding to what Morello said, it’s true that in order to “prove” you’re good at something, it’s necessary to go to college. After I graduate, I plan on going to college and getting a decent career, and hopefully by that time the financial circumstances improve. I would love to be able to live the “American dream” lifestyle and never be in debt, but with the facts Morello and co-authors stated, that dream is proving to be more difficult than expected.
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After reading their article, the reader can clearly see that all three writers; Morello, Craighill, and Clement agree that as the United States is moving towards its future, and as it progresses technologically, the American dream is slowly diminishing. Now, instead of having the American dream being a house surrounded by a white picket fence and family, people are struggling to make ends meet. Although some people may seem to disagree, I agree with the fact that the American Dream is slowly dying, and in order to achieve it many things have to change. People are spending their days more at work than with their families, and the good relationships that people would have had with their families don’t exist anymore. Hopefully when I graduate, this changes and the American dream will be easier to achieve for people, although I continue to have doubts that this will occur.
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Morello and her fellow writers of the article make their point clear to us that the American Dream is slowly but surely dying. It is made clear that more and more people today have been struggling financially and not being able to provide for their families. I agree that the American Dream is dying, a point that needs emphasizing since so many people still believe in the American Dream. My view, however, contrary to Morello has argued, is that the reason why it is dying is because we’ve taken education for granted and no longer apply ourselves the way we should. I take my education as seriously as I can while some ignore the fact that in some places, it is a delicacy or even illegal for kids to get an education. People are lazy and not taking the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. My Grandfather came over to America with nothing to his name. Today he owns a Restaurant and works a managerial position at the Eastern States Exposition. The American Dream is still around, but we are letting it die.
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According to all three authors, the American dream is slowly vanishing as we progress towards the future. The American dream was originally owning a house with a white picket fence and so on, but it’s getting more and more difficult to achieve that. Relationships aren’t as strong, and work takes over our lives. I wholeheartedly endorse what they call the American dream, but I believe that things need to change in order for people to be able to reach that goal.
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Morello and the other authors make it easy to see how the majority of Americans (themselves included) think the coveted ‘American Dream’ is fading away. Success is hard to come by now, and there are different ways to it. I completely agree with how people’s definitions of success will change throughout time. As the authors mention, many people are only obsessed with money. So, they go through their whole life with the goal of rising up the economic ladder. However, I disagree with the common person. I can see how the they think money is the most important. It almost guarantees comfort in life, with minimal worries on how they’ll put money on the table or pay their bills. I believe that success is measured in knowledge, because that is what I value most. I wholeheartedly agree with Craighill that “The luster of homeownership, which had been shorthand for the American Dream, is fading”. Homeownership is too basic for the majority of people, since most Americans are middle class. Those from the middle class want to rise to the upper class, because they will be looked upon by those “lower” than them.
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The article brings forth a problem not addressed aggressively enough by the general populous in our current period. The author sates the American dream isn’t dead(yet), but in some kind of bizarre transformation. Hard work doesn’t pay off the way it once did. The average Joe can tell you the American dream easily “The American Dream is to have your own house with a white picket fence, a dog running around the back yard and a happy family,” but really, how commonly is that seen anymore? I see the change. The dream is becoming to live without working. The goal is no longer that happy family with the white picket fence, but the parasitic life that so many lead. The author brings to light the critical issues surrounding the economy, job market, and general American mentality and the statements made are all too true.
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According to both Morello and her co-authors, the American Dream has changed. While it used to simply be a nice home with a safe and secure life, there are now much bigger worries and some people would be happy with just paying their mortgage. I agree with the author’s opinions, and that the American Dream is slowly dying as our economy changes. To achieve the American Dream, you need a good income and a steady job, maybe even one where promotions are possible. Unfortunately, this is nearly unattainable these days. In addition to the concern of jobs, everything is very expensive, such as college and mortgage. So much so that many are expected to have late retirements. To conclude, in my opinion, Morello and her co-authors have written an article that speaks the truth to many and warns young adults of the threatening future.
