The American Dream Essay Example For Students

The American Dream Essay The American Dream has eventually become an old concept which descends from the time with Henry Ford and Rockefeller and Carnegie who where among the very first to epitomize The American Dream. Way back in the 1870s as the oil industry and the development of motor engines started growing those people saw an opportunity in the industry and managed to benefit of it. Later on they were known as the personification of the American Dream. The fact that they started from scratch and became successful has certainly been the major reason that they have acquired that status and started the concept The American Dream. We will write a custom essay on The American Dream specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now There are many definitions of the American Dream, and they have certainly changed as the time has passed the recent two centuries. Some might mean that the American Dream is to become extremely rich, famous and powerful, criteria only the fewest can achieve. On the other hand many would say that the American Dream simply is to establish a family with wife, children who can go to school and a decent residence. However some might put in further criteria which would be that you have to start out by very poor circumstances. So as you probably had already figured, the definition does change indeed depending on whom you ask and where you ask. Nevertheless the inventor of the particular meaning of the phrase The American Dream was the American author Horatio Alger Jr. 1832-1899 who wrote rag-to-riches stories in several dime novels in which he described in fictive progresses how boys managed to achieve the American Dream by determination and courage. By then his novels encouraged many people to start working hard in order to chase that dream. The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 was the very first step to a huge Liberal society in America and all the spirit and foundation of The United States lies within that declaration. The Declaration was the step to liberalism, individualism, justice and liberty in America and finally the American Dream as well as you can draw many similarities between those two ideas. Both state that every man is to be born equal and every man should have the opportunity to achieve whatever he desires, and that our destinies lie within our own hands. As there are many definitions of the American Dream it is hard to state what really epitomizes it. Personally I would say you have achieved it when you have done something unique for instance in order to help other people. Unlike those Americans who think that the persons with the biggest fortunes like Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates epitomize it, I would rather say that persons like Martha Stewart, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King have fulfilled as they have done some exceptional for people in need which has become historic. Further wise I would add that personal happiness is the most important. There might be a thin line between wealth and happiness but not in all cases. Time after time it has been proven as success and large bank accounts have lead to drug abuses, loneliness, isolation and even death in some cases. According to me that is a clear indication that money doesnt necessarily equal to happiness. So other factors are required to fulfill the dream. The most obvious would be a social and secure life with relatives and friends as well. Is The American Dream good? Many people would say that the American dream is good or in fact necessary for America. It gives the citizens a great opportunity to pursuit something in life and attempt to achieve something. Even the poorest children can be able to work their way out in various ghettos in this liberal country. .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 , .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .postImageUrl , .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 , .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59:hover , .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59:visited , .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59:active { border:0!important; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59:active , .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59 .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf6592ebda479d6b7916be17433534a59:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Almond Tree By Stallworthy EssayIn the middle of the dark tunnel the poor can see brightness at the end of the tunnel. The hope of achieve something despite the poor conditions gives the poor peoples lives a purpose, a reason not to give up. Nevertheless many people disagree upon the American Dream, and its values. Certain individuals such as writer Arthur Miller mean that there are too many paradoxes in the American Dream and that it basically gives a false hope of glory. Further wise they believe that the American Dream has equalled to a material greed among the Americans. In order to earn much money for cars etc. eople work most of the day and therefore the focus is rem oved from the family to the work and the pay check. Another paradox is the fact that college definitely isnt cheap. And the bachelor degree which you are given at the college graduation is necessary for many job fields. So if you come from a poor family it means that you cannot afford to attend college and that interferes with the declaration of independence which says that all people are given the same opportunities when they are born. So you cannot attend a college without paying large sums of money or carrying a scholarship. A further example is discrimination. If you dont have the right look, height or skin colour it could be difficult to hold a CEO or another leader position. The Result of The American Dream However the American Dream has not just encouraged Americans to fulfil it. Also millions of Europeans and South Americans have been tempted by the dream in The Land of the Opportunities. Therefore America has become the largest multi ethnical country which consists of all religions and races. Already after the Potato Famine tens of thousands went to America in particular from Ireland. So America has always been an alternative or an escape, an opportunity to start a new life for South Americans as well as Europeans for instance after a life with poverty and war. And a bit chocking fact according to myself is that the American borders are wide open and they dont even attempt to keep the immigrants out of their which many other countries do. So does this just explain a great hospitality or just carelessness as they actually do hesitate to offer financial contributions? So despite a lacking welfare system compared to Europe many people do choose to try their luck in America. And some people do manage to integrate themselves in USA, and some even manage to fulfil the American Dream, Danes as well, but the fact remains that most of the immigrants, particularly