Chapter 10: Class and Caste-Abbey Dahl

Generally speaking the optimistic "American Dream" is the belief that, "through means such as education, marriage, good luck, hard work, and taking risks," (236 Culture Counts) ANYONE can become successful. The "American Dream" evolved from the time in 1776, when America's Declaration of Independence was signed. In the document that defined our country it stated that all men are to be created equal, and everyone has the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Once immigrants heard about the opportunities America held people began to poor into the country, making it the diverse melting pot it is said to be. Ideally we all hope to achieve this wonderful life with wealth, power, and prestige. I am not surprised at all that, "eighty percent of Americans still believe that it is possible to pull yourself up by the proverbial ladder," (Class Mobility). It is called the "American Dream" because most people dream to be successful and live in a nice neighborhood, be educated, and be respected. Realistically the "American Dream" is very difficult to achieve because of how history formed the specific class systems in the United States, and how history made race and diversity a negative than a positive. People who are born into wealthy, educated families are more likely to have more opportunites in their life, than those who live in poverty and are given a mediocur education. With all of the population growth and little job openings the dream is disinegrating in many peoples thoughts. Aslo in America unfortunately there is a, "binary form of American racial classification," (242 Culture Counts). Currently it has become much more accepting to diversity, but prior to the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans, Native Americans, and Latino Americans were treated as if they were inferior to whites. People came to this country for freedom, and the chance to create a substancial income, and instead the majority were repressed from be capable to achieve this dream. I hope with this slowly economic healing process, and more acceptance to diversity more "American Dreams" can be achieved.