As busy adults, we all have long lists of responsibilities that leave little time for idle dreaming. Yet dreaming is exactly what public policy expert Cameron Smith is suggesting in this July 2014 column from Alabama.com. He isn’t talking about just any dream though; it’s the American Dream.
Read it here: Smith, "Keeping the American Dream alive is your responsibility and mine”
- Much of the public discourse about the American Dream these days focuses on personal circumstances and the declining financial well-being of many in this country; Smith takes a very different approach to the issue, one that is not so much individual as collective. How does Smith explain the American Dream? Do you agree with his approach? Why or why not?
- Throughout his essay, Smith uses the first person plural. Who is included (and excluded) in the “we”? Why might Smith have employed such a rhetorical strategy? Was the strategy effective? Why or why not?
- Read (or re-read) Bob Herbert’s essay in Chapter 18 of your text, and then read Cal Thomas’ response to Herbert. With whom might Smith agree more, and on what particular points? Why? Point to specific passages from each piece to support your answer.
- While Smith acknowledges that disagreements are inevitable, he asserts that all Americans “are heirs to the same dream.” Have a conversation about the American Dream with someone whose ideas, beliefs, values and/or goals are likely to be different from your own. Come prepared with a set of questions you would like to ask. Your questions and your manner should both be respectful; listen to their ideas with genuine care and without rebuttal. Then, write a profile essay in which you illustrate their idea of the American Dream and how achievable they believe it to be.
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Smith explains the American Dream as fading and needing policy solutions and political characters. I disagree slightly with Smith because Americans live in America to be free. We do not want rules or laws preventing us from doing what we want. However, if we did not have laws I feel that we would erupt into chaos. I view the American dream as living a free life with the average citizen calling the laws, with majority vote of course.
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In his piece, Cameron Smith tells us about the American Dream and how it’s slowly dwindling and becoming less of a goal that can be reached. Smith believes we should add more politics into the mix and add new policies to follow and abide by. I don’t think this is the correct route to go, it defeats the purpose of the name itself, The American Dream. When you see that, you think free, wealth, opportunity, and so forth. America was meant to be the nation to allow religious and political freedom. The general population should be polling and voting on issues that arise.
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Cameron Smith explains the American dream as something that is growing more and more intangible and and that it needs to be changed. Smith also pushes the idea that new policies, politics and constraints. I disagree with Smith’s point of view, in that there are already enough laws and policies in effect to control the population. Also, the American dream is open to interpretation and may not be the same for each person so no one point of view can say what is best for everyone.
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Cameron Smith talks about how everyone has this idea of an American Dream. Smith talks about how the idea of an American Dream is something that is fading and becoming harder to make reality than it was before. Smith states that, “we will wake up from the American Dream and realize it was nothing more than wishful thinking based on the past success of others.” He’s pretty much saying that the majority of people will never accomplish what they truly want out of life. I don’t think this is true. I think everybody has a different dream and a lot of them are very realistic whether it is to own their own house, apartment, car or to just simply have a family. I think a lot of people accomplish their American Dream and that is what draws so many people to want to come to the United States.
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In his article Cameron Smith talks about the American Dream and that some people think that it’s starting to fade away. I care to disagree. The American Dream can and does mean different things depending on who you talk to. To some, depending on their view may agree with Smith but others like me may think otherwise. Most people would agree on the fact that the American Dream is freedom. Smith states, “…that without the right policy solutions or political characters we will lose what has made us great.” Smith are you saying we need to change or make new policies? Say that we do, there could be a chance of our freedoms being taken away or limited. That there would take away the American Dream for many people. Freedom is what draws people to want to come to America. Another is that people accomplish their dreams everyday. Smith, not all dreams are impossible or out of reach, we just have to fight for them.
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Austin, I agree with what you are saying. Americans are here to live in a free world and they do not want to feel like they have to follow all of these rules and guidelines to live in America. Also, with what Alyssa is saying, dreams are something that can be reached in accomplished if the person is willing to fight for them and get to these goals. The American dream is not something that needs rules and structures that each individual has to follow but, people need individual rules and such so that they can achieve their own goals.
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Alyssa, I agree with you that everyone interprets the American Dream their own way. The American Dream is constantly evolving year to year and even then it is different based on who you ask. Like you said most people would say the American Dream is freedom but the discrepancies on what freedom is changes. For an immigrant freedom is much different that someone who has lived in America their entire life. Alyssa I agree with you that by adding more laws or policies into society then there is the possibility of taking freedoms away from people. Like Alyssa says not all dreams are unattainable nowadays.
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In “Keeping the American Dream alive”, Cameron Smith says its up to us to keep the American Dream alive. By quoting a speech from then-senator Barack Obama on how Americans are becoming separated in every way imaginable, Smith sees the America of today as a house divided against itself. What gets lost in all of this is Smith’s vision of American Dream, the idea that “truly free people with different interests and lives” can come together and create a government that is “strong enough to protect liberty without controlling society.”