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I say that Morello and co-authors include views that are both positive and negative to make the reader think. If they included only one type of view, the reader might get a false idea on what the American Dream is (or what people perceive it to be), because to successfully argue a point you need counterarguments just as much as your main idea. Adding to Morello’s argument that the American Dream is changing, I would point out that the people are changing too. This claim is supported by what interviewee Rachel Bryant said, “I am the American Dream. But it’s not what it used to be. It was a lot easier for my mom and dad to get where they are than my generation. I’m scared to death for my children. They say Social Security is going to be running out. I’m worried to death where the country is going”. The evidence shows that yes, the American Dream is changing, but as a result of how the people are changing. America is obviously not so white-picket fency anymore.
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In their article titled, “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream”, Morello, Craighill and Clement discuss the varying opinions regarding the country’s economic state, and its effect on the success and ability to live comfortably of the middle class. According to 28 year old Rachel Bryant of Aurora, IL, “The American Dream is to have your own house with a white picket fence, a dog running around the back yard and a happy family.” I would agree, as my “American Dream” involves owning a house of my own, as well as a success in my career and a comfortable lifestyle. A majority of people today believe that the “American Dream” is becoming more “elusive”, or more difficult to achieve and maintain. Recent studies, as cited by the authors of the article show an increasing unease in the 30-70 age group regarding financial state and economic class. However, the same studies conducted on those aged 30 and younger contrast this, showing a surprising sense of positivity regarding their financial state, and hope that their economic status will rise in the future. I have not yet entered the economy as a working citizen, so I find it difficult to state my position on the matter. However, the alarming increase in worry and lack of hope for the country’s future gives me a sense of worry for my future. The authors reference the words of a few parents in their article, who display immense concern for their children’s future in the working class. Their concern, as well as the concern of large numbers of adults makes me unsettled and less excited for the future to come.
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The american dream is defined as a,“dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” Is this dream actually true? Are people achieving the american dream? Do you see Americans with a house, no mortgages, no debt, a degree, and a white picket fence? Instead what i started to see more and more on American faces is fear and stress. Why fear? Morello insists that “Fear of being thrown out of work is greater than it has been in polls taken since the 1970s. More than six in 10 workers worry they will lose their jobs because of the economy. Today’s worries exceed those in 1975”. Another point that Morello addresses is many American that want to retire actually don’t. Why? because in Morello’s discussions with these people they say at one point they had retirement money and lost most of it. The American Dream is starting to slowly shift away from its “old meaning” of success. That ethos still has meaning in the lives of most people, but on the other hand the definition is shifting for many. But many people still have faith and believe in this American dream. And so do I. With hard work and knowledge I think it is a dream that any person, any American willing to Accomplish can Accomplish and will accomplish. I love America even though we have flaws, but our successes and achievements are What defines this great country. Let’s make this American dream live on.
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In the article, “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream”, Morello, Craighill and Clement offer several evidences about the current state of the american dream. They say that the very definition of the American Dream — atleast for the middle class, has changed. It is not about having a home with a family and a dog. Now it is about paying mortgage successfully. Adding to their argument, I agree that yes, the definition has changed. People are struggling to climb up the economic ladder to a successful life, but I believe that the american dream is different for each person. I think the American Dream is the ability to have enough free time do anything. I do not believe that money is essential for the American Dream. Therefore, I value my education and knowledge I gain from it, as it can help to my American Dream.
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I would say that the authors of this article are right about how the decaying idea of the “American dream” is making people and our society feel uncertain about what is ahead. This simplistic idea of having everyone be able to rely on hard work for good opportunities and for everyone to have faith in a brighter future has been killed by the harshness and cruelty of what life is today. The main problem in our society is the lack of jobs and the high price for a decent education found in college. The system is a paradox, since one needs education for a job but the job one gets is mostly paying for the cost of education due to the crippling debt that comes with most student loans. How can one even hope for “a house with a white picket fence” when a person can barely make ends meet, due to how quickly debt can crush the very idea of livelihood? I wholeheartedly endorse what these authors said about the elusive American dream and we both seem to believe that the faith people have for this dream is fading, which puts our society in an uncertain position.
