09/17/12 - The American Dream - Second Period

9/13/2012

OK so here's what you need to do. Below these directions is a passage regarding the American dream. Read this passage and reply to the question (in bold) that follows in no less than FIVE sentences.

"Achieving the American dream implies reaching some threshold of well being, higher than where one began but not necessarily dazzling. As Bruce Springsteen puts it, "I don't think the American dream was that everybody was going to make . . . a billion dollars, but it was that everybody was going to have an opportunity and the chance to live a life with some decency and some dignity and a chance for some self-respect.'
"The American dream consists in becoming better off than some comparison point, whether one's childhood, people in the old country, one's neighbors, a character from a book, another race or gender--anything or anyone that one measures oneself against" (Hochschild 16).

What does the American dream mean to you? In your own opinion, how do aspects of the American dream apply differently to each American class (lower class, middle class, upper class)? Lastly, what are your thoughts on an online assignment such as this?

24 Comments

Harley Be

9/17/2012 06:53:48 am

The American dream to me is a dream that someone has to improve their life. The American dream is the positive attitude you have towards your future. I think that every American class will have a different type of dream. A lower class persons dream may be to just get through high school while a upper class persons dream may be to complete medical school and become a doctor. I think an online assignment is a good thing. It not only saves paper but also keeps us from bringing our huge book home everyday.

Hunter Sherman

9/17/2012 11:19:32 pm

I think that the American dream is what every American thinks is the perfect life. The American dream for me is having a family and living a normal life. I don't think having a lot of money and living in a huge house would be considered living the American dream. If I have a nice house a family a few cars and a good job. That's what I think the American dream would be.

reed shump

9/17/2012 11:20:17 pm

I think the American dream is living life as you always wanted to. if its money or fame or living behind a dumpster, it just depends on what u want the most and your reasons to be on this Earth

reed shump

9/17/2012 11:24:11 pm

The classes all have different American Dream . because that's how they chose to live in their childhood

reed shump

9/17/2012 11:25:49 pm

I think this class assignment is better than paper and pen because everything is technology nowadays . and i can do this right from my phone so its easy homework

andrew daniels

9/17/2012 11:34:37 pm

The American dream to me means open spaces, big houses, family pets an white picket fences. This is just my interpretation of the American dream while others may view it completely different based on that individuals personal morals an values. I do believe a persons view on this dream is based off of that persons social class, because what some people might have others who are less fortunate might dream of these things. Everyone has different points of view on almost every subject. The American dream to me though is irrelevant because I am content with the life I live and the things that are presented to me.

I do like thus online blogging assignment. I think it makes it easier to express my words and my creative mind.

Michelle Hu

9/18/2012 10:00:07 am

The American dream to me is what a person thinks is the right way to live their life. It can also be the way you look at life. A lower class American dream would be different from an upper class person's idea of the American dream. A lower class American dream may be to rise in status and go to college to may become the first in the family to get a degree. While an upper class person may be to try and go even farther than where they are at the present moment because where they might be may not be good enough to their liking. And a middle class person's American dream may be to just try and make it through high school and maybe go to college if they can. I think of online assignments as more easier since I don't have to remember to bring home the assignment. It also helps that i can work on it anywhere and not worry about leaving it somewhere.

Masa Sasic

9/18/2012 12:31:29 pm

The American dream to me means to me means to be able to voice ones opinion and it also means to have the same opportunities and freedoms everyone has to make your dream come true. It also to me means being safe and having a safe place to call ones own. When my parents first came to America that is how they viewed having the American dream. I think that the immigrants that first migrated to America thought of the American dream as a way to get wealthy fast and to become a millionaire. The aspects of the American dream differs for every class because the lower and middle class think of the American dream as being that one percent of the American population. While the upper class may think that the American dream is what they have currently which is nice homes and cars and well paying and stable jobs.

I think that the online assignment was a good one because it helped me to think about the way people other than my self view the American dream. Also because it goes hand in hand with the book the class is reading.

Kaylin Moore

9/18/2012 09:21:34 pm

I think the american dream is being able to live life to the fullest taking advantage of the rights provided by your country. Not having to settle for what you have but, instead striving for things you want to better your life.

I like the online assignments because its easier to utilize. .

Logan Nichols

9/19/2012 08:42:31 am

I think the american dream is to do what you love to do. If you are inspired to do something by someone or something, strive and do your best to reach that goal in your life. One of the key things in reaching your american dream, is to never give up, keep at it no matter what happens. Everyone has their own american dream, some may be more radical than others. No matter how poor or how rich you are, keep on trying for that goal in your life. When you reach your goal, you will have achieved your very own personal american dream!
I think this online work is great and saves paper.