I think this view is commendable, and it’s certainly easy to rally behind. Freedom and liberty are both highly important elements to this country and should be protected at all costs. But I don’t think this is the American Dream politicians and pundits and the people of America are currently so worried about.
Smith may have inadvertently tipped us off to what the real American Dream is. In discussing the debate between which policy solution is. “Lately, many of our leaders have suggested that the American Dream is fading, that without the right policy solutions or political characters we will lose what has made us great.” It’s the last five words that strike me as most important. Following Keli Goff’s article “The American Dream is Dead, and Good Riddance”, the American Dream is a gnawing feeling of inadequacy. It’s midlife crises and keeping up with the Joneses. Consequently, it’s spending money on things like cars and houses and college educations. It’s no surprise then, that many of the articles discussing the death of the American Dream came after 2008, when the housing market crashed and the economy entered a brutal recession.
Smith’s American Dream isn’t likely to go anywhere anytime soon. But cars, houses, babies, and white picket fences are falling out of favor with Millennials. It will be interesting to watch how the American Dream evolves.
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Cameron Smith points out in his article that the American Dream is the backbone of society in America and what has been principle to the essence of freedom all along. Smith points out that we all disagree but nonetheless have the same dream, which is to do what we want to do and for our children to have a better life than ours, so the government must be careful to “protect liberty but not [control] society.”
Nothing could be more fundamental in American society but somehow the dream has become distracted amongst owning homes and having that fairy tale picket fence that I have grown to detest either because I am upset that I don’t have it or that I am tired of all the talk of what the American Dream is and what people should want. The dream that is commonly generalized is not the same as a person’s life goals or drive for success and should be more specific to achieving brotherhood among the nation as we all strive for the personal ability to become whatever we so choose and acquire whatever is important to us that we derive meaning or purpose.
The larger dream has come under fire as Cameron points out because politics and media has been driving a wedge into equality and what people consider boundaries or separations from others being different. This all takes away from the fact that we all want is our slice of the pie, and in so many ways more than that are the same; therefore, we should be more conscious of the basic notion of freedom and how the dream of America can never die as long as we remain whole and strive for that which is bestowed by God but taken by society, our need to be happy and fulfilled.
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What’s your idea of the American Dream? The article, “Keeping the American Dream Alive is Your Responsibility and Mine,” Cameron Smith describes what some may consider as this ambiguous “American Dream”. Smith claims that this idea is fading and slowly becoming an intangible goal. “…[W]ithout the right policy solutions or political characters we will lose what has made us great. Without their significant changes, they contend that we will wake up from the American Dream and realize it was nothing more than wishful thinking based on the past success of others (Smith 1).”
Smith incorporates a speech from then-senator, Barack Obama. This ties together with his argument of adding more policies or laws. Although reaching out to readers, I do not agree with his call to action. I feel that part of the American Dream goes hand in hand to a popular saying, “Land of the free and home to the brave.” With more laws and policies to abide by, it takes away part of our freedom. Not to even mention that this whole topic is not a priority to the government at all.
In my opinion, I believe that the American Dream has endless possibilities. Yes there are downfalls in certain aspects, such as economy, but I believe that the American Dream… your dream… my dream… is whatever we wish it to be. One could have an external or internal locus control on this situation, but it is all open to interpretation. Although one generation may look at this whole concept as “images of opportunity, bettering ourselves, building community, and maybe even a white picket fence[s],” another may look at it as having what is referred to today as swag. It is ever changing.
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Brandon, I partially agree with your idea that America does not need more politics and policies to keep “the American dream” alive. However, I disagree with your opinion on Smith’s argument. I do not think that Smith is promoting a stricter government. Instead, I think he is promoting our ability as a nation to seek to incorporate everyone’s ideas and goals. Madison, I also agree with you in that everyone has their own dreams that they pursue. I think collectively, that is what truly adds up to form “the American dream”.
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In this article, Cameron Smith explains that the “American Dream” is fading away. I would have to disagree with his claim. Though everyone’s dreams may not come true or they may have to reroute, that does not mean all will not happen. These are goals that people have set before themselves. The opportunities to obtain the dream is slim because everyone is going for theirs as well. Not all are impossible, some may not come as quick as you want, so it may take a few extra years to get. If it is the person’s dream, they will continue to chase it.
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Cameron Smith describes the American Dream as a dream that requires a collective group of people. I agree with Smith and his position. Smith explains the duty that everyone living in America has. American citizens should strive to create a better future for themselves and others. Working together to make the American dream come true is essential for success. Cooperation between the people will result in a better future for them and future generations. It is up to everyone living in America to make the American dream come true.
