# data[].attributes.body
The American Dream is about hope. A dream in this context is something to be attained, but what it involves and the ability to achieve it varies heavily based on conditions out of one’s control.  One who is born with a strong hand of cards may already exist in “the dream” based on their circumstances, and may—as the human brain tends to—dream for even more luxury, money, etc. One who is born into a disadvantaged situation, who is marginalized by any number of societal and legal norms, may consider the American Dream to be something simpler than the first example. While some dream for more superficial things like items and wealth, many Americans dream for basic rights like access to healthcare, shelter, and safety in public spaces.

As James Truslow Adams mentions in The Epic of America, “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone [emphasis added], with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” In this, he describes the dream not as an individual dream, but as something collective. The dream makes sense in a vacuum but accessibility to “ability” and “achievement” vary. What is currently most important to rising to the dream is cultural capital versus personal intelligence and ability. Minorities are expected to assimilate via dress and decorum, code-switching and hiding every aspect of their minority status that they’re able to; to be “one of the good ones.” Langston Hughes describes these obstacles in detail in “Harlem,” what the obstacles feel like, and how discouraging they are as attempts are made to achieve the dream; “Maybe it just sags / Like a heavy load.”

An excellent work on this subject is Beyoncé’s “Formation.” It includes both Black culture and Black History, showing Black women proudly occupying settings such as plantations and, quite starkly, powerfully dancing in a swimming pool—a setting very strongly associated with segregation. Beyoncé employs braggadocio, weaving her history and Black history with the wealth that came with her rise to what would be considered a more standard American Dream. She embodies what the majority of society sees as the dream. We see images of violence in historical slavery and continued racial violence, interspersed with lyrics of opulence, “When I rock my Givenchy dress,” and lastly “Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.” I interpret this lyric as “check out where I started, now check out my luxurious lifestyle funded by my audience.” The line “Always stay gracious” reminds me of The House on Mango Street with Esperanza describing how those who rise above may still maintain empathy with those who have not had the same opportunities or luck.

This representation is so important for marginalized individuals, especially young Black women who see someone with such success who looks like them and with whom they can more readily identify than the average hyper-rich individual. And this brings us back to hope—of course individuals for whom this song was written will not all rise to such a level, but this is an example of it happening and the more examples of this, the better. Not to mention the discourse pieces like these can prompt.

Link here: “Formation,” Beyoncé

# data[].attributes.body
My American dream is not so American dream to me. As an African American, I think we seek to be anything greater than what we are portrayed as or seen as. I mean we have set goals and ideas but I think it all stems from where we started as a people and the places we stride to break free from like the neighborhoods we come from and the trauma we endured. I think the overall objective for anyone is to achieve financial stability and to leave wealth to our descendants. Its's like a verse from "Hamilton-My shot" when he says, "See, I never thought I'd live past twenty
Where I come from some get half as many
Ask anybody why we livin' fast and we laugh, reach for a flask
We have to make this moment last, that's plenty". For me the "American dream" is simple. To be all I can be by achieving my goals as a African American woman, to leave wealth and stability to my family so they won't know the struggles I had to go through or have less struggles than I had, and to show them and people of my race that it can all be achieved with hard work and determination.

# data[].attributes.body
To be completely honest, when I learned that it would be required to do a project on the American Dream, I considered switching sections, but here I am. I'm trying my best to piece together the thoughts and feelings I have into something that can take me beyond my initial cringe into something deeper and more complex.
I think what the American Dream is meant to be, as James Truslow Adams defines it, "...a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position," has never existed. The fact that America was built on the genocide of indigenous peoples and slavery is enough to be skeptical of the promise that if you can just pull yourself up by your bootstraps and work hard, you will succeed in this country. The persistence of racism, xenophobia, ableism, homophobia, classism, and sexism continue to challenge the belief in the dream for many Americans.
I’m also aware that many Americans have much more freedom than many others around the globe experience. It seems to me that the American Dream has morphed into something more in line with capitalist individualism in the past several decades, particularly as an ideal for other countries to aim for. Thinking about this reminded me of a bit from a comedy special I watched recently by Drew Michael, called Red Blue Green. Because it’s on HBO, I couldn’t share a video but shared his bit as a quote with the photo I uploaded.