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According to both Morello and her co-authors, the “American Dream” which provided many Americans with hope and goals for the future is quickly slipping away. The United States is not what it used to be, and neither is its economy. Common people are not seeing improvement in their lives; in fact most are unhappy. They are constantly burdened with the task of paying the never-ending bills, and working two-three jobs that they have stopped enjoying their lives. The evidence shows that people under the age of thirty are able to keep a better, higher paying job and have more hope for the future than people over thirty. There aren’t as many jobs available to citizens as there once was; and the constant fear of being laid off lingers at the back of everyone’s mind. It does not help the fact either that there are thousands of people that are damaging the economy because, they would rather receive money for doing absolutely nothing than actually working. I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of the “American Dream” however, I’m not sure if in today’s economy it is achievable.
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“The American Dream” has always been an important vision and model for those living in America throughout the world. It’s been capable of pushing people to expand Westward, fight wars, and work hard at many other things, but it seems that nowadays, “The American Dream” has begun to lose some of its impact. The authors of this article and some of the interviewees are prepared to claim that it is simply too hard to find work and make a living for millions of people living in the U.S. They see our country’s economical climate as a bleak wasteland that suggests difficult times now and plenty more to come. While so many are ready to blame the difficulty of finding a job for the widespread unhappiness, I feel as though that would be comparable to a doctor blaming a symptom. The truth is the employment, taxes and bills, and any other troubling aspect of American life is a positive feedback loop that was created from another cause. What this underlying cause is could be debatable and difficult to determine, and its likely that its eradication would not lead to a direct and instant improvement of life for Americans. It could be that we have been so long through a time of relative peace (compared to an era like WW2 where employment rates were at a great high) that jobs are beginning to dwindle. It could likely be that we are entering a period of radical advancements where changes in the way we think and live are almost a daily occurrence. Some changes might have a negative impact of employment and salary. Even more likely is that it is a combination of these and more. Hopefully it is part of a worldwide cycle that we can break from and improve upon, but until things begin to better we may not know.
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According to the authors of the article, they claim that the American dream is dying and how it is becoming harder to make ends meet and make their family happy. The dream of owning your own house in a nice neighborhood with a happy family is slowly becoming harder and harder to come by. Most adults will tell you that they are still in debt from their college education which they went to get a good job and never be in debt. Education is valuable in order to achieve the American Dream but it also is becoming expensive. Nowadays even a 4 year education from college won’t get you that six figure job. Before in our parents generation even going to college for 2 years would be very beneficial and not as expensive. College is getting expensive and our population is growing. Its becoming harder to get in and harder to get out of the debt created afterward. The evidence shows that the American Dream is slowly dying because of the sacrifices people make for their education. Education is valuable and important but at what cost are you willing to sacrifice the life you want afterwards.
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The writers begin the article talking about how the American Dream is fading and how it just isn’t what it used to be. Then they go on to discuss real life problems citizens are facing and even though many of them show they are worried for their futures, some remain positive and still have hope for the future. The inconsistency throughout the article shows that it is a very controversial topic and that no one knows for sure what will happen in the future. Some people believe that we will never recover from the recession and the American Dream will never be the same, but others think that even though we are going through some tough times, that America will bounce back to what it was before. The authors balance the opposing pictures throughout the article by providing logic and reasoning behind both beliefs. They use surveys to show how more Americans think that the future will not improve and that they will not be financially stable again. The evidence shows that many people talk about how they are worried that they will run out of retirement money or that they will have nothing left to give to their children and grandchildren when they are gone. The authors then balance the opposing picture by discussing how those in their thirties are excited for the near future and think that their financial situations will only improve. I think the authors effectively show both sides of the argument because they provide many pieces of evidence from each side and they also use real life people who are dealing with these problems. Adding to Morello’s argument, I would point out that while some people are remaining hopeful and optimistic, these people are in college and they have not yet had to experience the difficulties that many older people are facing. They do not have to worry about retirement and if they will have enough money to survive, they are only focused on college and trying to make a career that will provide for them, even though many will end up not finding that.