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I disagree with Smith’s article. In the article “Keeping the American Dream is your responsibility and mine”, Smith states that there is only one American Dream and that it is our responsibility to make it a reality for future generations. Unlike smith’s view, I believe that in this country each and everyone has a different “American Dream”. This dream may be something as simple as having a stable life or maybe even something ambitious such as living a lavish lifestyle. Although, no matter what American Dream a person has, I believe that in this country that we live in, cooperation is not essential to achieve this dream. Having this perspective towards the American Dream might make me sound selfish but I think that in today’s competitive society, the majority of people who make it far always put themselves first before anyone else. A person who is selfless might give away everything to people who are in need thus making person have nothing for himself. Such a person is good for society since it helps the people who unfortunate but this is not the right thing to do if you want to achieve your American Dream. I am not saying that sharing and caring for others is a bad thing but instead I am stating that focusing on yourself first will make you more successful. Once a person has achieved his/her American Dream then he/she can finally help others and give back whatever he/she can to society.
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Dreams have an immense value in our lives and should not be undermined. They represent the very core of a person and express their deepest beliefs and wishes. A dream is something powerful, an innermost desire that often shapes a person’s life if they have the courage to pursue it. A dream holds the key to achieve happiness, to reach that feeling of accomplishment that can be matched by no other. A dream should always be encouraged and pursued because it is dreams which keep us going, aiming higher and reaching further than others tell us is humanly possible. It is the American Dream in particular that so many of us aim for and fight to achieve, and we are “all heirs to the same dream”, a point in Smith’s article which I agree upon. Smith states that the American dream is identical to each wisher, and I believe this to be true. The American Dream, at its core, is the hope to be able to fulfill your wishes in life. While everyone may have varying views as to what success entails and what achievement would make them personally happy, the American Dream is a larger, overarching dream to be presented with the opportunities to reach those goals. The American Dream in one word means opportunity. So while every human being naturally has their own desires, the American Dream remains the same for everyone: a hope for the opportunity to achieve their personal dreams.
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Cameron Smith acknowledges that the American dream is not only different to each individual but also that it is a person’s sole responsibility to achieve their own American dream. Smith recognizes that over the years it is becoming more and more difficult to achieve, concluding a discouraging opinion that most people won’t actually achieve their definition of the American dream. Now this may be true to those who have unrealistic goals in life such as a fast food worker who dreams of a Lamborghini or mansion. However it is not unrealistic for a middle class worker who dreams of a small house in the suburbs with a family. People for years have discreetly accomplished their American dreams, especially those who dream of freedom and the liberty to live freely without strict policies, violence or inequalities.
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Cameron Smith acknowledges that the American dream is not only different to each individual but also that it is a person’s sole responsibility to achieve their own American dream. Smith recognizes that over the years it is becoming more and more difficult to achieve, “Lately, many of our leaders have suggested that the American dream is fading, that without the right policy solutions or political characters we will lose what has made us great” (Smith). He concludes a discouraging opinion that most people won’t actually achieve their definition of the American dream “and realize it was nothing more than wishful thinking based on past success of others” (Smith). Now this may be true to those who have unrealistic goals in life such as a fast food worker who dreams of a Lamborghini or mansion. However it is not unrealistic for a middle class worker who dreams of a small house in the suburbs with a family. People for years have discreetly accomplished their American dreams, especially those who dream of freedom and the liberty to live freely without strict policies, violence or inequalities.
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In the article, “Keeping the American Dream Alive is Your Responsibility and Mine: Opinion” Cameron Smith shares his opinion that the American Dream is alive and can continue to be alive if we generalize the definition of it. In 1931, historian James Truslow Adams, in his book The Epic of America, described the American Dream as “that 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” (qtd. in C. Smith). Today, Smith says that Americans focus more on the beginning of this definition than the end. They put more emphasis on being better and richer and and fuller by having certain possessions, when in reality that isn’t the American Dream at all. The American Dream is an idea that has been passed down for generations of Americans and Smith believes it can be seem as political. He thinks the American Dream is the ability to come together as people of America and decide on what is best for our country. Smith says that what binds the American people together is this American Dream.
I would have to agree that the American Dream binds the American people together. It gives people a couple issue to fight for together. It gives people hope as a nation. Even if people disagree on certain issues the American Dream is something they can agree on. Do I think that the American Dream is alive today? Yes, I do believe it is still alive and working. I believe people have a different idea of what it is, but I think it is still within us and that most Americans strive for the Dream.
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Cameron Smith insists that the American Dream is still alive, but it is gasping for air. The title of his article, “Keeping the American Dream alive is your responsibility and mine,” pretty much explains his view on the matter. He knows that the dream is not at its peak, but he knows that it can be revived if we work together.
Smith wrote, “The American Dream embodies the radical idea that truly free people with different interests and lives could agree upon, and responsibly operate, a form of government strong enough to protect liberty without controlling society.” The gist of what he is saying is that we need a government strong enough to create opportunity for all, without compromising their freedom. I feel like he may have included that last part to not make the impression that he is suggesting anything resembling a dictatorship.
I admire his optimistic spirit. He truly wants everyone to have an equal opportunity to make it, and that anyone who puts in the work should succeed. Unfortunately, that is not an option for 99% of the population. Right now the American Dream is, as the name suggests, just a dream.
