“The American Dream: A Paradox” Most people want to be successful in their life, but most of them fail to produce the results they desire in the end. Money, social class and family stability are among some of the factors that could inhibit ones success. “Our national mythology abounds with the illustration of the American success story. The notion of success haunts us”. (Colombo 255-256) Paradoxes in American culture are caused by one's ability to achieve success solely based on the individual and their ability.
One reason jealously is common in the same race is because we may think that because we are of the same ethnic group our lives should be similar. Our own race will also often judge us on our background. How we are raised, where we come from, who we are with, and many other aspects influence our backgrounds. For example, one person who is raised in a financially stable home probably would not get along with another person, of the same race, who is raised on a stricter budget simply because the two people have different backgrounds. We can look around in society and point out the different types of people by just watching how they act.
But however noticeable the differences between people may be, they are never so great as to deprive them of their rights. No one, no matter how intelligent or capable he or she may be, can claim the right to rule others. Since all men and women share a common human nature, they are all therefore equally entitled to the same natural rights (such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). Today, many people think that equal rights are not enough and demand equality of results. They view any inequalities, whether in income or educational attainment, as a sign of injustice.
The ‘old money’ are people who had their wealth for generations and has the higher status than the ‘new money,’ who are people that recently earned their fortune. As the readers analysis the pages of the ‘Great Gatsby’ we find out that Tom processes this flaw. This is evident when “Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand,” when she kept on repeating “Daisy, Daisy, Daisy.” Today, in the society we live in we would receive a harsh punishment if we intentionally broke someone’s nose or even hit them, however Tom didn’t. Not only, does this display how we became more civilised than in the past, it also gives the perception that Tom views Myrtle as a toy. He hits it if it malfunctions or doesn’t do what he says.
Empowerment does not give people power, people already has the power, but bring that power to the surface can be a tough experience. Defining empowerment in lamens terms is releasing the power within. Gaining skills and knowledge that will allow them to overcome obstacle in their life and work can ultimately help them develop themselves in their eyes and societies. Empowerment is a great thing, but it can have a negative impact on individuals, corporations, and productivity, depending on the goals of the individual. Empowerment can divide genders and races.
Mostafa Alhakim Mr. John Payne English 100 20 September 2012 The Success Argument Although many people contend that hard work is not enough and that factors, such as, race, gender, sexual orientation, and pedigree. are critical into determining whether or not people become successful: However, the other side of people argue that anyone in America can be successful if they simply work hard and persevere. Considering that both sides may be right, there are some points in the typical life that disagree with one side of the argument which are government rules, college requirements, and life experiences. First, people in general are forced with government rules that require specific types of degree to be able to have a decent
Once upon a time in America government was greater than Big Business. Uncle Sam looked at “Ma Bell” and said, “You are too big and powerful”, and broke her up into tiny pieces. They had done this before with great success. America believed in capitalism but not in monopolies. America had a tendency to fight for the little guy and many advances were made toward helping the little guy keep from being run over by corporations and the so-called “robber barons” of big business.
Everyone has a different idea for their own American Dream. To some, this dream is working hard to earn something that you will use later in life to be successful. For others, the focus is on the journey to happiness, stability and good relationships. The idea of success and the American Dream are intervened therefore they both are constantly changing and growing. However, society’s expectations may keep some from achieving their goals.
Many people believe that the trickle-down theory is just an excuse to justify favoring the rich financially and the benefits keep going to those richer people. This may have begun with Reagan, mostly. But I think this problem did not just happen suddenly. This was something that started as a small justification for reasons the economy was looking horrible to the majority. But, it took years for us to create the mess America is now seeing with these theories in place.
Throughout the essay I will touch base on 3 different pieces of literature about the american dream. “The pursuit of happyness” is about a man who had to go through lots o failure to get where he wanted to be. “Right to fail” by William Zinsser is about a man who thinks failure is acceptable. “Money” by Dana Gioia Is about money changing people and their views of others. Although many people have different views on this dream society sometime forces them to have the same.