I think this line grasps and comments on a very modern American mentality that has gone from celebrating the individual to hyperfocusing on the individual; keeping an eye on the bigger picture outside of ourselves means believing in the educated, open-minded mental freedom that allows us to do so."The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day.” - David Foster Wallace
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Quotations
As stated in class and in group email: Post 1 quotation (famous, film, book, poem, cliche, idiom, lyric, etc.) that relates to the experience of the American Dream. Write a min. 1 sentence explanation of how or why it strikes you as being related. Please comment on at least 3 of your classmates' posts.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
"I pledge allegiance... with liberty and justice for all"- the Pledge of Allegiance
ReplyDeleteI believe the American Dream is not only creating a comfortable lifestyle through hard work, but also achieving equality for all. As an immigrant from a third-world country, there was a lot of inequality back home and one of the reasons why we immigrated was because of the promise of equality in America. Equality = opportunity.
I really like how you brought in the idea of equality which isn't often spoken about in accordance with the American Dream.
DeleteEquality is certainly a central theme in the concept of the American Dream, and I'd argue that while there are many issues regarding equality to this day, the nation as a whole has taken considerable strides towards making the country more equitable for all of us, especially minorities and women.
DeleteI completely agree with your statement although many people in this generation today think everything's unfair.
DeleteThe promise of equality turned out to be wrong in some instances lol
DeleteI agree with Nina in that equality is often overlooked when interpreting the American dream. Financial stability is usually the first thing that comes to mind.
DeleteI completely agree with your statement, I like how you mentioned and elaborated on inequality. I agree with Genesis because it is true how financial stability is usually the first thing which comes to mind when The American Dream is mentioned.
DeleteThe saying "Actions Speak Louder than Words": I think that this cliché stems from a huge aspect of the American Dream that promotes the idea that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success. It's why Americans today are so career/work oriented, and we hold so much value in what people "do" with their lives. Sayings like this one only support the idea that if we want to be noticed or appreciated in life, we'd better be working hard and DOING whatever it is that we do.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with how Americans are very work oriented. Everything seems to be on a schedule.
DeleteI agree, you have to work hard to make it in America.
DeleteI"d have to agree that Americans are very work orientated, but I think it's detrimental and contributes to health problems in many Americans. Just one example would be lack of paid maternity leave laws in the US.
DeleteTotally agree! it does make sense though. A big aspect of the American Dream is to work hard and you'll get what you strive for. Although it is a good ideal and mindset to have, it can be very tiring especially after so many years of hard work and you still manage to end up with nothing.
DeleteI agree on the idea that the dream is strongly tied to hard work and no matter how much it changes and if whether people loose faith in it, I still think it will always be associated with the dream
DeleteI 100% agree with you about the "value" we hold to what we or others do and I read up on a HONY (humans of new york) post and it opened my eyes to the fact that this "value" can be overwhelming for some. Many of us will be asked "So what do you do?" and for those select group that are struggling to get jobs or have low income (minimum wage) jobs or might be a student and working an unpaid internship might feel embarrassed. (which they have no reason to be) You do what you gotta do.I feel that we should limit this "value" we associate to our job titles to because it's not always about being noticed or appreciated in life to but be happy and appreciate life itself.
Delete"Our workforce and our entire economy are strongest when we embrace diversity to its fullest, and that means opening doors of opportunity to everyone and recognizing that the American Dream excludes no one."
ReplyDeleteI believe that this quote is a depiction of the past when it comes to the idea of the American Dream. In modern times, this phrase seems to have lost it's meaning due to various factors, one of them being political. Demagogues such as Donald Trump have had a huge impact on the way that people view certain races/ethnic groups within the country, and as such I feel that it has tainted the promise of the American Dream.
Completely agree with your interpretation.
DeleteStrongly agree with your last sentence. The Dream isn't what it used to be and I feel as if it's becoming more faded, for the lack of a better term.
DeleteThe proven facts behind racism and your own point of people viewing races in crude way i.e. Islamaphobia is completely true.
Delete"For many, the American Dream has become a nightmare." -Bernie Sanders
ReplyDeleteThis quote strikes me as truthful, especially since Bernie ran a campaign on the premise of income inequality and various other issues. This man brought so many critical issues of our time into the spotlight, and it has awoken my entire generation to the problems that we face.
