How the American Dream Changed (Essay Sample)

Student name
Prof. Lawless
WRI 102
4th March 2015
How the American Dream Changed
The American dream was initially the belief and ethos of the Americans that to live better is to live with social order, equal opportunities with a fuller and richer live as by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America. The initial goal did not involve materialism of owning big houses, fancy cars and investment with big returns. It had more to do with happiness, satisfaction, peace, morality and social order. However the materialistic world is shaking economy, capitalistic spirit and competitive minds has changed the American dream. Living good in a typical American would now be financial stability, a big V8 or sport car, a good house etc. While the American dream seems unachievable in the short run, it has been actually redefined to material wealth and much emphasis put on financial stability.
Among the many factors that have changed the American dreams include politics and economic instability. The great economic recession according to Zogby writing in the BBC triggered a lot of attention to economic status on the world. People realized there was an eminent threat to economic prosperity. In a research done by Levin, the former director New Jersey of consumer affairs, reporting in the Huffington said, most people had many financial problems. Of the respondents 33.4 % wanted to clear their debts, 11.6% wanted to retire at 65. Many other wanted to finish paying for their cars, managing to send their kids to college, finish paying their student loans and buying a home.
The middle class of America is in trouble. Major economical policy changes affected most Americans. The Traub and McGhee argue that after the economic recession, corporate policies advised against staffing. This lead to high unemployment and available jobs had less payment. Owning houses became a night mare as big organizations made big losses. Products in the markets became expensive and many Americans started struggling to make their living. Hence the focus shifted from morality, comfort and social order to financial stability. The range between the rich and the poor widening gave mainstream Americans new focus in their life.
Americans are now struggling to own homes, pay their fees and loans for their cars. Others are even handling two jobs and the most important things seem to be being financially freedom. The atmosphere is shifting due to capitalism which has generated the spirit of opulence as the ultimate goal for youths. Hence, the economic status has contributed and affected the initial goal of the American dream. The initial dream was started about 30 years ago when unemployment was low, work was paid fairy well and there was sense for collaboration to achieve the American dream (Holiday 34). According to Ehrenreich "Some economists argue that the apparent paradox rests on an illusion: there is no real "labor shortage," only a shortage of people willing to work at the wages currently being offered" (106).
Globalization has been a factor also influencing the American dream. It did not really redefine it but rather gave it a new dimension. Globalization, affects social life of people and effectively both in business and politics. It connects the world to a village and makes them to have more alike interests. It has an influence of changing perspectives questioning believes and gives people strength to venture more. Globalization has been like an opposite to the effect of the world wars. While they supported separation it works to promote integration. During the world wars countries had private economical plans, strategic plans and lived their own ways. They had their own goals and a definition for their better life. During the 1930s when Americans strongly held the belief, countries were disconnected and separated. Globalization has had a major on important aspects of what was called American dream. It opened markets, connected people, made people to copy from one on ether and shifted focus (Lazerson 85).
People making billions round the world attracted attention of many people. Suddenly posh lifestyles of musicians and other people drew attention. Attention was also drawn to other cultures as social lives were shifted. Due to globalization messages can now go round the Earth in real time. For instance, the Americans could communicate with Osama Bin Laden after his declaration of war against them. Social immorality can spread more rapidly across the globe. There are now several online prostitution websites and pornographic content (Hernadez 26)
Jody Williams helped to connect several countries and citizens to bring an international coalition to end use of land mines. When he was asked how he managed, he simply said it is the email. This points out to globalization as a very powerful instrument in changing the national beliefs and shifting interests. Globalization hence slows the process to American dream. It has also had major impacts on the economy. Since the world is very connected, economic instability in China can have effects in America. The world economic instability has severe effects in United States. The world connectedness puts the Americans’ economic status in compromise
The political effect also has got a heavy influence. The way politics has affected business particularly on the standard of living, discrimination and the plight of women in the society. As men take over daily, women are continuously facing stiff competition in the present world. As they get pushed out of the corporate world and become less preferable for employment, as much as it may seem that women are getting support to rise economically (Samuel 16). Mitchell Duneier of the Sidewalk book said "Unforgettable ... Nickel and Dimed is one of those rare books that will provoke both outrage and self-reflection. No one who reads this book will be able to resist its power to make them see the world in a new way." The book opens up how a combination of political participation and business policies has affected the common citizen of America. The Author of "Nickel and Dimed" shows a big effect of the current economic state and the status of the American dream. It is evident that the apparent situation as explained by Ehrenreich, draws American further from their dream. It connects Business world, economy and the welfare of Americans.
However the American dream is very alive. Amidst the economic crisis and social disorder, the country is introducing very constructive policies for curbing the worsening economy. According to Blanton, Americans are very optimistic and many believe the country is heading the right direction. Many young believe they are better than the past generation. However surprisingly, poll results of the Fox news shows contrasting data. People up to 30% of respondents don’t think the future generation is going to be better than them. Amidst all these confusion, increase in crime, economical instability and the most threatening widening gap between the poor and the rich. The government is putting measures to create more jobs, a stronger economy and take advantage of globalization. In the diversion of the idea of an ideal life, the spirit of capitalism can fade out when the market and financial struggle lessens the pain for gain (Kanatsiz 77).
The government...