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According to Morello, Craighill and Clement, the American Dream is becoming a meek vision that no one yearns for. My view however, contrary to what is argued by Morello, Craighill, and Clement, is that the American Dream has changed but has become no less appealing. The people interviewed who are ages 18-30 tend to agree with me according to the authors. We see first hand the rewards of going to college and finding a job that we’ve been promised our whole lives. The American Dream is about finding a job you love and having a happy family. The people in college and just out of college are the ones who fully appreciate the possibilities of the American Dream. If you work hard and follow your dreams the American Dream is reachable for you.
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In the Article, “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream”, many report that it is harder for them to live the way they want, than it was for the previous generation. From the statistics presented by Carol Morello, Peyton M. Craighill and Scott Clement it’s clear that the definition of American Dream is changing. Instead of enjoying “having a family, house, fence, and dog” many Americans struggle paying of debts. Adding to these argument, I would point out that by struggling to pay of the debts, a person has less time to enjoy the things they pay for. What’s the point of having a family if one doesn’t spend any time with their family? Nevertheless, I think that it is possible to achieve your dream, but it’s going to be harder because there is more competition.
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Morello is right that achieving the American Dream is more difficult than it has been in the past. The evidence even shows that this is so, and that people are worrying about it. My own view of what Morello thinks is a gowing problem is in fact just a fact of life. The “American Dream” is constantly changing along with the mediums of the day and age. Just because it may be “more difficult” to reach, does not mean we should lose hope in achieving it. And the data shows that there are still people that think the same way.
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The authors of this article discuss the controversial topic regarding the difficulty in achieving the American dream and how hard it is to make ends meet. Therefore, only a select few will achieve “The American Dream” in their lifetime. The “American Dream,” has always been a goal that most Americans’ want to achieve. Some people immigrate here in hopes of a better life and a chance to accomplish their own version of it. Most Americans will tell you nowadays that it’s increasingly difficult to make ends meet or find jobs that pay well. The evidence from the polls conducted show that it’s just simply too hard to find jobs while you’re piling up thousands of dollars in debt from college while most were trying to get an education to achieve “The American Dream.” Our “American Dream” is slowly fading away whilst losing its impact in American society.
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According research and interviews done by Morello and co-authors, most people described the American dream as living in a nice house with a family and the typical white picket fence. But how real is this American Dream, the authors asked. By looking at evidence supplied in the article, I have to say that I agree with the people that said this dream is no longer realistic. Nowadays it is hard to find a job let alone a well paying job. The authors seem to agree that the American dream is more unreachable than ever. To show their points they specifically took dialogue from other people to support their own opinions. Most people stated that the common American dream is unrealistic, thus supporting the opinion of the authors.
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After reading the article, you can clearly see that the “American Dream” is slowly fading away. According to Morello, Craighill, and Clement, more people are struggling to meet basic living expenses, and that bills are the only thing a majority of people worry about now. Along with this, the standards have gotten higher, along with the with struggling workplace. So many economic factor have played a part in having the “American Dream”, and even a good education won’t even be able to determine what will happen later on in life. I do agree, that it has become increasingly harder to climb the social ladder now a days then it was back then. Everything in cost has gone up, a good education is barely affordable, and the cost of living has skyrocketed. The “American Dream” is starting to become very out of reach and worries me to find out, the difference in the cost of living in the future years.
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In the generation of today the debate between pixel versus paper is very interesting. Paper is a priority in life because everyone can use paper unlike a computer not everyone is so fortunate to have one. But i also believe that pixel is very common in this age as well but I still find that paper is dominant and will remain dominant.
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Morello and the other authors contrast by either saying that the American Dream is either alive or dead. The evidence shows that there has been a drop in jobs and a drop in opportunities. But, from my point of view we live in an age where everything is done for us. I think people aren’t putting in as much effort as they could. I believe that the American Dream is still alive, people just have to realize that hard work pays off. While everyone relaxes you should work, while everyone sleeps you need to study and plan for the future. Yes, there is a lot of work required, but that’s the only way to achieve success. There are of course ways like inheriting a good status, but for the average middle-class, hard work is the way to reach success.
