1. How would you describe the “American Dream?”
The American Dream is what makes living in the United States so enticing and desirable for people all around the world. It is often a major cause for emigration from a homeland into the US. The standard American dream over the years is that you could work hard and see your status, wealth, and prestige skyrocket - in essence, your hard work would be rewarded. This connects back to our capitalist economy; incentives give people a reason to work harder and subsequently have the potential to better their and others’ lives.
However, the American Dream often manifests itself differently through society’s nuances. For example, in The Great Gatsby, materialism is evidence of the American Dream. One’s success was determined by their material wealth, and as such, people like Gatsby and the Buchanans were highly respected. In contrast, in the mid-1940’s, FDR believed that the American Dream was composed of quality housing, education, healthcare, and a good job. While those four characteristics were undoubtedly coveted in the 1920’s they were demonstrated in a different way.
2. What is your definition of wealth?
My personal definition of wealth is the accumulation of a certain belonging, good, or product that is deemed valuable by society. Wealth typically increases a person’s status (how they’re viewed by others in society) to a large extent; they’re often treated better than those without wealth, leading to social stratification. In modern America, wealth is seen through a variety of mediums. The age of social media has magnified every activity of every individual. We see other people with cooler cars, or more expensive shoes and wish we had the same (an example of social stratification). Common indicators of wealth in America are having an expensive car, a large house, or dressing nicely. These objects are not necessarily the desirable objects themselves, but rather they represent them through symbolism.
3. What are Americans’ attitudes toward wealth and poverty?
I think the stereotypical American Dream affects how everyone above middle class views those below the poverty line. The American motto is essentially “work as hard as you can and you’ll be rewarded”. Similar to most mottos, this is only true for a certain percentage of a specific group. The percentage of society that has good financial habits , a supportive family, and an educational degree will most likely be able to be rewarded for hard work. But those who lack those characteristics, will simply be stuck at the lower rungs of the social ladder. This is evidenced by the documentary “Reversal of Fortune”, which stars Ted Rodrigue, a homeless man who is given $100,000 to turn his life around. Within six months, he had spent all his money on cars, alcohol, and various other luxuries. This is a prime example of how a lack of stability can affect spending habits and lead to poverty. A more abstract example is the typical American middle class office employee for a multi-billion dollar company. Even if he/she works as hard as they can, the probability that they will become CEO or obtain a senior management position and move social classes is unlikely. They are stuck, just as Ted Rodrigue was stuck, because they didn’t have the resources to be successful. However, we view the employee very differently than Ted - we admire their willingness to work hard. In contrast, we may look at Ted as lazy or incompetent, even though both individuals are stuck within their social class. This shows the extent that wealth can have on the perceptions of people within American society.
4. What is your attitude toward wealth and poverty?
I think that it’s difficult to judge a person based off their wealth alone. I’ve met some very down-to-earth people who aren’t the wealthiest people, yet are just as happy as those who have more than enough. Similarly, I’ve also met plenty of great people who are extremely well-off and are grateful for their blessings. I think that wealth is one of the more overrated things in modern society; while it may be nice to have a little extra money, there are plenty of more important things that wealth simply cannot get you. Even so, because I am able to say those words, it shows that I am privileged because I do not have to worry about wealth and how it could negatively impact my life. Wealth is a basic necessity for economic success in our society. However, depending on your definition of success, you may not need wealth at all for favorable outcomes. In essence, I think that wealth or poverty tells you very little about a person because there are a wide variety of other factors that are just as important.
Wise words from Cole: “For what’s money without happiness? Or hard times without the people you love…”
