What is American Dream?

American Dream: The American Dream is one of the most discussed ideas of the United States. This idea believes that anyone, no matter what their background is, can still achieve a better life through hard work and determination. 

For a very long time, this idea has attracted and drawn people to America with the hope of freedom, equality, and upward mobility. 

So, basically, the American Dream is not just about earning money or owning property; it is also about dignity, personal growth, and the chance to shape one’s own future.

Over the years, this meaning of the American Dream has evolved. What began as a vision of freedom from oppression later expanded into aspirations for education, economic security, and social equality. 

While many people still believe in this ideal, others question whether it is truly attainable for everyone in today’s time or not. 

Rising inequality, limited economic mobility, and social barriers have led to serious debates about whether the American Dream still lives up to its promise or is now just a remaining historical term. 

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What is the meaning of American Dream?

The American Dream is the idea that the United States offers equal opportunity to all its people. It says that success is based on effort rather than family background, wealth, or social status.

Under this belief, people who work hard and make responsible choices should be able to improve their lives and the lives of their children.

What are the five pillars of American Dream?

The American Dream includes five pillars: opportunity, equality, liberty, rights, and democracy.

Opportunity

Opportunity says that individuals have a real chance to succeed, whether through education, employment, or entrepreneurship. 

Equality

Equality means being treated fairly under the law and having access to basic rights. 

Liberty

Liberty refers to the ability to live without fear of oppression and to make personal choices. 

Rights

It means that fundamental freedoms and protections are guaranteed by the government, ensuring personal autonomy.

Democracy

Democracy refers to the system of government that allows citizens to choose the government and voice their views.

What is the concept of American Dream?

The concept of the American Dream dates back to the time when early European settlers arrived in North America seeking a better life. Many of them were escaping religious persecution, political control, or economic hardship in their home countries. 

They believed that the new land offered a chance to live freely and build a future based on their own efforts.

These hopes were later captured in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The document stated that all people are created equal and are entitled to basic rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Who gave the concept of American Dream?

Although the word "American Dream" was introduced by historian and writer James Truslow Adams in 1931, this idea existed long before his time. According to him, the American Dream is a vision of a society in which an individual can achieve their fullest potential as a person and be recognized for who they are rather than for the circumstances of their birth. 

According to James, achieving the American Dream has nothing to do with only being wealthy, living in luxury, having a high income, or owning a lot of possessions, but is more about encouraging individuality and self-fulfilment.

In today's economy, there is a widening gap between wealth and poverty due to a growing increase in economic inequality and growing consumerism and materialism. Many low-wage workers today will likely not have the ability to move up the income ladder with only hard work. 

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