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Cameron Smith believes that the American Dream is bilateral. According to Smith, the first component of the American Dream is that we live in a meritocratic society– each member’s autonomy is determined by his/her hard work and ability. The second component of the American Dream is that, in order to achieve such a meritocratic society, we must work together in building it. Smith cites a Barack Obama quote that nicely captures this idea:
“America is the sum of our dreams. And what binds us together, what makes us one American family, is that we stand up and fight for each other’s dreams, that we reaffirm that fundamental belief – I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper – through our politics, our policies, and in our daily lives. It’s time to do that once more.
Smith believes that, in order to sustain the American Dream, we must not only believe in the idea that “I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper” but act on it as well.
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In “Keeping the American Dream Alive”, Cameron Smith tells us about the American Dream and how it’s slowly dwindling and becoming less of a goal that can be reached. Smith states: “we will wake up from the American Dream and realize it was nothing more than wishful thinking based on the past success of others.” This I feel, is in the hands of the people. Smith is just assuming people will not bust out of the class they are born in and thrive to meet their American Dream. Cameron stated: “Lately, many of our leaders have suggested that the American Dream is fading, that without the right policy solutions or political characters we will lose what has made us great.” The American dream does not need rules put on it. People need to have their own types of rules on themselves, as to how they want to reach their Dream. Freedom should not be taken away in order to reach a level in life. The American Dream is the backbone of society in America and regardless of which route we take; we can all obtain this goal and make it a reality. Mr. Obama stated something amazing in this article: “America is the sum of our dreams. And what binds us together, what makes us one American family, is that we stand up and fight for each other’s dreams, that we reaffirm that fundamental belief”. This quote is the quote to prove how strong the American dream is to the United States and everyone who lives and wants to live here!
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I strongly agree with the idea that “keeping the dream alive” is a shared responsibility and that this American experience is a shared dream. Our experience is shaped by our inclination to share our abilities and passions collectively. Life is exactly what each of us makes of it individually and it is shared by our achievements and abilities. However, to bring about the social changes needed to have a more free America to share our Dream in, citizens must unite their cause, elevate themselves and share their skills for the common goal of freedom before it is too late.
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A very different approach on the American Dream is given by Cameron Smith in his article “Keeping the American Dream alive is your responsibility and mine: opinion”. While Smith admits that the American Dream is a general term thrown around by parents, teachers, and friends since childhood the difference is that he believes it is not specific toward any idea or concept. Smith discusses the dream as something that Americans do not, and will not, agree upon as we have so many different thoughts and ideas as a collective free people. Bigger than that he expresses that whatever the idea of the American Dream may be, that is not the issue. The dream can be whatever anyone wants it to be in their life, the importance of the subject is that we, as an American people, ban together to achieve it not only for ourselves but for our fellow Americans. Smith uses inspirational quotes from President Barack Obama about the unity of our nation and that instead of tearing each other down for our differences Americans should be working together to build each other up.
I very much enjoyed Smith’s take on the American Dream mostly because it was such a different perspective but also because his article was simply inspirational. I do not consider myself a particularly patriotic American but his article motivated me. It displayed the power this country has because of it’s great people and the fact that we are willing to fight to defend our freedom and defend one another. The idea of achieving the American Dream does not seem as appealing if I were the only one able to do it. I truly wish for everyone to achieve their version of the dream. I know that I will not be able to attain my dream alone, I will need help, therefore I am willing to help others attain theirs too.
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In his article, Cameron Smith is trying to reassure Americans that the American dream is still fully alive, but it is up to them to make their dream a reality. He also assures that it is not one specific idea of the dream, but it is whatever goal in life you want to reach. Although we all have our own dreams that we are reaching for, big or small, Smith states that we need to come together as a country to make our visions come to life. These days, I don’t really think that people believe that the American dream is alive, but maybe that’s because they think of it as a singular concept of being married, living in the suburbs with a white picket fence, and 2.5 children. But Smith’s article gives his readers hope that anybody can achieve their own American dream.
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In his article, “Keeping the American Dream alive is your responsibility and mine: opinion,” Cameron Smith states: “The dream is not a comprehensive societal plan handed down by government; neither is it a Hobbesian state of nature with every man against every man. The American Dream embodies the radical idea that truly free people with different interests and lives could agree upon, and responsibly operate, a form of government strong enough to protect liberty without controlling society.”
I believe that Smith is pointing out the American Dream is different for everyone, and we are lucky to live in a country where we have the liberties to have different interests and ideas. And at the heart of the American Dream is that freedom and we must be united as a country to keep these freedoms and liberties. I believe that we need to hold each other up and encourage each other to find their American Dream even if it’s different than our own. That is what makes our nation so great.
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While Goff focused more on individuals and the American Dream, Smith talks about it in group form. Smith includes everyone in his writing. He believes that it is everyone’s responsibly to help keep the dream alive. Even if people cannot all agree on every single idea when it comes to defining the American dream, we need to unite and fight to keep it going for future generations because that is what is best. I like that he took this approach because it shows that even in disagreement about the dream itself, people should fight to help make everyone’s dream a reality. Although, some people may not want to be included because they don’t believe that the American dream is a collective thing and each person is out for themselves. Smith knows that there would be disagreements no matter what but he still stands that helping each other reach our goals would be best.