For so many people in the country, achieving the American Dream is out of reach as more money gets funneled to the top 1% and costs continue to skyrocket. With all these issues working in tandem, the average American citizen cannot be expected to excel and actualize their potential as our parents and grandparents could. This destruction of opportunity is precisely why the American Dream has been dismantled for the majority of Americans, and why I believe that there has to be significant change in this nation.
The quote you chose is very impactful.
DeleteThis quote was very interesting and different since most show the American Dream in a positive light.
DeleteThis quote, while showing the dark side of the American dream, fits really well and i believe it to be true in recent years
DeleteBernie Sanders does have a point and it's seen much more recently. Some people still have their faith in the American Dream but there are others who are losing their faith as well. At this point, I'm not surprised anymore.
DeleteIt is very evident why many don't believe in the American Dream anymore
DeleteInteresting idea to choose a politician's quote on such a topic- with that said, it is predictable of Sanders to agree with the lower class of Americans who are, generally, the ones believing in this idea of lost hope in the American Dream.
DeleteIt's really important to shed light on the slim chances of achieving the American dream in today's time and Bernie is always making it his goal to raise awareness to this issue.
DeleteThis is true since everyone is trying to achieve it, that it became a competition and some are willing to commit crime over it;.
Delete"Oh yeah, I started out mopping the floor just like you guys. Then I moved up to washing lettuce. Now, I'm working the fat fryer. Pretty soon I'll make assistant manager and that's when the big bucks start rolling in." -Coming to America(the movie)
ReplyDeleteThe movie as a whole is an example of the American Dream. The King of Zamunda's son,Prince Akeem, has everything handed to him and one day when his parents approach him about an arranged marriage decides he doesn't want to marry a woman who since birth was taught solely to attend his needs but wants to find someone who really loves him,has her own opinions,etc... And he decides out of all countries to come to America. In the quote a guy who works at McDonalds where the Prince gets employed, tells him how he's going to make it one day. The American Dream is all about moving up in whatever way suits you and in this case he wanted to be Assistant Manager and is moving up in ranks to reach his dream and "the big bucks.." which encompasses the idea behind the American Dream.
I legit just finished watching this. Anyways, I like how the movie incorporates the prince, fictional or not, which really encompasses the idea that the American Dream is classes.
DeleteI never saw this movie but the quote really fits well with the topic
DeleteFrom what you mention, it does seem to incorporate the idea of social mobility, which I think is central to the American economy and therefore relevant to the American Dream. However, social mobility has been greatly reduced over the last few decades, and while inflation has continued its steady march upwards, wages have simultaneously stagnated. It is, therefore, logical to conclude that the American Dream is on hiatus for most, if it is tied to social mobility, as you suggest.
DeleteI really liked the quote you've chosen because it shows that you can always work your way up the ladder with the social class mobility America has.
DeleteThis quote is a good representation of the American Dream because it shows that the dream is different for everybody and some people are happy with less
Delete"And as I sat there brooding on the old, unknown world, I thought of Gatsby's wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night. Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter – tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... " -The Great Gatsby
ReplyDeleteThe American Dream is about perseverance and constantly working towards your goals and the green light by Daisy’s dock was a symbol of having accomplished his goals.
Love the Great Gatsby and love that this quote highlights a main theme of the book. Gatsby's background also pays tribute to the American Dream as he explains coming from a weak childhood and progressing into this successful man. However, the novel was written in the early 1900s when the American Dream was still new to people's minds.
Delete"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." -Walt Disney
ReplyDeleteI believe this quote symbolizes the idea in the American dream that anything can be done if you work hard enough. Many people believe that hard work is the way to great success not boasting about your plans, and that for some is a fundamental aspect of the American dream.
Exactly! It's such a big part of the American Dream. Anyone who immigrates to the U.S. has this mindset and they're so excited to start a new life here. but a majority of the time, it doesn't turn out well for them. But for those who do come here and strive for the best, I'm proud of them and hope for the best for them.
DeleteI feel as if today many people complain before they even try, I'm sure it's much harder to achieve the American dream in today's world but I believe it's still possible with the correct drive and effort.