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According to both Morello and her co-authors in “American Dream”, the article allowed many citizens in America with goals for their future slowly slip away from themselves. The society today is nothing as it was say, 20 years ago. The world has changed drastically, and so have the people. People nowadays aren’t as happy as the could be. One example could be paying bills all the time. Another could be aging. They never have time anymore to just live. The evidence shows that people who are under the age of 30 are more capable to keep a well-paying job than people over 30. Not many jobs are great these days. To get a good job, you have to have a good education. And some people can’t afford to get a good education. For a good job, 8 years of school looks good for the employers. I know for a fact, that if I go to college for 8 years, I will be in debt for quite some time. I do side with Morello on this one, but I do think that today’s economy is that great.
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The once “American Dream” is beginning to fade to nothing more than just the American life. A life full of worrying about paying your bill or getting a decent paying job or going to college and even being able to pay for it. Life in America is no longer the place with opportunity and being able to do anything. Many people argue that the American dream is diminishing to nothing and Jim Butterwick puts it perfectly when he says “I think the safety nets that everybody counts on, like Social Security, are slowly being dismantled,”. Many people from the poll strongly agree with the sad fact that the generation growing up is having a harder time living the perfect relaxing American Dream style life. I am of two minds of Butterwick’s and the general population’s claim that our economy is spiraling down hill. On the one hand, I agree that the work environment is becoming much more hostile because of everyone worrying about possibly being let go and also the struggle to pay mortgages every month. But, on the other hand I’m not sure if this is just a pattern in our American history. Never has there been a perfect and calm economical standing in our history. Justin Mann’s reminds us that “everybody has had to make adjustments over the last four years. But on the whole, I think America is a good bet for the future. . . . The short term may have dips and swings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve what you want.” Mann is surely right about the fact that people need to adjust to our ever changing economy because hard work is really what you need to succeed.
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In recent discussions of the economy collapse, a controversial issue has been whether the economy will crumble or will it keep standing.On the one hand, some argue that the economy has started to fall and people are losing jobs. From this perspective more people will start losing jobs, and there will be no jobs. On the other hand however, others argue that the economy is still in good shape and there’s nothing to worry yet. In the words of Kimberly Amadeo, one of this view’s main proponents, “There are far more important things for you to spend your energy on than something that is highly unlikely to happen.” According to this view although the U.S. debt is high, won’t cause a collapse. Unlike Greece, the U.S. prints its own money. In sum,then, the issue is whether or not the economy will collapse or not.
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In Carol Morello’s article “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream”, she, her co-authors, and those negatively impacted by the recession create a rather dim outlook on America’s future, while some of their contributing participants provide more buoyant views. The diverse opinions on the future of the “American Dream” shows readers of this article that there is no definite answer to what the prospective American economy will be like. The authors balance these opposing pictures by providing facts and real-life accounts of people affected by the recession, as well as comments from the emboldened people entering the workforce in a post recession era. The authors do an effective job providing the reader with an unbiased end result by providing accounts from both sides of the argument. Anyone who reads the article will understand the hardships faced by Americans during and after the recession, but will also earn an appreciation for the change that can happen in the nation’s economy. The state of America, which Morello discusses in this article, adds weight to the discussion of the future of our children, and what the world that we leave them will be like. “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream” by Carol Morello and other contributors to The Washington Post details the adverse effects of the recession and the blithe future of a new workforce.
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Most Americans will tell you that the American “Dream” involves a white picket fence, two children, a beautiful wife, and a stable job. I believe the American Dream is over rated, but can become your personal success story based on what you define the american dream to be. In recent pressing matters, many people have been questioning the importance of culture and the different types of it. Real culture, what is actually happening and Ideal culture, what is viewed to be ideal and or Utopian. I see the idea of Ideal culture and the American dream the same way in a sense: they are what built this country from the ground up. Without the drive to be able to share your success story on conquering the American Dream, people wouldn’t work as hard as they did as expressed in the article: “Many people also still harbor an enduring faith that hard work is the surest path to success”(Morello). Morello later than recognizes that hard work along with education used to be associated with the American dream, but has dropped significantly over the course of time. The cost to attend college has sky-rocketed in the past ten years. Getting a(n) higher education has guaranteed no job once graduated, but has guaranteed the chance of having some form of debt. Although I do agree that the American dream has built this country from the ground up, I believe that it is an over rated idealistic goal that has caused many, if not most, Americans to be in debt and struggle to stay a float while being in fear of drowning.