Jacqueline Jablonsky

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
“You can’t preach togetherness and unity when you’re that rich...you just can’t do it. That’s why you got rich, to get the fuck away from everybody. That’s what money is. Money is just an escape from people. T

# data[].attributes.body
Thomas Wolfe states that the American Dream is "…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ….the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him.". This type of dream seems to be dying. However, immigrants who come into this nation still hold hope for this dream. No matter how hard things get, realize there is a lot of great opportunities in this country. Sometimes there are those who take those types of opportunities for granted. It is only when those opportunities are gone that the pain is felt. That is why when an immigrant makes it to this country, he is happy, proud, and motivated. Remember, immigrants built this country and should be greeted with hospitality. People born on this land should feel the same way as those who choose this country based on the American Dream.

The picture above and the movie Mr.Carter represents the American Dream perfectly. The movie shows the whole dream, even the bad side of America. But also show all the routes kids could take to grow and find success no matter what pitfalls and chains hold them back. There is always a route to success in this country.
Fabian Anguiano

# data[].attributes.body
As a Hmong daughter, I've always viewed The American Dream through the eyes of my parents. They were immigrants as a result of the Secret War in Laos that sent half of the Hmong population fleeing for their life, or to their death. My parents fled to the United States with the hope of reestablishing their new home in America, where there is "Liberty and justice for all." as stated in the Pledge of Allegiance. Unfortunately, they had to wake up and smell the coffee. My parents did not achieve their American dream due to their older age, the language barrier, lack of education, and a racist oppresive society. My parent's American Dream is what Lady Justice is suppose to symbolize, which Justice should be applied regardless of wealth, power, or status. I am bringing up my parent's vision of the American dream because evidently, we are still battling the unjust in the "Land of the free." Although I am only one person and may not impact our country with my beliefs in what a fair system should be, I choose to contribute positivity, equality, and righteousness  to our children in order for America to achieve "Liberty and justice for all." Just like the "I,Too" by Langston Hughes. The poem quotes, "They will see how beautiful I am and be ashamed- I too am America." My American Dream is not a mansion or being a millionaire. I just want justice to be blind to skin color, social status, and political influence.

# data[].attributes.body
The American dream to me is very simple. as an immigrant to this country, American dream is about having access to a good education, opportunity to be able to do what I want and be who I want. To own a house where I can say home is the American Dream to me.  "The American Dream is best captured in how people talk about the future, especially for their kids." The American dream to me is a better future for my kids, a dream that I have as a kid that never fulfill which I can fulfill for my kids.

Chris Arnade

# data[].attributes.body
I have always thought that The American Dream included a house in the suburbs, with a traditional nuclear family, and parents with successful careers. However, this standard is no longer ideal for many Americans. In "What is The American Dream?" by the Library of Congress, it asks, "is The American Dream attainable by all Americans?". I think that the typical model of The American Dream has never been attainable for all Americans, and instead has even purposely been made impossible for some people to achieve. This is seen in "I, Too" by Langston Hughes, he writes, "I am the darker brother/ They send me to eat in the kitchen/ When company comes" (2-4). Langston Hughes writes about the struggles that marginalized groups of people face in America, which affects their opportunities at achieving the American Dream. This is again shown in "Harlem" by Langston Hughes, he writes, "what happens to a dream deferred?". Since The American Dream is so difficult for many Americans to achieve, Hughes ponders the idea of what happens to the dream when it is not achieved. With these pieces in mind, I think that The American Dream is what people make of it. There is no longer a standard to compare yourself to. Everyone can make their life into whatever they want. As long as they achieve what they set out to do, they have achieved The American Dream.

Abrielle Thome

# data[].attributes.body
I’ve always believed the American Dream to basically be a sense of freedom which includes a comfortable and good quality of life that involves a decent job, decent income, and maybe one day affording a home. In my personal opinion, this dream has unfortunately become harder and harder to obtain but many Americans still cling to its original ideology. The American Dream is really just opportunity.

I think when I was a bit younger the idea of the “American Dream” was something to strive for and be comfortable. It’s a state of fulfillment and happiness that if you work hard enough, anyone can achieve it. If you can conform, you can keep plugging away and be successful. I think that people from other countries have an overblown idea of the dream. The streets in the United States are not paved with gold and riches for the average person.