DeleteWalt Disney is the man
Delete"I just wanna prove somethin'—I ain't no bum . . . It don't matter if I lose . . . Don't matter if he opens my head . . . The only thing I wanna do is go the distance—That's all. Nobody's ever gone 15 rounds with Creed. If I go them fifteen rounds, an' that bell rings an' I'm still standin', I'm gonna know then I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood . . ." (Rocky)
ReplyDeleteThis quote reflects the American Dream in that the belief in hard work will be rewarded. This is a representation of the American Dream by showing his desire to prove himself similar to how many today reach for that same goal.
one day I shall watch the entire Rocky saga
DeleteI can see where you're coming from with the American Dream with Rocky. Love that series
Delete"To realize the American dream, the most important thing to understand is that it belongs to everybody. It's a human dream. If you understand this and work very hard, it is possible."
ReplyDeleteI believe this summarizes the American dream quite well, Americans can still live the American dream, if you work hard enough towards your goal whether it's a lawyer or business owner is still possible although not as easy to get to now a days because of credential inflation.
I agree on how hard work is tied to the American Dream
DeleteYou're right about it not being as easy as people make it sound.
DeleteBecause normally linked to the the lower class, it is interesting for the person who claimed this to say that it is rather a national dream and shouldn't be interrupted by class distinctions.
DeleteGreat Point. I agree with you about the part where you mentioned, if you work hard enough towards your goal... it will definitely be possible. Hard work is connected to The American Dream.
Delete"Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
ReplyDeleteThis quote is in perfect relation to the American as you either achieve it or you haven't. There's no real middle ground as if you haven't fully completed your dream, then you've failed.
And if you stop trying to achieve highly you're seen as a failure. When there is no try, effort means nothing. :'(
Delete“If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.”
ReplyDelete― George Monbiot
This quote directly relates to the American Dream simply because it addresses the issue of location and opportunity; the fact that in other countries, the potential to increase wealth and social economic status is quite low compared to our beloved america.
Great point, people forget how much harder it is to just get by when you're circumstances are so urgent and hopeless.
DeleteDefinitely puts things into perspective about the opportunities we receive in America.
DeleteI agree with the quote because it shows just how much opportunity matters if you want to advance, as well as race and gender.
DeleteThis goes back to the idea of many looking at America as a land of opportunity.
DeleteGreat Point. Definitely agree about the part when you mentioned how American is viewed as the land of opportunity. ( Agreeing with Wei)
Delete"Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
ReplyDeleteHe gets me my drinks for free
And he's quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there's someplace that he'd rather be
He says, "Bill, I believe this is killing me."
As a smile ran away from his face
"Well, I'm sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place."
Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
And he's talking with Davy, who's still in the Navy
And probably will be for life"
Billy Joel’s Piano Man provides multiple examples of the disappointing reality that different individuals experience when pursuing their version of the American dream. Most people feel that the American dream is to have a successful and stable career yet in Paul’s story we see that he is so enveloped in his job and maintaining this American dream that he has no time for others. John and Davy’s cases demonstrate the reality in spending so much time struggling to reach this American dream and still not make it.
There comes a certain sadness when people devote their entire lives to making the American dream a reality that they often forget to live life in the present and this can make you wonder, is it all worth it?
"Chasing the wind, striving after this vanity
ReplyDeleteTraveling, no direction, the aimless casualty
American dream or Scarface fantasy
Kilos of coke and the arms of black families
We use to it, our hearts draped in stone" -Kendrick Lamar in 'Dreams'
In this song, rapper Kendrick Lamar is almost mimicking the American Dream and its inability to fulfill the promises all Americans expect of it. Although grateful for all progress our country has made, Lamar remains unsatisfied with the status of African Americans in society and how little the American Dream still exists for them.
I definitely see the paradox in the American dream in this quote. How many people of color find it extremely difficult to achieve the American Dream but still work ever so hard to grasp it
DeleteI agree with these lyrics as Kendrick describes how the American Dream is practically unattainable, especially for black people that live in poor neighborhoods. He also touched on this topic in the song Black Boy Fly with the lyrics
Delete"The only way out the ghetto, you know the stereotype
Shooting hoops or live on the stereo like top 40
And shortly, I got discouraged"
This was very well written and described very well. Agree with both Adam and Khalif. Kendrick Lamar does a very good job at demonstrating (using his lyrics) how The American Dream is quite difficult for African Americans living in poor neighborhoods.