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Smith explains the American Dream by giving the reader examples of what presidents have said in past. I think its very wise to use what our presidents have said because they are the leaders of this country that we all want to be apart of. My favorite part of this article is when Smith say that “It is our responsibility to make it an American reality for this generation and the next.” I totaly agree I think its our duty to create and maintain this American Dream we all want because just like we want it we want our kids to have it. But it has to start with the curretn generation.
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“Keeping the American Dream alive is your responsibility and mine: opinion,” written by Cameron Smith describes how the American Dream varies from person to person, but it is our duty to keep it a reality for future generations. Smith acknowledges that media and politicians are dividing the American people and taking advantage of them. This is detrimental because it causes us to carry hostility towards opposing views rather than encourage our differences. Furthermore, Smith asserts,
“The American Dream embodies the radical idea that truly free people with different interests and lives could agree upon, and responsibly operate, a form of government strong enough to protect liberty without controlling society.”
The issue of government control is highlighted in this quote and reaffirms that a government who turns citizens against each other is not favorable to the American Dream. In order to keep the Dream alive, Americans must welcome each other’s dissimilarities and promote them because we are all free people.
This article really nails it for me because not only does Smith reiterate how we need to be accepting of everyone’s American Dream, he also illustrates how media and politicians manipulate us into thinking we should separate ourselves from those with varying views. While one might say variety is important in America and it is what makes us unique, I argue that there are too many influences that eat away at the flesh of healthy diversity. There is a difference between healthy arguing and spiteful quarreling.
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In the article Smith states, “Keeping the American Dream alive is your responsibility and mine: opinion,” Cameron Smith states: “The dream is not a comprehensive societal plan handed down by government; neither is it a Hobbesian state of nature with every man against every man. The American Dream embodies the radical idea that truly free people with different interests and lives could agree upon, and responsibly operate, a form of government strong enough to protect liberty without controlling society.”
Smith is saying that each individual has their own American Dream and it is what they do with that dream that makes this country great. Smith also points out that the country we live in allows the freedom and liberty for each person to establish their own American Dream. Cameron Smith wants each individual to build on other’s opinions and to not let differences bring the country down. We should accept the fact that everyone is different and has their own belief’s but we should build on it as a country to make the place we live in great.
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I agree that much of the public discourse about the American Dream nowadays and how it focuses on personal circumstances and financial instability.I was very impressed with the ways in which Cameron Smith responded and defined the American dream. Smith referred to the American Dream as conjuring images of opportunity, being better as a person, and maybe even a white picket fence.He continued to reiterate how the American Dream that we know, is fading. He used President Obama’s senator speech for example. Obama said “We’re becoming more seperated by geography and ideology; race and religion; wealth and opportunity”. This is what is fading the American Dream.
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@J Gomez I agree with what you are saying because we need to come together as a country no matter the differences and make it a better place. Everyone may have their own American Dream but we can somehow put those dreams together and build on them. It isn’t right to bring someone down from achieving their dreams just because maybe you can’t achieve yours. That is what we see nowadays in this world. There is too much hate and individualism that isn’t needed.
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Smith states that the American Dream is, “a radical idea that free people could agree upon and responsibly operate a form of government that protects liberty without controlling society.” An idea that is slowly fading, he states. If “we,” this generation and the next, don’t put in the effort to succeed or put in the effort to help one another succeed, this idea is doomed to fail. I have to disagree with Smith. The American Dream has many definitions, the most common definition probably being: success in the American society. But in today’s world, people have the ability to adapt quickly to one another. We, this generation, may not be working “together,” but we are all trying to achieve some sort of goal. I have no doubt each and every one of us has what it takes to reach that goal primarily on our own, or to simply follow one another and adapt to this ever changing society.
On one hand I agree with Kelsey that reaching one’s goals isn’t easy and some help is going to be needed. But on the other hand I still insist that people will seek to incorporate everyone else’s ideas and goals into their own, claiming their idea as original, as stated by Lydia.
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I agree with Brandon Laughlin. We both agree that the American dream embodies a radical idea that frees people with different interest and lives agree upon. We both also agree that Smith feels everyone has their own definition of the American dream. I feel as if the American Dream is what you interpret it to be.
I also agree with Pamela. She feels as if Smith reiterates how we need to accept everyone’s American Dream, and I feel that since everyone’s American dream is different they have to be accepted in a way.America is definitely a diverse country.
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@Demarco Garcia I also agree with Demarco because the American Dream that Smith is referring to is gradually fading. Being impressed by the explanation Smith gives on the American Dream, I believe that others can’t succeed without relying and trusting another. If the country keeps this up as in being individual and cruel then we will eventually fall. We, as people, need to build upon each other’s dreams and not be negative all of the time. The people will soon see a change and anything other than success will not be acceptable.