I think that for many Americans, the words of Langston Hughes poem “Harlem” ring true. He begins by simply stating “What happens to a dream deferred?” He then goes on to compare it a heavy load or a raisin drying in the sun. The longer the dream is chased the more realistic I think many of us become about it’s attainability.

A great example of the American Dream is the Jackson 5 from Gary Indiana. Ironically there was a made-for-TV movie from the 90’s entitled The Jacksons: An American Dream.   (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq5qoF14P-8) The story of a working class family and their father Joe Jackson who worked in a steel mill but saw talent in his children and pushed them to perform and eventually become musical superstars. One of his children, Michael would go on to become arguably the greatest entertainer in the history of the world. To me, that’s the fantasy dream presented to many of us children but as we get into adulthood, we see that it only happens for a select few of us. In a way, we are always chasing this dream. We are somewhat conditioned to become good consumers and good workers to pay our taxes and work towards the dream.

Another personal favorite of mine that sums up the American Dream is a 1972 song from the Isley Brothers titled “Work to Do”.  (Link listed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08tYrBCgXlU ) Lead singer Ron Isley sings lyrics such as “Oh, I’m out here trying to make it” and “It takes a lot of money to make it”. I think these are the founding principles of the real American dream, work hard and hope for the best.

# data[].attributes.body
The American Dream to me is quite simple.  As Thomas Wolfe said, "…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ….the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him." I believe the idea is to be able to achieve what you want in life no matter the status, race, gender, or any other factor in life. The dream is to be able to do what you want and to be in the pursuit of happiness.

Alejandro Alvarado

# data[].attributes.body
The American Dream, to me, means that every person in America has the right to be successful and live a happy life full of freedom. Freedom is a big thing with the American Dream topic because many countries around the world are not free like we are. Obviously the American Dream might not be obtainable for some people and many people start to experience dislike of our country because of that. This stems from governmental issues, racial issues, poverty issues and other things of that sort. Some people might think the American Dream only exists for certain types of people, while many people never get to experience what the American Dream feels like. I feel like every person in America, no matter where they come from, should be able to live the life they want to live in this country. All of my grandparents are from Europe who moved to the United States to start a new life and raise a family. There were many hardships, such as not knowing the language, but they worked hard and got the life they wanted here in the United States. The picture I chose to represent the American Dream would be the perfect white picket fence house. I feel like a lot of people would agree with me saying that living in a nice house and raising a nice family would be the perfect description of the American Dream.

Evyan Mustafovski

# data[].attributes.body
The American Dream to me is something that I can’t quite put my finger on. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the American Dream but sometimes I do feel as if it is also an “American Nightmare”. Throughout living in America for 19 years, I do believe in the equality, freedom, and opportunity that America draws on to achieve a successful and prosperous life in America. I perceive this by examining what my mother and my biological father have become. They are both are immigrants from Laos during the unfortunate Vietnam War. My father heavily believes that in order to achieve a successful life, you must obtain an education. Therefore, once he got to America, he continued to work, learn, and study hard and graduated with his Ph.D. My mother was given the opportunity to work at a company that kept us out of the poor class. (with my step-father’s hard work included) Because I live in America, I am able to obtain an education and build my knowledge into MY (future) chosen career. However, I also think a lot about the “American Nightmare” concept. What about the other Americans? What about the ones who are in poverty? What about the other struggling families that I don't know of? Overall, I am saying that I am living the American dream, however, other suffering individuals could be saying the opposite. Therefore, I question myself, why is the American dream real to me but a “dream” to other individuals? George Carlin couldn’t have said it any better as he quotes, “ It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it”. I believe this statement is true. I mean look at the gap between the poor and rich, occurring poverty, violence, racism, I mean how can all of these prove the American dream is for everyone? I choose this picture to represent my baffling thoughts about what really is the American Dream…the raw, uncensored reality. In the past and even present days, we are still seeing these issues (poverty, racism, discrimination, inequality, etc.) occurring in America. Certain matters have been seen and talked upon in the public’s eye in recurrence. For example, racism. How can the American Dream say we can achieve a successful life in America as it draws on the ideal of equality when racism is clearly not that?