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The authors offer several types of evidence about the current state of the American Dream. The evidence shows that the American Dream had changed over the last few decades. Morello and her co-authors are right that the American dream is not what it used to be. It used to be simply having a nice home, a successful career and a secure retirement. In modern times people are lucky to have a decent paying job, and financially stable people are harder to come by. My own view is that yes the meaning of success changes over time and that as times get harder standards and dreams are lowered. So, it makes sense that in times like these, beggars can’t be choosers. Sure we would all love a nice home , a successful career , and a debt free life.However, in times like these, that is looked at as unrealistic and foolish, selfish even. We are considered fortunate for having even a decent paying job and making it through college with minimal debt. Personally I feel that the old american dream is still attainable however it is against the odds that many people will ever be able to achieve it, its simply a matter of having a good work ethic and being self motivated because with those two things nothing is impossible even the highly esteemed and rarely achieved “old american dream”.
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Perhaps one of the most common goals that you will find among Americans when you ask them what they want in life is the “American Dream”. This all encompassing dream calls for a happy family, job, home, and of course, a dog. We are taught from elementary school that this is the life we should strive for, and the only way we are able to attain this life is strictly through hard work and education. Today, no matter how hard working someone may be, they may say that with the current economy that the American dream is an unreachable goal. The authors of the article “Working and Dreaming: Washington Post Checks in on the American Dream.” found that many American’s are losing faith on their ability to be happy just because they cannot achieve the American dream. These authors found the evidence shows that people either find it difficult to make ends meet, think they make less money than they deserve or will ever get, worry that they will lose their jobs because of the economy, or that their future generations will have lives that are harder and harder. I would point out that these worries are based on achieving the “American Dream” rather than achieving a happy life. Don’t see a difference? As said before, the “American Dream” is drilled into our heads at a young age. It’s a set template for life that we must follow to be happy. Those who are able to see past the life template know that you can be happy with what you have. These people are worrying because they believe they cannot be happy unless their life follows a direct path, but perhaps they would be happier if they dealt with the live they were given with positivity. I deeply understand stress and worrying, but that also means I know how to deal with it. I deal by escaping the life template. I know that as long as I do whatever I can in life, then I’ll find some sort of success. I do what makes me happy. You can’t base your life on a set template because just as the article says,” The short term may have dips and swings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve what you want.” You need to be able to stay positive with no matter what life brings you, and you’ll find that your entire life becomes positive.
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Morello talks about how the “American Dream” is quickly falling apart and the U.S. is much different than it used to be. Morello’s article shows that most people become unhappy, and think their lives do not ever get any better. Also, Morello’s evidence shows that people under the age of 30 are much more likely to maintain a better job and be happy with it then those over 30. Today’s economy and society’s uncertainty and lost hope in the american dream is what’s causing these problems. I completely agree with the fact that something needs to be fixed, and that it would be nice for people to be happy, be motivated, and to believed again. On the other hand, I agree with Morello, though. In our world today and in this economy, I don;t know if the “American Dream” could be achieved again.
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In “The American Dream”, Morello and her co-authors write about how the accomplishment of the American dream is viewed. Morello and her interviewees write about how, “the American Dream is to have your own house with a white picket fence, a dog running around the back yard and a happy family”. My view, however, contrary to what Morello has argued, is that the American dream is different between different people. People have different ideas on what being successful and being happy is. Achieving the ultimate dream is, in a sense, custom to each individual. Adding to this argument, I would point out that this also means there is different criteria to achieve the dream. Whether people are able to achieve their “American Dream” is dependent on what it is, and if it’s relevant to their lives. Morello overlooks the fact that everyone’s situation is different, which I consider to be an important point in her argument. I think that it is wrong to argue that less Americans today are able to achieve the American dream of owning a white picket fence, when that may not be the majority of people’s dream.