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In the article “Keeping the American Dream alive” Cameron Smith talks about a radical idea that no matter ones background/belief, it is possible to achieve anything in society. Here many people would probably object that the American Dream is still alive. According to our President, “America is the sum of our dreams.” I agree with this statement because it is on us to accomplish our dreams not on our families or friends. Furthermore, if you are willing to put in the work necessary to achieve what you want, then there is no reason why you cannot accomplish anything in life. Americans should be inspired by Mr. Smiths article because it gives a unique opinion of his perspective of the American Dream. By contrast,schools and universities should stop teaching kids that they can become whoever they want in life because that ideology is just not reasonable anymore. Instead, students should find out what they are good at in life, and further improve that certain field classification. In conclusion, Americans should care about the American dream because it effects everyone and can inspire people who are struggling to find their identity in life. However, if you want the American Dream to have an effect on your life, you need to show determination in everything you do regardless of your background.
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In the introduction of The “responsibility of dreaming” Cameron Smith said that the American Dream is getting slowly decreasing and not much people are being successful and reaching there american dream.On the other hand Cameron argue that it is the people accountability to achieve their goal.
My view is that i think to achieve american dream For most people “The American Dream” is connected to becoming wealthy and the ability to achieve everything if one or everybody works hard enough for it (From rags to riches). For others it is much more and is beyond because there is a lot of rich people who don’t really have to work hard to achieve there american dream.by contrast the american dream only belongs to the middle class, for exampl, people like immigrants ,refugees and people who is fresh start. (people who left prison in long time or people who have been homeless for several time.) even though american dream is not an easy thing but its something you can defiantly achieve.People who really want to be successful, have freedom go to college have mastered degree , have family all of this are achievable if you work hard though it with patient.
in the same way Cameron said on the article “As busy adults, we all have long lists of responsibilities that leave little time for idle dreaming” when you become older there is more things and more responsibilities in your menu with a little bit of time, I believe if you work with time management and idle dreaming there is possibilities you can achieve things with in time.
here many people would properly object that Unfortunately a lot of people feel like the American Dream being taken away from them today.Opportunities the american dream is supported and live.in other words the american dream is not on hold or slow actually people are still fighting to achieve their dream goal people can create their own economy and take the time to charge their future.
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When it comes to the topic of The American Dream, most of us will readily agree that The American Dream is gone, no longer a dream for most Americans. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of is it really dead? Whereas some are convinced that The American Dream is dead, others maintain that it is still alive, but maybe just slowly fading. Author Cameron Smith, explained the importance of keeping the Dream alive and how each citizen has that responsibility. My own view is, the American Dream is still alive, but slowly dying.
Cameron Smith starts his argument with what local politicians and citizens have been believing, that The American Dream is currently fading, eventually dying. Smith himself writes, “It is our responsibility to make it an American reality for this generation and the next” (Smith). In other words, Smith is saying that as of now, the American Dream can be fading but it is our jobs as citizens to make the Dream a reality. He elaborated on his thought by saying, America can fix this problem by solving problems with policy and voting in correct political characters/leaders. Basically, Smith is saying that we, American citizens, are responsible to keep The Dream alive!
I agree that The American Dream is slowly fading, but with the help of all citizens, The Dream can become a reality again. Many people have different beliefs on what The American Dream is. Some believe that it is more money based, or having an education, or even being able to live with freedom. After all, with a few changes in society and understanding all aspects of “The Dream”, we will thrive better. Although I grant that most politicians believe that The Dream is disappearing, I still maintain that there is a hope for it to rise again.
If politicians stopped to think about it, many of them might simply assume that the most successful politicians are the ones that help their citizens achieve “The Dream”. However it is understandable for politicians to struggle with achieving that goal. Ultimately, what is at stake here is all the citizens in America and those who want to achieve their American Dream.
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In “Keeping the dream alive,” Cameron Smith says its up to us to keep the American Dream alive. He stated “The dream is not a comprehensive societal plan handed down by government; neither is it a Hobbesian state of nature with every man against every man. The American Dream embodies the radical idea that truly free people with different interests and lives could agree upon, and responsibly operate, a form of government strong enough to protect liberty without controlling society.” I believe what Smith is trying to say is that each American have a different definition of the American Dream and that’s why the country is doing well. In my view I agree with Smith, the American Dream is different for every individual. If we all come together and realize that the American Dream is different for everyone and accept it then we wouldn’t have any problems in this country
I agree with Justin Gortin when he said However, if you want the American Dream to have an effect on your life, you need to show determination in everything you do regardless of your background. No matter what your definition of the American Dream is as long as you put 100 percent effort into whatever you do, it can be achieved.
I also agree with Melissa when she said,I believe that we need to hold each other up and encourage each other to find their American Dream even if it’s different than our own. That is what makes our nation so great. If we help each other reach our goal then we will continue to succeed and continue to be a great country. Because someone doesn’t have the same American Dream as you doesn’t mean you should bring them down, encourage them.