- Lily Thao

# data[].attributes.body
To me, this image finely captures the American Dream. It is not to say that the Dream is the pursuit of these personal possessions. It is, on the other hand, the fact that we have the opportunity to own private property. We have the right to pursue home ownership, land ownership, and even personal vehicles. Not all countries allow everyone these rights. In many nations private home ownership is nearly non-existent. Let us also recognize that we have the most diverse nation in the world and it is that diversity that drives our nation. You can move here from anywhere in the world and be given a job in a field of your choice. Many other nations make that decision for you. Many other governments decide your field of study or where you will work. You can study whatever you want or not at all in America. You have freedom of speech, of press, of expression, religious practice, peaceful assembly, and of petition. Turn on the news, a protected entity by our constitution, and there will be no shortage of people lining up to criticize leaders and politicians. That is a crime in some foreign nations that can lead to harsh punishment. You can marry whoever you want or choose not to marry at all. We don't have arranged marriages as part of our culture. You can have as many or as few kids that you want unlike China where you could only have two children until recently. I think we spend so much time chasing the "American Dream" with rose-colored glasses and none of us stop to think we are already living that dream. All of these rights and freedoms come with the price of so many of us becoming greedy and blind to how good we already have it. Our nation has many dark moments in history that we should not be proud of, but it certainly has become better and better for all of its citizens because ultimately it is the citizens that get to decide the outcome of our nation.

Edward Termini

# data[].attributes.body
The “American Dream” is a subject that has been brought up in my education many times, starting in approximately grade 1. It is a subject that had been touched on in many classes: English, Social Studies, American History, Government, Art and even Music – and it is a subject that I feel has been and is repeatedly misrepresented and misunderstood in many parts of American society throughout history.

Let me start by clarifying that I do, in fact, believe the American dream exists; however, I do not believe it exists in the ways we are taught as children and oftentimes, young adults. The way that vast amounts of American youth have been taught to perceive the United States and it’s history is through the perspective of old, straight, white men. I can’t remember a time before my junior year of high school that I began learning about real American history – history that is uncensored when it comes to discussing the darker side of things – discussing where in our history America was wrong. Before then, talks about the country was a lot of, “slavery and racism were bad, but everything was fixed and it isn’t a problem anymore.”, and “Women and people of color couldn’t vote, but that was fixed too. There’re no more problems, and those were the only ones.”

When it comes to the American dream, my understanding had always been very similar to the beginning of the description given to us by the Library of Congress article which states, “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to the ability or achievement.” The way I was initially taught, I understood the American dream to be completely faultless. You come to America, or you're from America, and because of that you're able to do anything that you want to do by just pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and working your way up the totem pole because you can. My understanding of the American dream today, after beginning to learn American history through more unbiased lenses, as well as the lenses of different minority groups who came to America in pursuit of this “dream” -- I understand that this is not realistic. There are so many systemic problems in America to this day that make it almost impossible for certain people to be able to achieve this dream. As great as this country is, there are some very serious problems that have not been fixed from the start. This country is built with only a few types of people in mind, and everybody that doesn't fit that binary -- everybody who is not an American born straight white male seemed to have the odds stacked against them; some more than others.

I think, that the American dream isn't about making your way up the totem pole, it could maybe become that in the future, but as of right now not everybody is equal in this country. Not everybody has equal opportunity in this place that we live. it would take a lot to convince me that a country where people need to fear for their lives every time they walk outside of their door because of the color of their skin, lovers are afraid to hold their partners hand in public because if the wrong person sees they could fall victim to assault, women's healthcare isn't taken seriously because they aren't trusted to know their own bodies better than the male doctor attending to them, trans folk are still being murdered in cold blood for literally existing, veterans are left homeless after fighting for this country, there's still a wage gap between people based on race and sex, and the people sworn to protect and serve the community are killing the people they are sworn to protect and serve -- is one rooted in equality. it's not. right now the American dream is about our ability as people of the United states to dismantle these systems of injustice and bias, and make America a place of true equality and equal opportunity.

the good part about America, are the freedoms we as citizens are granted -- freedoms we can use to help work together to fight for the rights of our brothers, sisters, and siblings.

