Free Essay About The American Dream Dead, Alive Or On Hold

The American Dream cannot be defined now as it was defined in the early nineties. Due to challenges that the country has faced over time brings forth the necessity to redefine The American Dream. Truslow defined 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 and achievement, regardless of social class or circumstances of birth” (1931). But King gives it a different definition that suits this generation and age. It is because of the challenges that this country has faced that drives him to redefine it. He defines it as ‘‘the potential to work for an honest, secure way of life and save for the future.
He goes on to reaffirm the fact that the American Dream is so much alive and valid today irrespective of many economic challenges like unemployment and recession that we have faced as a country. A big percentage of Americans today are certain that they can still achieve prosperity amid all these challenges. They can only achieve this by working hard and staying focused and optimistic. He states that many Americans consider prosperity and success as having a secure and steady job, having a decent residence and being able to access good healthcare.
Drawing from the lessons they learnt during the recession period, Americans are now more conscious of their spending habits and also saving for a secure future. Although they are more worried about the aspect of inequality and unemployment, most of them are rallying for creation of more opportunities, which is one of the core pillars of the American Dream, so that they can have a steady income that will sustain their livelihood. The government raised the minimum wage on the pretext that it would spur worker productivity. But it has forced companies to lay off workers because it has proved that it will not reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
King states that the poor economic policies, degradation of the education system and costly wars has made the government pump a lot of funds that could be channeled into more economically viable ventures. He emphasizes that the Americans will achieve the great American Dream so long as they work hard and believe in the fundamental aspects of that dream that is to be successful to this generation and the coming generations too.

Works cited

Adams, J.T. Epic of America. Safety Harbor: Simon Publications, 1931. Print.
King, B. The American Dream Dead, Alive or on Hold. Pdf file.