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When it comes to the topic of The American Dream, most of us will readily agree that for Americans, the dream is dead. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of is the American dream really dead or is it alive? Where as some are convinced that the dream is dead, there are others who maintain the idea of it still being alive. My own view is that The American Dream is alive for some, but slowly dying for others. In the article, Smith says,”It is our responsibility to make it an American reality for this generation, and the next.” Smith is basically saying that we, the citizens as a whole, have to step up and keep the dream alive. I agree that The American Dream is slowly dying, but if everyone felt the same way as Smith, we, as a whole, could keep the dream alive. While it is true that politicians and many others think the dream is already dead, it does not necessarily follow that there is still hope for The American Dream to blossom. The American Dream matters and is important because many people still wish to fulfill their idea of it, which is why people need to work at keeping the dream alive.
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Smith’s essay Keeping the American Dream Alive is Your Responsibility and Mine: Opinion was a great way of viewing the American Dream today. In Smith’s essay, he uses the pronoun “we” in which, includes himself and the rest of the world who actually cares about the reality of the American Dream. He excludes people who are afraid of what the outcome of the “fading” dream with be and people who are not willing to help turn the “fading” American Dream in a different direction. While writing this essay, I could tell that Smith had two specific audiences, those are people who care about the fading dream and people who do not know rather to support the dream that is fading or do nothing about it and just finish watching the dream decay. I think Smith might have employed such a rhetorical strategy because he probably knew the responses he would get back. Not only that, but his message was so strong that it grabs the reader’s attention as soon as they read the first paragraph; therefore, it was an effective strategy. I say it was an effective strategy because not many people are motivated to reach the “American Dream” seeming that it is fading and possibly has no hope. But it takes the reader on a different path when they hear how positive a person it about change although some people could care less about a dream they have already achieved.
In that case I disagree with Kevin and Brandon as they disagree with the point of view of Mr. Smith. I disagree with Kevin and Brandon because Smith actually has a great point, in that yes their are already policy and political characters in place. But, are they the right ones in place to help this American Dream overcome the vision of fading? If not, therefore, Smith is correct for saying that “without the right policy solutions or political characters we will lose what has made us great”. Simply because if we continue to let people (politicians) walk all over us (because they have the power), we as citizens of the United States of America will continue not have a voice in anything that is done in this country. Which is simply why this essay is called “Keeping the American Dream Alive is Your Responsibility and Mine”. But in order for the dream to stay alive people have to want it for themselves, their family, and their future. Also, the American Dream may be interpreted differently for everyone, but what is not different is that the American Dream is for all people to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the middle class rising to the high class and lower class rising to the middle class. Not people becoming rich and buying homes and cars and so forth. Us Americans cannot do this alone we need someone with power on our side or else the American Dream with decay all together.
People who actually care about their future, their children’s future, their families future should care about the fading American Dream. Why? Because it is important that everybody gets the same opportunity to succeed and not be held back by debt and financial issues. Or, even think about things they probably shouldn’t have done. I totally agree with Mr.Smith and I think he is absolutely correct. If Americans care about this fading dream, then people need to contribute to help keep it alive while it is still here.
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I agree with what you’re saying, the government has been divided but the main reason for it is the corruption of parties. The issues are not being fixed because individuals are to stubborn to back down from their position on opposing sides. The “American Dream” will not last at all at this rate, with all the arguments and opposing views this country will change for worse. We need the government parties to agree on something that was Americans in the future can have a dream to look forward to.
I see the article as a true statement, everyone comes into office talking about the American Dream, however its hard to get a “dream” when no one wants to agree. We need to fix the parties that have been made corrupt and then just maybe the American Dream just might work.
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After reading this article, I find myself taking a conservative view point. Like Naz Jack stated, the American dream is simply what you make of it. Relying on the government for making your dreams come true will, obviously, get you no where. Ultimately, life is what you make of it and like the age old saying “you’re the pilot of your own life.” Setting goals and striving for them is what the American dream is all about. Its about improving your own quality of life, thus the purpose of protecting the “pursuit of happiness” in the Constitution. With this mindset, you control your own fate. After all, in my opinion, if you hold out your hands for the government to provide for you then you might as well be bottle fed as well.
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I agree in some comments when they say, everybody have a different concept of the American Dream , for some people their dream is just have a job, house and a car. For other people that immigrate to this country they had a different dream, they only try to have a better life and try to be a good person and have a good job. I think doesn’t matter what dream every person have we need to work hard to make it true.
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In his article Smith states that: “The dream is not a comprehensive societal plan handed down by government neither is it a Hobbesian state of nature with every man against man”….I think that what he is trying to say is that you create your own American dream but, you should encourage others to be a part of it. We live in a country where we are lucky enough to have freedom. We each have our own interests and ideas. Smith also says that we should involve political matters into the American Dream. I disagree with him because then we will have new policies to abide by and new laws which will defeat the purpose of the American Dream. Smith is trying to say that the American dream is out there but it is up to you to create/reform it. Smith’s article gives his readers hope about acheiving the American Dream. I agree with Kelsea Straub about how she says that the American Dream binds the American people together and that it helps the nation fight as a whole.
