The American Dream By Giving Your Perspectives Writing Task (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name
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American Dream
Introduction
Does the concept of the "American Dream" still relevant today? The question whether the definition of the American dream still holds today is very significant for various reasons. The idea of the dream is much present in the American society today. It is a fact that there are different perceptions of the American dream if we compare the views of people. This is because people derive their definitions basing on the mental perception, worldviews, time background and sociological status. Therefore, there is no absolute or a precise definition of the American dream. However, the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams offers a deeper insight on the matter and is still applicable even today. This essay would discuss the various definitions of the American dream from two different sources.
Definition of the American dream by Kathryn Hume
The first source is the American Dream, American Nightmare by Kathryn Hume. In 1960, Kathryn Hume defined the American dream as a longing and a desire to achieve prosperity and success through hard work. He views hard work as the only way in which the American dream can be attained. American immigrants encountered a very hard life, but they held on and believe that their children would have a better life (Hume 3). This notion is what constitutes the definition of the American dream according to David Kamp. To provide the evidence of the American dream, successive generations for a long time acquired more personal wealth and property than their parents.
Moreover, the advancements in technology have reinforced this perception by making each generation each generation seem better than the past generation. Undeniable, cars got faster implying an effective means of transports. More appliances and tools have been developed; there have also been advancements in the medical interventions. According to this definition, the economy must continue to grow, for each generation to be more successful than the previous generation. Without this core factors outlined in this definition, the American dream may just remain a nightmare for others.
Definition of the American Dream by Amy Tan
The second source is the definition of the American dream by Amy Tan. In this definition, the American dream is regarded as the most important thing especially in looking at people who live in other countries. Another point that can be seen from this definition is that it is American freedom to establish one's identity. This what is uniquely American because it's only in America where one has the opportunity to create their identity. There is no other country that one can have the opportunity of establishing a self-identity (Snodgrass 7). America is a place for opportunity, and it's possible for people to attain their highest potential. There are numerous opportunities to enable people to achieve prosperity. The tradition, constitution and the culture allow people to achieve success. America represents the land of possibilities and giving all people equal chances.
Comparison and Contrast in the two Sources.
The two sources have some differences and similarities. Kathryn Hume has successfully defined the concept of the American dream. The crucial component of her definition is that anyone willing to work hard can achieve the American dream regardless of the situations or the challenges that one is facing. Moreover, the definition asserts that one generation should prosper more than the pr...