‘Downward mobility’ pushing American Dream out of reach
January 13, 2012
The article that I read regarding the “American Dream” brought up the question whether or not the American Dream is still alive today. For many it is still achievable but for others it cannot be reached. The article goes on by using interviews and facts to prove which people do not think that the American Dream is still alive today and the factors that make them think that way.
A bad economy not only causes some people to loose their money, jobs, and belongings, but it also causes some to loose their outlook at the American Dream. Sam Blick (person interviewed who is unemployed) believes that the idea of the American Dream is still there, but he doesn’t see it happening for himself or some of his family. He doesn’t see himself enjoying any more vacations or luxuries which he believes is part of achieving the American Dream. This is also true for others who are currently unemployed. Although they believe in the American Dream, they do not believe that they can achieve it.
“1/3 of babies who are American born into the middle class have fallen out by the time that they become adults.” The article states that people with a college degree, people who have high test scores, and people who are married are more likely to stay in the middle class than those who don’t. They also have a better opportunity at achieving the American Dream. The article also shows that race and gender play a role in staying in the middle class as well.
This connects to the Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby’s events in his life show how someone could achieve the American Dream if they work towards it. The American Dream is a sense of opportunities and freedom that can be achieved if you work hard enough. Gatsby was raised in the middle class and because of his wealth, was deprived of some things that he loved (Daisy). Throughout his life, he worked towards new opportunities but still does not believe that he has achieved them. Although Gatsby did not fall out of the middle class and even rose up to the upper class, he is still missing something important in his life. Gatsby’s as well as other’s American Dreams are demonstrated throughout the book.
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