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I agree with Smith’s argument about how the American dream is beginning to fade; however, I feel as if the American dream has been more of illusion that the government has made up, so American can slave their lives away without the realization their lives have always been manipulated by the government. Every year, Congress makes more and more regulation that put sanctions on the people the American way of life, whether that is the invasion of privacy, increase of taxes or more rules and regulation to force American to conform to the will of the government. Politicians tries to make every American feel as if they are in the same situation and due to putting all American’s at the same level these politicians try to impose laws and acts that could only work in big cities on small towns or industrial states to farming states. For example, politicians continuously try to push minimum wages all across the nation, to every states, but not every state can apply the government standard of minimum wage. Some these minimum wages will put force a lot of small businesses to close down in these small states and the amount of money needed for a minimum wage will be overwhelmingly high in comparison to the cost of living in the state. On the other side of the argument, people say that the American dream must is a privilege not a right, so it is not the government who must support the people in their endeavors to attain the American dream, but the responsibilities fall on the people. Arguably, that is correct, but when corporation and government create an environment where it is near impossible to make a decent enough income to live a normal life and this issue becomes a problem for a large majority of Americans, than it is government’s role to help these American’s attain their dream.
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After reading the article, I have to say I disagree with some of the ideas Smith discusses in the article. He mentions that many past and current leaders of our nation believe that the American dream is fading away because of our nation’s lack of policies and strong political candidates. However, I do not think the American dream is as related to politics as people may think. When I think of the American dream I think of individuals or families who want to come to the United States to make a better life for themselves. The United States is known as “the Land of Opportunity” and that is exactly how immigrants or people who are less fortunate may see it. For example, my great grandparents came over from Italy to build a better life for themselves, by working hard, and making money to support themselves and their family. Back then it was difficult to have the opportunity to move up in the world, especially in European countries. However in the United States, there is no limit to success. Once my grandparents came to America they knew things can only improve from living here. Nowadays, migrating to the United States is not as easy as it was when our ancestors came to Ellis Island. People may feel it is harder to achieve the American dream because immigration laws are becoming stricter. Yes, this may be true in some cases, however, the same concept still holds true today. One sees America as the “Land of Opportunity” and wants to work and make a better life for themselves, that is great, as long as it is done the proper way. By doing so, it can still be possible for one to achieve their dream. In terms of citizens of the United States who are already here, migrating to the United States is one less thing to worry about. Making money, providing for your family, and being able to afford the things one wants to have for a successful, enjoyable life, should be one’s goal to achieve the American dream. I do not think the American dream is fading away because of political leaders and policies, but due to the fact that a lot of people are taking advantage and manipulating the system. Unfortunately, this has become the general American attitude in society, whether people migrated to the States or were born here. They lack the drive to make a better life for themselves because they know what they can and cannot get away with. Many people want things to come easy to them and that is the complete opposite of what I believe the American dream is. With hard work and a positive attitude, the American dream can be fulfilled.
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The article, “Keeping the American Dream Alive Is Your Responsibility and Mine” by Cameron Smith is based on the belief that the American Dream can remain a truly true goal and unites us as a nation so that everyone can achieve their dreams, big and small. It can continue to be an option that many of us want to achieve but that very few do. The American dream can be a goal to be achieved or an achievement to be lived. The American dream is also based on having a stable life without worries. With a good job and a well-managed house, but not everyone has the same dream, some just want to be heard and have freedom. However, the dream leads us to believe and live very important experiences. Cameron Smith says that the American dream is very unstable since it needs to be changed so that he can overcome the disadvantages in realizing it. Smith says that if the policy changes, with a new policy everyone will be able to achieve their goals. I agree with Alyssa when she says “Are you saying we need to change or make new policies?” as she is referring to what Smith says “…that without the right political solutions or political character we will lose what has made us great.” It can be quite complicated but in reality it is simple, that if we keep quiet we will not have opportunities but if we speak they will take away our freedom and our word.
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In the article Cameron Smith shared his opinion on what the American dream is all about and also what he suggests needs to be done in order to make it more do-able. He stresses on the need for more politics to be involved, but I think that defeats the whole idea. Generally encompassing aspects like home ownership, a good education, a fulfilling career, and raising a family in an environment that is secure, the “American Dream” is the idea that anyone in the United States, regardless of background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. There are other ways to define the American Dream, but the most popular ones include equality, freedom, and the chance to accomplish their goals that no other nation in the world provides. Smith states, “without the right policy solutions or political characters we will lose what has made us great”. Along with the other bloggers, I disagree with this statement. Adding more politics would make it a struggle for people to have access to a pleasant lifestyle. In my opinion, I believe that the formation of new jobs in the workforce can give people a chance to prove themselves worthy. A key to keeping the American dream alive would be an improvement to the economy. A higher education level can lead to better job opportunities. Thus the reason why tuition assistance can play a major role. Free education is also associated with decreased criminal activity and better overall well-being. Additionally it promotes social and cultural advancement, enhancing communities.
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