Great Gatsby's: From Rags to Riches

     The analysis of what the American Dream means to people is so fascinating in this first chapter of The American Dream in the 21st Century because it confirms something we have discovered during the first few days of this course: that the American Dream differs for everyone. It depends on your race, color, age, time period, background, and a plethora of other factors. Yes, material and educational prizes are a huge part of the American Dream for many, but what I found really surprising was how many people viewed is in a more spiritual and emotional light.      For example, according to a Penn, Schoen, and Berland Associates 2008 poll, 93 percent of respondents stated that "Having a good family life" was a "'major part'" of the American Dream, as well as 90 percent saying that "Having quality healthcare for myself and my family" (Hanson, White, 10) was important.      One of the reasons I find these statistics so interesting is that thes...

    One of my old braces. And yes, it was as uncomfortable as it looks.      It was fascinating to read so many drastically interpretations of the American Dream. All the different responses go to show how broad the meaning is; the American Dream might be to give back to other people through charity, providing their children with a better life than they had as children, even if it means to simply buy a house, or by working to ensure that citizens have access to guns to protect themselves. As different as these may be, they are all possible because of the freedom and opportunity provided in America. They have a dream, and the diversity of each person's dream is representative of what the country means to people. People come here to make their dreams come true, whatever they may be, because they have the privilege to make something of their lives. The sky is the limit, and America is the platform in which they can build their dream.      These...