immigrants from Mexico end up in the gutter and in worst cases in jail as a due to crimes which must be committed because of a lacking or non-existing income. Many Americans would claim that they have a healthy and strong welfare state. But it is yet no secret that it consists of 2 million homeless people and has the highest imprison rate per citizen in the world. And there is no empathy from the wealthy Americans or the state. As a matter of fact the American Dream is a nice tool for the rich upper-class people and politicians to blame the poor and refuse to help them with the reason that they have had their chance to become something and if you have blown your chance then it is just bad luck. Conclusion It is claimed that everybody can achieve the American Dream. But as I have already been through there are many factors that could prevent you from achieving it. However I do sympathize with the idea of the American Dream, but it is dangerous because it is overrated and makes people think irrational. And to a certain extent I do agree with the liberal point of views as I support. I agree with the ideology which stands for personal freedom, the freedom to develop yourself and the freedom to be yourself. Also that we are born equal and it is up to ourselves to realize our own dreams, and that it is a pity that people in Europe can receive a welfare check from the state when they dont wish to work. .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 , .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .postImageUrl , .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 , .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4:hover , .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4:visited , .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4:active { border:0!important; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4:active , .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4 .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u035009664ef226e3c1d7372cada764d4:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: World Literature Persuasive EssayI dont think we should support them with money to get food on the table. I think we should help them to get back on the track so that they can earn their own money, unlike in America where there wont be taking care of anybody. It is claimed that everybody can achieve the American Dream by having good ambitions and determination but I would rather say that luck is the most important factor. The American Dream is like the wheel of fortune. Would you care for a spin? The American Dream Essay Example For Students The American Dream Essay American DreamWilly Loman is a man on a mission. His purpose in life is to achieve a false sense of the American Dream, but is this what Willy Loman really wants? In Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller analyzes the American Dream by portraying to us a few days in the life of a washed up salesman named Willy Loman. The American Dream is a definite goal of many people, meaning something different to everyone. Willys version is different from most people though; his is based more on being well-liked and achieving monetary successes rather than achieving something that will make him happy. Willy never becomes part of the American Dream because he never follows his true dreams and aspirations. He chooses a career that will make him money, but not much, rather than a career that he will enjoy. We will write a custom essay on The American Dream specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now This is the big mistake that Willy makes in his life and in the end he never overcomes it. Willy never becomes part of the American Dream because he tries to become successful and wealthy rather than spending his life doing something that would bring him and his family joy. The American Dream is a term used to summarize the basic ideals held by the American public. Death of a Salesman focuses on this dream and analyses the dreams significance in the American social order. The basic principal behind the American Dream is the belief that if people have an aspiration and they work for it they will achieve their dreams. Furthermore, what lies at the heart of the American Dream is the desire to achieve wealth and power based on ones looks and appearance rather than the value and quality of their work. The American Dream is supposedly what everyone wants to end up with; a family, a house, a car and a well paying job. The problem is that not everyone wants these things. People all over the world desire to immigrate to America because they have heard of this American Dream and they want to be a part of a country that makes it seem so easy to make a fortune. The problem with this dream is the theory at the basis of it; the fact that success is not assured, but if people work for their dreams they will eventually achieve them. People can work their entire lives thinking that they are contributing to humanity when in fact they are not. They believe that as long as they put something into civilization, at the end of their lives they will receive something in return. Many times this is simply not the way things work out. If people work their entire lives to achieve something that they can enjoy at the end of their life, they will miss the entire journey in between. The American Dream is the basis of American culture although some ideals at the heart of it seem incorrect. Willy Lomans dream is an adaptation of the American Dream. Willy believes that the only things that are important in life are the successes that he achieved and the amount of friends that he made. This is easily illustrated when Willy says Its who you know and the smile on your face! and thats the wonder, the wonder of this country, that a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked! (Movie). Success is an important part of the American dream, but Willy puts too much importance on the need to achieve success. He neglects the needs of his family and chooses to remain in the mindset that as long as he is well liked he will achieve success. Although he has lost his ability to sell, Willy continues to believe that as long as he works hard good things will happen to him and his family. .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 , .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .postImageUrl , .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 , .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1:hover , .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1:visited , .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1:active { border:0!important; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1:active , .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1 .