Delete"Self-improvement is masturbatory, now self-destruction that's an answer." - Tyler Durden, Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
ReplyDeleteThis is less so a quote about the american dream itself, instead it is a reaction to that dream going unfulfilled perpetually. Whether choosing not to vote, be active in movements or other ways to actively change our communities are becoming more disregarded. Not only are we ignoring these keystones of America as individuals but as communities and as a nation on a whole. Why improve when society won't care how much you improve, and since someone's nephew probably already got the job.
Fight Club really changes your views on one's relevance to society in America. Love this book.
Delete“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.... And one fine morning-- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a pretty mundane American Dream quote but it perfectly analyzes how American society reacts to the growing changes between socioeconomic groups. Although we as a society try harder, and work diligently it seems that the ‘’American Dream’’ will never be in our grasps. I feel like this relates to the American dream because even though the concept of an American Dream feels less possible to achieve, normal working people will always try to go for it.
ReplyDeleteYea this is seen even better as the book is set in the blooming age where there are many newly rich yet people forget the ones living in the valley of ash who believes in the dream but most likely never achieve it.
Delete"In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.
ReplyDelete"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."-Nick
I think this relates to the current of the American Dream as there is a big inequality between classes as for some people its less possible for them to achieve the American dream like those living in the valley of ash.This is they have less of an advantage and resources than people like Daisy for was born rich and married rich.
I definitely agree with the comment above you've stated because the American Dream doesn't necessarily mean people being happy, there new definitely inequality between the social classes involved.
Delete(What did the Asian say?)
ReplyDeleteA peace of mind...Worried about your career, you ever think of your health?
(What did the Indian say?)
A piece of land...
Telling me longevity is in the dirt, should buy some property first
Should profit a better dollar with generational perks...
These tangible things expire, don't you expect
Income with so much outcome and yes
Look at my heritage, we blessed
(Now, what the black man say?)
A piece of pussy...
We do it all for a woman from hair cut to a war
We like to live in the jungle, like to play in the peach
What you saying to me?
He said "nigga, come back to reality for a week"...
I wouldn't be prouder, you should allow it
(What the white man say?)
A piece of mine's
That's what the white man wanted when I rhyme
Telling me that he selling me just for $10.99
If I go platinum from rapping, I do the company fine...
You make a million or more, you living better than average
You losing your core following, gaining it all
He put a price on my talent, I hit the bank and withdraw...
Put myself in the rocket ship and I shot for the stars
Look at what you accomplished and what he said to the boy
I'mma make you some promises that you just can't ignore
Your profession anonymous as an artist
If I don't target your market
If you ain't signing your signature when I throw you my wallet
A lot of rappers are giving their demo all in the toilet
Your world tour, your master's, mortgage, I need a piece
-Kendrick Lamar on Untitled 03
This song speaks about how the American Dream is different for different classes and races in society, some are happy with what they have while some want more in life. However he later says everyone just wants to collect the benefits of their work later in the lyrics
"I holler, "What you do? What you say?"
I shall enjoy the fruits of my labor if I get freed today"
" Grandma. It was really great. I think we found ourselves here. We finally got to see some other parts of the world. We saw some beautiful things here. Things we'll never forget. We got to let loose. God, I can't believe how many new friends we made. Friends from all over the place. I mean everyone was so sweet here. So warm and friendly." ( from film, Springbreakers 2012) -- Faith
ReplyDeleteThis quote was from the movie Springbreakers. Springbreakers is a movie which relates to The American Dream. This quote strikes me as very interested and allowed me understand how many people want to many things in life and remain happy. Faith from the movie , Sprinbreakers has finally found inner peace within herself because now she and her grandma discovered a place where they call "home".
This quote definitely speaks about how The American Dream has allowed many individuals to remain happy and want to achieve more in life. In Addition, the quote said by Faith ( played by Selena Gomez) demonstrates how many people are happy and content after going through difficulties in their life. Although, many people see "happiness" as a process and some may remain unsatisfied with the status of The American Dream, there is still hope for everyone to be and achieve ''The American Dream".