Matthew Underwood

9/19/2012 09:58:58 am

I think the American dream is about achieving a better life than you have or had. It’s about making a better life for yourself and maybe your family. I think that lower and upper class citizen’s dreams do differ. I think that because most lower class citizens want to just better there life most don’t want millions they just want to be able to make ends meet were as most rich people just want more money to just say they have more money than everyone else.

The online assignment is not bad just different but overall I like it.

Abbey Stith

9/19/2012 10:56:47 am

The American Dream to me means living like the typical all American family. Where the wife takes care of the kids and the husban is the provider. They live in a typical house with a white fence and the American flag flying high in the yard. The concept of the American dream has

Abbey Stith part 2

9/19/2012 11:00:22 am

been a dream of many for generations. I think of soldiers fighting for our rights so we can live in a free country with a democracy.

I like this idea of online assignment but it is freezing up and submitting before I am done

Kimisha

9/19/2012 08:43:38 pm

The American Dream to me is "traditional" way of living. The woman doesn't work she takes care of the kids and the father goes to work to provide for his family. The mom takes the kids to soccer practice and makes sure dinner is ready before dad gets home. It's also about achieving more and to better yourself.
I like the online assignments its saves paper and trees :) .

Greg Smith

9/19/2012 09:05:36 pm

The American Dream to me means being happy with your life, job, and family.As long as you are happy with what your doing nothing else should matter. People think that you have to be a billionaire to be living The American Dream. In reality, if you are happy all around with what you have you are already living The American Dream.

I like the idea of online assignments like this because im alot faster at typing then i am at writing.

Malika higginbottom

9/19/2012 10:24:07 pm

The American dream to me means to live your life freely. That simply means live your life how you want to, without anyone judging or commenting on what you do. Also sad to say I believe our American dream is based upon money. While the upper class is living their dream because they are wealthy. The middle class is not complaining but they are still not where they think they should be. And the lower class has absolutely nothing in their life that makes them happy or make them feel like they are living the dream. So I think the American dream is all about what you make of it. And I like the online homework because it just feels like I'm texting and not doing homework :)

Noah White

9/20/2012 11:27:51 am

I think the american dream is basically that if you live in this country you should have a decent life with plenty of opportunity if you're willing to work hard. I don't think it's about being the richest man or woman or having big houses. I believe it's about being happy with yourself and knowing you worked hard to have what you have. Pretty much making the best of what you have and being proud to be free.

I like the whole online idea. I think it makes things interesting to see how other people feel about the topic that you're discussing.

alec graham

9/20/2012 12:11:35 pm

The American dream is whatever you want to make it out to be. There is no restrictions or guidelines you must live by in your life. Do what you love and make the most out of it. Live life to the fullest and never give up. There are so many things people can do and make their dreams become reality. I can't wait to grow up and live my American dream!

I enjoyed doing the online blight because it was easy and conven

Randi Artrip

9/23/2012 06:18:08 am

The American dream to me is you being free and happy living life how you want to with your family and friends. And I think the American dream goes more towards foreigners, because I feel like they come to America to live the American dream and to be free .

This assignment is ok, it doesn't matter to me what we do our assignments on.

Kaylee Go

9/23/2012 07:13:16 am

The American dream to me is any dreams you want to follow that deals with the United States of America. The lower class probably would not have that much of a chance to follow a American dream. In the middle class, some may be able to follow their own U.S.A dreams if they use their money and their lucky chances in life. The upper class can follow their dreams only if they make a effort in life. I like the online assignments. Go green!

Aaron matheny

9/23/2012 11:35:19 pm

The American dream to me, means that it's not how much money you have its about how you make your life and live it the best you can. As long as your happy then you are living the American dream.

Courtney Cook

9/25/2012 11:16:19 pm

To me, the American dream is the typical family. Spending time together, having dinner, living in a house all together. I feel the higher class would have more of a chance to experience the American dream more than the lower class, but to me things should be

continued... Courtney Cook

9/25/2012 11:17:14 pm

Equal. The American Dream reminds me of freedom, and that people come to the USA for that right.

& I like the blog, but I always forget about it

Spencer Walker

10/1/2012 09:36:24 am

The American Dream can be anything you want. Its Your Dream, your life, and your destiny. You choose what you want for the American Dream.

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09/17/12 - The American Dream - Second Period

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