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ubf8da4bda8e1f81d97b74b4e765de5f1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Photography (991 words) Essay Willys wife Linda realizes this and conveys these thoughts to her sons when she says He drives seven hundred miles, and when he gets there no one knows him anymore what goes through a mans mind, driving seven hundred miles home without earning a cent? (Movie). Willy has delusional ideas about the American Dream. Even in the end Willy still believes that the only thing Biff needs to be successful is some money to start a business. We learn this when Willy says Can you imagine that magnificence Biff with twenty thousand dollars in his pocket? (Movie). Willy thinks that as long as Biff has some money to start out with he will find it easy to become successful. Biff knows that his fathers ideas are wrong and all Biff wants is to enjoy his life and for his father to be happy. Willys dream is focused entirely on being successful and popular which in itself is wrong. Willy Loman did not become part of the American Dream because he does not follow his own dreams. Willy is not a salesman at heart, he is happiest when he is working with his hands and Willy never realizes this. After Willy dies, Biff realizes that his father should have worked out in the open, where he could truly be free. We learn this when Biff says, He had the wrong dreams. All, all wrong, and furthermore when Biff says, He never knew who he was. (Movie). Willy thinks that since he can still conceivably work when he becomes eighty years old that a salesman job is the best vocation he could ever want. Throughout the play, we learn that Willy has obviously made a wrong decision about his career and the fact that he never realizes this is the tragedy in the story. Willy does not think about what he himself wants to do, he thinks more about what others have done and then wants to achieve the same heights they have. Willy is never content with just being himself; he always has to be something better. This is evident when Linda tells Willy be happy right here, right now. Why must everybody conquer the world? Youre well liked, and the boys love you (Movie). Willy never listens to his heart and because of this, he follows the wrong dream. Willy was never really a part of the American Dream. In the end, we see Willys foolishness for killing himself. Willy has too much pride to take a job from Charley and would rather end his own life than work under his friend for money. Willy thinks he is helping everyone by giving them his life insurance money but everyone would rather have him still alive than the money. Striving for his dream of becoming well liked and successful leaves Willy with nothing that will make him happy. In the end, Willys dream ends up being for Biff to achieve everything that he himself could not achieve. Willys plan backfires though when Biff chooses the opposite of what Willy wants and leaves the city to try to find out what will make him happy. In the end, Willys obsession with the American Dream is his undoing. Willy never really becomes part of the American Dream because he never understands what he needs to make himself happy. Words/ Pages : 1,197 / 24

How to Make Hydrogen Gas (4 Methods)

How to Make Hydrogen Gas (4 Methods) Its easy to generate hydrogen gas at home or in a lab using common household materials. Heres how to make hydrogen safely. Make Hydrogen Gas - Method 1 One of the easiest ways to obtain hydrogen is to get it from water, H2O. This method employs electrolysis, which breaks water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. water9-volt battery2 paperclips Unbend the paperclips and connect one to each terminal of the battery.Place the other ends, not touching, into a container of water. Thats it!Youll get bubbles off both wires. The one with more bubbles is giving off pure hydrogen. The other bubbles are impure oxygen. You can test which gas is hydrogen by lighting a match or lighter over the container. The hydrogen bubbles will burn; the oxygen bubbles will not burn.Collect the hydrogen gas by inverting a water-filled tube or jar over the wire producing the hydrogen gas. The reason you want water in the container is so you can collect hydrogen without obtaining air. Air contains 20% oxygen, which you want to keep out of the container in order to keep it from becoming dangerously flammable. For the same reason, dont collect the gas coming off both wires into the same container, since the mixture could burn explosively upon ignition. If you wish, you can collect the oxygen in the same way as the hydrogen, but be aware this gas is not ve ry pure. Cap or seal the container before inverting it, to avoid exposure to air. Disconnect the battery. Make Hydrogen Gas - Method 2 There are two simple improvements you can make to improve the efficiency of hydrogen gas production. You can use graphite (carbon) in the form of pencil lead as electrodes and you can add a pinch of salt to the water to act as an electrolyte. The graphite makes good electrodes because it is electrically neutral and wont dissolve during the electrolysis reaction. The salt is helpful because it dissociates into ions which increase the current flow. Tools: 2 pencilssaltcardboardwaterbattery (could go as low as 1.5 V with the electrolyte)2 paperclips or (better yet) 2 pieces of electrical wire Steps: Prepare the pencils by removing the erase and metal caps and sharpening both ends of the pencil.Youre going to use the cardboard to support the pencils in the water. Lay the cardboard over your container of water. Insert the pencils through the cardboard so that the lead is submerged in the liquid, but not touching the bottom or side of the container.Set the cardboard with pencils aside for a moment and add a pinch of salt to the water. You could use table salt, Epsom salts, etc.Replace the cardboard/pencil. Attach a wire to each pencil and connect it to the terminals of the battery.Collect the gas as before, in a container that has been filled with water. Make Hydrogen Gas - Method 3 You can get hydrogen gas by reacting hydrochloric acid with zinc. Zinc Hydrochloric Acid → Zinc Chloride HydrogenZn (s) 2HCl (l) → ZnCl2 (l) H2 (g) hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid)zinc granules (or iron filings or strips of aluminum) Hydrogen gas bubbles will be released as soon as the acid and zinc are mixed. Be very careful to avoid contact with the acid. Also, heat will be given off by this reaction. Homemade Hydrogen Gas - Method 4 sodium hydroxide (found in certain drain clog removers)aluminum (included in the drain removal products or you can use foil) Aluminum Sodium Hydroxide → Hydrogen Sodium Aluminate2Al (s) 6NaOH (aq) → 3H2 (g) 2Na3AlO3 (aq) This is an extremely easy method of making homemade hydrogen gas. Simply add some water to the drain clog removal product! The reaction is exothermic, so use a glass bottle (not plastic) to collect the resulting gas. Hydrogen Gas Safety The main safety consideration is making certain hydrogen gas isnt allowed to mix with oxygen in air. Nothing bad will happen if it does, but the resulting air-hydrogen mixture is much more flammable than hydrogen on its own because it contains oxygen, which acts as an oxidizer.Store hydrogen gas away from an open flame or another ignition source.