The ‘American Dream’ in the Perspective of Today, Essay Example

The ‘American Dream’ is a time honored concept around which generations have revolved their lives. From the foundation of the American colonies up until the present, and into the future, people from all around the world have trekked to grasp the elusive concept of a better life and typical western freedoms. But what exactly is it that the ‘American Dream’ calls for? What aspects in a person’s life must be altered to reach that status? Better yet, how has the concept evolved throughout the centuries to place American where they are today?

There are many answers to all of the above questions, and one facet to which all American’s look when considering the answers in the infamous Los Angeles. Los Angeles, the ‘City of Angels’ is more than a place on a map, more than just geographical borders; the city is also a icon for the entire world’s cultural imagination.

Although many aspects define the ‘American Dream,’ which in itself has evolved over time to remain current with today’s expectations, the values have remained constant throughout, having been merely redefined by each generation that comes forth because of new thoughts and innovations.

First however, it is the original concept of the ‘American Dream’ that must be evaluated in its entirety. “James Truslow Adams,” in fact, “in the early thirties, stated that “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement regardless of social class or circumstances of birth; that’s the American Dream.”” (Kamp 2009).

In reality, this is the ultimate description. Broken down to the most basic components, the ‘American Dream’ is the idea that no one is limited, or restricted, by any means out of their control. One can make what one wants to make of themselves so that one may be happy to the fullest extent possible.

This was the idea people sought for, when they sold everything in their possession to come to America for a new start. Countless history texts have preached for decade after decade of the immigrants that left anything and everything they have ever known behind so that they could go and make whatever they wanted of themselves. The ‘American Dream’ is not just a concept, or an idea, it is a promise that things will be better.

With that information foremost in the mind, it is time now to take a look into the values of the ‘American Dream.’ Here, then, is a question: Is it possible to evaluate the values behind the ‘American Dream?’

This paper argues no, it is in fact impossible to evaluate the values of the ‘American Dream’ because the ‘American Dream’ is a concept, an evolving notion, which is constantly in motion, ever changing. Because of this, it is possible to take a moment in time and examine a value set for the generation in question but there is no infinitely right answer to remain untarnished through the ages.

From the idyllic two and a half kids, house, car, and microwave, to the freedom to go and simply flat out do whatever a person wants, the confines of the ‘American Dream’  have, as already mentioned, changed over the years just as the people who seek the ‘Dream’ out have changed.

Today’s ‘American Dream’ some would say has been abused and misused to represent drugs, sex, and alcohol. In some ways, this is the case, but it is wrong to call this value set an abomination against the original concept; everything still boils down to the same basics, it is simple that as time has gone on, people have become accustomed to the norm and so seek new and exciting ways to pursue that happiness, reach for that liberty.

Now, it is time to return to the notion the city of Los Angeles. How does this city, which has been romanticized, victimized, and idolized, by Hollywood relate to the “American Dream?” With so many cultures mixing together into the cacophony, how does reality mesh with the ‘Dream’ so diligently sought after?

Television and movies often show L.A. with a variety of odd shaped swimming pools illustrating different interests, all of which are extravagant and outside of the norm. These swimming oasis’ are representative of status, the more flamboyant the design, the more money one is assumed to possess. A huge factor in today’s “American Dream” is money; everyone wants it, no one can get enough.

Another aspect is the more obvious advertisement for alcohol. The party life, drinking, music, dancing, loud hopping clubs scenes, all of these images have been shoved down viewers throats until it is a generally accepted notion for the types of behavior people display in Los Angeles. When people see their favorite stars and actors ‘living it up’ on the screen, they slide into an envious mindset, making that one of the things for which they are reaching.

A time proven adage is simply that people want what they cannot have. Everything that ‘average Joe’ sees on television or in the movies, generally they strive for because it is not just handed to them. The “American Dream” is simply that search for more, to do better, to get further; and the notion that they can achieve those things in the event that they just work hard enough for it.

Additionally, there is the portrayal of the human body that everyone tries to achieve, usually without the drive to actually earn it. Los Angeles is infamous for the hot models and the sexy body builder types that pepper magazines and tabloids every week, and that is not even mentioning the body types seen on the big screen.

Sex appeal is everything, or at least that is how it is being marketed. Launching a ton of products to make loosing weight easier, get ‘that body that you’ve always wanted,’ with virtually no work at all. Looking for the easy way out is what causes the trek for the ‘American Dream’ so strenuous now-a-days to remain out of reach for so many.

A lot of people think the same thing about the ‘night-life style’ of L.A. and the search for perfection, designer brands, and bodies of the Victoria Secret advertisements. This is, once again, the “American Dream,” what most want and some will achieve with the right drive and discipline.

As already mentioned, the values within the ‘American Dream,’ assert that happiness is the ultimate goal. Now whether or not it is true happiness or just a quest for what one believes will make them happy is not the question.

In a way, the image of Nike is in actuality the most parallel to the ‘American Dream,’ for the simple text to the right side explains everything; “and that’s just fine,” the words say. This is representative of a true happiness no money could buy and no alcohol could simulate.

The woman has worked towards her goal to the best of her ability, giving it all that she has, and while said unnamed woman has no achieved the epitome of success, she has been fulfilled in the hard work and the knowledge that she has ‘just done it.’

In conclusion, Los Angeles is clearly the city from which the rest of the world has set a standard; be it realistic or no. Ironically enough, even though California was one of the ‘last’ states to be formed, it houses the city from which the example is set.

Every generation has developed its own set of value-definitions and ideals that fit into the current ‘American Dream,’ but when decomposed down to the initial elements anyone can see that the ‘American Dream’ is the same today as it was 250 years ago.

People simply want to be happy. At the same time people are easily lead so that when people see items and events unfolding in the fictional television programs, they feel like that is how life ought to be.

It is for these very reasons that Hollywood has been the true voice of the people for a long time. Most viewers follow along, not really being asked to think for themselves, they turn to Los Angeles and the romanticized life shown on television and then say that what they want.

In reality they just want to be satisfied with their lives, just like that woman from Image C. Whether that is reaching for what they think will make them happy, or finding what truly will, the ‘American Dream’ will remain a beacon of hope and light for eternity, and ultimately, so will Los Angeles.

Works Cited

Kamp, David. “Rethinking the American Dream”. Vanity Fair. 2009. Web. 24 Jan. 2011