Introduction: The American Dream: Synthesis Essay
Dreams can be challenging to materialize, particularly those articulated in culturally abstract terms like the American Dream. However, when realized, they often manifest in expressions akin to the self-aggrandizement of Mr. Trump, who emblematically represented the American Dream by proudly declaring, “I don’t need anybody’s money,” as quoted by Bryce Covert in his article “Whose American Dream Flies?” published in The New York Times (A23). This prompts a significant inquiry into the true essence of the American Dream, identifying those aspiring to achieve it, and the means by which they seek its realization.
This inquiry leads us to the insights presented in Denene Millner’s article “A New B**ck American Dream,” which suggests that the American Dream encompasses more than the pursuit of vast wealth. Millner’s exploration unfolds a vision wherein this Dream signifies upward mobility for impoverished individuals, accompanied by aspirations for equality and enhanced opportunities that are currently elusive for many (A23). In essence, this Dream transcends mere affluence; it embodies a vision of cultural integration characterized by optimism, equality, and upward mobility from poverty, free from the shackles of hindrances.
Optimism in The American Dream
Indeed, optimism stands out as a crucial element of this concept, yet it alone does not constitute its entirety. Merely possessing optimism without any additional elements does not fulfill this dream. Bryce highlights this aspect when discussing Mr. Trump, noting his tendency towards “self-aggrandizement optimism,” wherein he showcases a lavish lifestyle and boasts about his wealth, creating an illusion of guaranteed “economic prosperity” for those who may be lazy bluffers (Bryce A23). However, this idea is more intricate; it involves additional factors such as hard work and perseverance, as emphasized by Bryce in the latter part of his article, particularly in the context of Mark Rubio’s experiences (A23).
Nevertheless, a challenge arises as people desire to realize their dreams without necessarily undergoing the struggles associated with hard work and perseverance. This presents a complex dynamic where individuals aspire for the American Dream but seek ways to achieve it without the accompanying challenges. Furthermore, for African Americans, the pursuit of the American Dream introduces an additional layer of complexity, specifically the quest for equality, highlighting a distinct challenge within this overarching dream.
Equality in The American Dream
Equality stands as a pivotal component of this idea, a promise embedded in the American constitution and way of life for its citizens. Nevertheless, beneath the surface, African Americans grapple with the harsh reality of institutionalized racism, as highlighted by Denene Millner in his article. Millner underscores that African Americans keenly feel the impact of this racism, prompting them to persistently advocate for equality, as evidenced by the unwavering demand from African-American parents (A23). This insistence on equality stems from the recognition that despite economic indicators suggesting upward mobility in terms of income, African Americans face considerable risks of slipping back into poverty or remaining trapped in impoverished circumstances due to racial segregation within American companies and institutions.
Therefore, within this context, equality takes on a nuanced meaning. It extends beyond mere egalitarian principles to encompass the assurance of equal opportunities for upward mobility on the economic ladder, acknowledging the systemic barriers that certain communities, particularly African Americans, confront in their pursuit of prosperity.
The American Dream: Term
The term “upward mobility” extends beyond the mere physical act of moving upward; rather, it signifies improvement in economic terms. Bryce articulates this concept as “economic mobility,” highlighting its stagnation over the past two decades. He critically evaluates Trump’s narratives about his wealth, dismissing them as a deceptive facade aimed at misleading voters, characterizing them as mere “self-aggrandizing” stories (A23). This underscores the notion that true upward mobility involves tangible economic progress rather than superficial claims.
Additionally, upward mobility encompasses the presence of opportunities, as expressed by Millner in the aspirations of African-American parents who desire a better life for their children, wishing for them to surpass their own experiences. This aspiration epitomizes the essence of upward mobility (Millner A23). In essence, it implies not only economic advancement but also the availability of opportunities unencumbered by “institutional barriers,” enabling individuals to enhance their careers, economic conditions, and overall life standards (Millner A23).
Conclusion: The American Dream
In short, it is not encapsulated by one or two isolated elements associated with a prosperous life. It transcends the superficial narrative of economic prosperity and wealth portrayed by figures like Mr. Trump. Instead, the American Dream embodies the principle of equal opportunities for all, extending to African Americans and providing avenues for individuals to enhance their lives through hard work and perseverance. Millner’s article highlights the financial challenges faced by his parents and himself, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities as a fundamental aspect of the American Dream. Therefore, the concept of the American Dream is a holistic idea, encompassing everything that a well-structured social order can offer to enable individuals to become exemplary members of the United States society.
Works Cited:
- Covert, Bryce. “Whose American Dream Flies?” New York Times, 3 Mar. 2016, p. A23(L). Global Issues In Context,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A444896563/GIC?u=aur58810&sid=GIC&xid=612d27b1. Accessed 10 June 2022. - Millner, Denene. “A New Black American Dream.” New York Times, 2 Apr. 2018, p. A23(L). Global Issues In Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A532882890/GIC?u=aur58810&sid=GIC&xid=ed248025. Accessed 10 June 2022
Relevant Questions
- How does the synthesis essay navigate and reconcile various perspectives on the concept of the American Dream, incorporating diverse sources and viewpoints to build a comprehensive understanding?
- In what ways does the synthesis essay evaluate the evolution of the American Dream over time, considering historical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors, and how does it address differing interpretations of the Dream in different periods?
- What role does critical analysis play in the synthesis essay, particularly in assessing the validity and credibility of sources, and how does the essay present a cohesive and well-supported argument about the nature and attainability of the American Dream?
