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The American Dream

In: Social Issues

Submitted By cintalaura
Words 1101
Pages 5
English 093
27 February 2012
The Aging of the American Dream
“There are now 37 million Americans living in poverty, and at 12.7 percent of the population, it is the highest percentage in the developed world.” stated Paul Harris in The Observer, June 8th 2006. Since then, the US has suffered a far worse economic downturn that has increased these statistics. It has become almost next to impossible for people who are in the lowest income level group to move up the mobility ladder which has become the dreams of many Americans. The American Dream is a very broad and general ideal. There is no real definition of the American Dream because each person interprets it differently. For some people it might be fame, some people might view it as better education, and for some others, it might be as simple as a better future. For most people, the American Dream means material prosperity, but many people in the US are still struggling to make ends meet. The American Dream, which has become synonymous with success and material prosperity, is no longer attainable for everyone since not everyone has equal opportunity.
For most of its history, especially in the mid-19th to early 20th century, the US has been known as the “land of opportunity.” A myriad of immigrants from all around the world crowded and congregated into a land that was once far from developed. They came to America and started a new life, hoping to have a better future. The American Dream they envisioned was higher pay, a better job, and a better quality of life. While all of that may have been true in the past, it is not so true anymore. Many people have not reached the so-called American Dream due to the rough economy. In fact, many are still overwhelmed coping with their daily expenses. Has the American Dream slipped out of reach?
The American household is clearly divided into different social groups. There are

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