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In discussions of how present day society views The American Dream, Morello, Craighill, and Clement argue that the American Dream is being modified as time passes on.There continue to be less and less opportunities. As they mention in the article, that in the past many believed that hard work and a good education could get you very far in life. With the right amount of effort, your success will help to create a bright future, with a stable job, and a steady high income. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore. There seem to be less and less job opportunities in this economy, and it’s proved harder to keep a stable job. Future generations are supposed to grow to be better than past generations in all aspects including economics, but with the way things are going, statistics prove that that won’t be the case. Many people now worry that they won’t be able to find a job or pay their bills. The authors themselves discuss how the middle class doesn’t strive to fulfill the American dream, as much as to realistically just be able to make ends meet. But even just that, is deemed a struggle. Adding to Morello’s argument, I would point out that in today’s day and age, being able to pay the bills to support their family is just about all anyone can do. There is little chance to achieve the American Dream. If we want the American Dream to restate itself, America must make some changes.
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Morello, Craighill, and Clement discuss the “American Dream” in their article “More people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream”. I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of wanting to live the “Ameirican Dream”, but is it something that’s easily achievable? I agree with the claims made that as the years go by, it’s getting harder and harder for people to achieve their version of an “American Dream”. There are too many bills to pay, and paychecks not big enough to pay them off. The opportunities for jobs are also decreasing so it’s getting harder to find work that will allow you to make money to pay for necessities. Even people who have steady jobs find that they’re still worried about the amount of money they have, and many people work two to three jobs to make more money. On top of all that, college is another big factor for why people are worrying. College debt is unbelievably high, and many are worried about paying it off. College debt, bills, and other basic needs is enough to make any average person worry. In fact, almost eight in ten americans are worried they won’t have enough money saved for their retirement. I do agree that hard work and and education can lead you to a successful and stable future, but is it enough?
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Looking at Morello’s article the newer and the more open minded people are the more they want to maintain a better life. My view, however, contrary to what Morello has argued, is that American dream that people are trying to accomplish will still be hoped under people’s minds. Today as a community we struggle and fight for a better life although not everyone are as accomplished as others, to maintain a better condition for living.
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According to Morello, Craighill, and Clement in “…The American Dream”, they’ve done enough research and surveys to make the statement that more people express uncertainty in chance to achieve the American Dream, which in this case is a home and financial success. The evidence they express of the people they surveyed, shows that a majority of them have doubts about their future success, economically. More than half of these people have worries about paying off their mortgage and other financial bills, let alone having enough to live off of for retirement at around age 65. In response to these writers and their surveys, I agree with the fact that the American Dream is fading further and further away from each new generation. Along with what Morello, Craighill, and Clement state, college debt, mortgage, financial bills, and family savings is a large factor of what has been keeping people from pursuing their American Dream. Although the definition of ‘success’ and the ‘American Dream’ are changing its meaning in society, economic life on Americans is increasingly getting worse.
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In discussions of the “American Dream”, a controversial issue has been whether the American Dream has shifted into nothing but worrying about finances, bills, and job pay. While some argue that the American Dream is still a good example set for success, others contend that the American Dream is no longer what it used to be and people are starting to realize what it’s actually turning into. Mann’s assertion that America is a good bet for the future does not fit the facts. I agree that the American Dream has gone downhill for many people because people worry more about how they’re going to be able to afford a good paying job when they can’t even afford college rather than the problems they face on a daily basis throughout their life. Adding to Mann’s argument I would add that Bark is correct when he says, “The American Dream I always was told about in school was you work hard, you study hard and you’ll be able to do whatever you want to do,” he said. “But now you’re given things for doing nothing, and you get nothing for working.” In other words, Bark believes the “American Dream” is not what we were told when we were younger as it has now changed into a disaster that the adults in our lives never warned us about.
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