I chose Dread Scott's “what is the proper way to display the American flag” as the artistic representation of what the American dream, as it stands right now, means to me. I chose this because I feel that a huge part of making the American dream a dream that is actually pursuable by all people - Is understanding how people view the United states, and question it’s true values.

I encourage you to look through the link I posted about this interactive piece, that touches on a lot of perspectives from Americans and people all over the world. The history of this piece raises a lot of questions about The United states and what it stands for, patriotism, Nationalism, freedom of speech, and so much more. this piece is extraordinarily controversial, and Dread Scott actually pariticipated as a defendant in the Supreme Court case United States vs Eichman.

Sierra Caban

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag? is an "installation for audience participation." It is from the larger body of work, American Newspeek...Please Feel Free?

In 1989, while on display at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, What is the Proper Way...? became the center of national controversy over its use of the American flag. President Bush Sr. declared What is the Proper Way... "disgraceful" and the entire US Congress denounced this work as they passed legislation to "protect the flag." Senator Dole specifically noted that the law would apply to "the so-called 'artist' who has invited the trampling on the flag." As part of the popular effort to oppose moves to make patriotism compulsory, I, along with three others, burned flags on the steps of the US Capitol. This resulted in a Supreme Court case and landmark First Amendment decision.

The installation is comprised of: a photomontage (the montage consists of pictures of South Korean students burning US flags holding signs saying 'Yankee go home son of bitch' and flag draped coffins in a troop transport; text printed on the photomontage reads "What is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag?"), books (originally with blank pages) on a shelf, ink pens, a 3'x5′ American flag on the ground and an active audience. The audience was encouraged to write responses to the question "What is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag?" As they did so, they had the opportunity to stand on the flag as they wrote their response. When this work has been displayed, thousands of people filled hundreds of pages with responses. Many many of those stood on the flag as they added their comments to the work. Below is a brief sampling of comments from these pages.

Samples from What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag? ledgers.
There are many questions you have raised. For that I thank you. It does hurt me to see the flag on the ground being stepped on. Yet now after days have passed, I have realized tat this is the ultimate form of patriotism. Our country is so strong in believing what it stands for that we would allow you to do this. You have made me really think about my own patriotism, which has grown stronger.
________
I am a German girl. If we Germans would admire our flag as you all do, we would be called Nazis again...I think you do have too much trouble about this flag.
________
You're fucked-minorities get everything!
________
In Russia you would be shot and your family would have to pay for the bullets. But once again what do you expect from a nigger named "Dread Scott"?
________
Dear Dread, Like someone who viewed the exhibit, I began reading other people's comments standing next to the flag, but gradually moved to standing on it. As someone raised to be iconoclastic (at least I thought I was) it was an interesting moment of self-awareness, which (I think) is the whole purpose of the display. Perhaps when human life and liberty is really valued above property (and symbols) in America we will all have more allegiance to the principles of "liberty" and "justice" for all. Congratulations on your courage in getting arrested to test this crazy law. P.S. Kudos to the gallery for their courage. Why is it OK to "Knowingly maintain on the ground homeless people but not the flag"???
________

If you ever attended school in Illinois before becoming a student here, what did you learn besides the Bill of Rights? You learned the Illinois codes for displaying the American flag! One code stated the flag should not touch the ground, Didn't you "New Generation" of students hear anything your teacher said? Were you rebellious and disruptive then also? You take your freedom for granted!
-Chicago Public School Teacher

________

Let it burn, Let it burn, let the Fucker Burn, Burn, Burn. The first time I had to confront the flag was in Vietnam-Black GI's in my unit refused to stand & salute it! After much debate & anguish I did the same. The second time I was when I found Marine Vets burning the flag in anger, Finally I had to understand why youth carried the Viet Cong flag in support of the Vietnamese. I found out that it was because the Vietnamese were right & deserved to Win! Since then I've seen it burned all over the world & welcomed it. The US deserved to be defeated in Vietnam & deserves the same around the World.
-Joe Urgo, Viet Vet-1968

