Olivia Steely

English 102

Short Argumentative Essay

February 23, 2016

Pursuit of Happiness

        When the Great Depressions was in full swing in the 1930s, writer James Truslow Adams defined the American Dream as “a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability social or circumstances of birth” (King 573).  This has been the primarily accepted definition of the American Dream.  Recently, however, faith in the ability to achieve this ideal has changed.  This has raised questions digging to the root of American philosophy, all agreeing on one concern:  is the American Dream still alive?  One must look beyond current problems that will plague every generation and remember the true essence in which this concept was formulated.  The American Dream is still achievable because of economic crises, shifting perspectives, and resilient mindsets.  

        Those who believe that the American Dream is fleeting may say that the recent economic crises are squashing any chance of reviving this revered ideal; however, these believers are ignoring their individual responsibility.  Though the constant financial upheavals can sometimes impede confidence in the American Dream to a certain extent, these problems actually provide motivation to improve society most often.  According to author Brandon King, recent polls have provided “alarming facts, including trillions of dollars lost in the stock market [and] these losses, combined with admittedly high unemployment in the past few years, have contributed to dismal prospects for prosperity in the United States” (572). This may all seem negative.  For some people this financial turmoil may be completely true, but there is more to the story.  One must look past the role of the government and take individual control.  Economist Cal Thomas shares his personal opinion on the government’s role in citizens achieving the American Dream:  “Anyone who thinks [a] dysfunctional government is going to help achieve their dreams is putting their faith in the wrong place.  People who believe a politician of whatever party or persuasion can make their life better than individual initiative are doing more than dreaming; such persons are displaying cult-like faith, which can never be fulfilled” (569-570).  This provides the harsh truth to a society falling deeper and deeper into self-formed pity and hopelessness.  Now is the time Americans should be fighting back and crafting their own path in this society.  The Nation writers Robert Borosage and Katrina Heavel corroborate this by putting the future of the American Dream into the people’s own hands.  Borosage and Heavel argue that unless Americans are convinced there is a better way, then no activism and transcendation will occur (par. 25-6).  In the end, the future of the American Dream is in the hands of the citizens and should not be fully dependent on the government or financial situation if one wants to save this treasured goal.

       Opponents of the American Dream claim that the ideal has vanished, but in actuality, the perspective has only shifted.  New York Times columnist Bob Herbert states America needs a revival of the American Dream because of the failing economy, worsening education, and destructive behaviors (565).  He complains that no one and nothing in the near future will resurrect this dream, and “we’ve become a hapless, can’t do society, and it’s, frankly, embarrassing” (Herbert 566).  Herbert’s claim that there is little hope for America and the American Dream rests upon the questionable assumption that Americans cannot and are not adapting as their society is changing around them.  In fact, Americans are quite adept at adjusting to change and developing perspectives to match their surroundings.  Thomas suggests that “the rules for achieving the American Dream may no longer be taught and supported by culture, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t work” (qtd. in King 576).  This is the prime example to how Americans can overcome the present challenges.  King adds to this by insisting that, as Americans, we have adapted to the new problems that plague society (577).  Altogether, the American Dream has not disappeared but has only manifested itself slightly different to match the shifting perspectives arising in America today.

      Those who are skeptical of an American Dream resurrection claim that this feat is impossible; however, the only factor in achieving the American Dream is through the mindset of the individual.  Borosage and Heavel report that most Americans supposedly feel that “they are on their own and have no concept of how collective action might help” (par. 33).  One can understand the concern, but Americans are resilient in their beliefs of achieving goals.  Why do Borosage and Heavel suddenly think a little bump in the road can or has stopped Americans now?  Exactly:  nothing has changed.  The condition of the United States always has issues and concerning problems, which is why Americans are so excellent at moving forward.  King agrees when he writes, “As long as people believe they have a chance at becoming better off than they are today, then the American Dream is intact.  Instead of trying to interfere with the enterprise that creates jobs and growths, we should reply on the values of the American Dream:  that anybody can climb out of hardship and achieve success” (577).  Now this is the true American Dream.  In sum, revitalizing the American Dream is not impossible; one must remember that the only requirements for achieving the American Dream are faith and fortitude.  

       In conclusion, the American Dream is still viable because of financial shifts, adapting attitudes, and enduring beliefs.  The American Dream is not dead and is not in any danger of dying.  Americans should not let fear of the government's actions or lack of self-trust destroy the dream that has been instilled in all United States citizens from birth.  The original American Dream definition James Truslow Adams brought forth should be the only foundation one reflects on when referring to the opportunities and goals America promotes.  Each and every American should stand up and resurrect faith in individual responsibility regarding his or her own pursuit of happiness.