________
Hi, the flag is now folded on the shelf. I have the right to unfold it, but the veterans are here and I'm afraid to. Is it right (is it American) for me to feel afraid to exercise my rights?
________
Right now a lady is on the ground crying because of what you have done. I feel you did something wrong and I feel you should be put in jail or have something done to you for this. I love my country and it hurts me to know that don't. I hope you feel good about yourself for what you are putting people through. You're an asshole.
________
This flag I'm standing on stands for everything oppressive in this system-The murder of the Indians and all the oppresses around the world, including my brother, who was shot by a pig who kicked over his body to "make sure the nigger was dead." the pig was wearing the flag. Thank you Dread Scott for this opportunity.
________

As a veteran defending the flag I personally would never defend your stupid ass! You should be shot!
-U.S. Navy Seal Team

Media coverage

Chicago CBS affiliate, includes several video segments
New York Times, March 16, 1989
This work first became know nationally and threatened with censorship in the pre internet era. Most coverage is not readially available online. Three good articles are:

Elizabeth Hess, "Capture the Flag", The Village Voice, 4/4/1989. Very long and very good story. Best coverage of the controversy surrounding What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?

Lilly Wie, Art In America, "On Nationality: 13 Artists," September 1991. Fairly long interview with me that details the controversy surrounding "What is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag?"

Dread Scott, "Speakeasy," New Art Examiner, June, 1989. Written at the time of the controversy, here are my thoughts on the the storm around my work and the stakes of the battle .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag? - Dread Scott

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag? is an "installation for audience participation." It is from the larger body of work, American Newspeek...Please Feel Free? In 1989, while on display at the...

# data[].attributes.body
For me the American Dream is simply to be free to do what you want to do.  Whether you're talking about people that were born in the United States or about people that won't, when they're in America, they are able to pursue their dreams.  If you want to do something, there is nothing but yourself stopping you from doing it.  The American Dream is also being able to be yourself, regardless of what you look like or anything like that.  In the song Pink Houses by John Mellencamp, he talks about all sorts of people, and when I hear each verse, I think of a different person, doing completely different things, because they simply have the freedom to do such a thing.  The chorus goes

Oh, but ain't that America for you and me
Ain't that America somethin' to see, baby
Ain't that America home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me

Jakob Hamilton

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
John Mellencamp - Pink Houses (Live at Farm Aid 1987)

# data[].attributes.body
To me, the American Dream is simple. What do we have that unfortunate people in other countries are lacking? Freedom. Freedom is more than just being able to do what you want. Freedom is feeling safe in your space and being able to express who you really are as a person. What I have learned growing up is that no two people or groups are the same. The aspect of individuality in the United States is awesome. There are no two people alike even if we may use someone as a role model. In Liberty of Congress, it is stated that "…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ….the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him."  This is incredibly powerful as it explains exactly what I am saying. In America we have a choice to make, a path to take. There is no clear road ahead of us. There are many colors and unimaginable things in the world, and we are the few that get to experience them.

Chris LeCrone

# data[].attributes.body
To me there are two different American dreams. First, is the more attainable one, in my opinion. To be equal to everyone around you and live life to its fullest with the necessary resources to do so. This would include receiving an equal education, job and other opportunities that were provided to everyone. Also, being able to live life to the fullest with necessary resources such as money, a car, a house, etc. As quoted in the article, "What is the American dream?", author James Truslow Adams says, "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" in his book The Epic of America. The second American dream is a lot harder to achieve and requires becoming famous and/or wealthy. I think a lot of people outside of the US tend to think this is the real American dream and that it is so easy to achieve in America, which I think is untrue. I believe the thought of the American dream changes as society changes, and today's perception is more than likely different from what the founding father's intended it to be. In current day's society I believe everyone has a different American dream. While some just want the necessities to get through life, others want adventure, or luxury. The perfect song that describes the changes of today's meaning of American dream is by MTKO and is called "American Dream". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPLeuBXoPXI

Selena Bento

# data[].attributes.body
I think the “American Dream” can go either way. Depends on who’s wearing the shoes and what they want. I still believe the American Dream is true and I agree with what Thomas Wolfe said, "...to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ....the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him." I believe its an inner journey within each person and what makes them happy.

Jessica Buss

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to DREAM Big and achieve your goals and dreams. | Ian Hacon | TEDxNorwichED