American Dream

Definition

The American Dream is the national ethos of the United States, which holds that every individual has the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and determination. This idea is deeply rooted in the notion of freedom and equality, suggesting that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their goals and improve their social status. The American Dream often reflects societal values and aspirations, influencing various genres in film and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the American Dream gained prominence in the 1930s, especially during the Great Depression, highlighting the struggle for economic stability and personal fulfillment.
2. Film genres such as drama and comedy often explore themes of aspiration and disillusionment related to the American Dream, reflecting both its allure and its challenges.
3. The portrayal of the American Dream has evolved over time, with contemporary narratives often critiquing its attainability for marginalized groups.
4. Classic films like 'The Great Gatsby' adaptation highlight the contrast between wealth and moral decay, illustrating the complexities behind achieving the American Dream.
5. The American Dream is frequently questioned in modern cinema, with filmmakers examining issues like inequality, systemic barriers, and varying definitions of success.

Review Questions

• How do different film genres portray the American Dream, and what themes do they commonly emphasize?
  • Different film genres such as drama, comedy, and documentary portray the American Dream by focusing on themes like aspiration, hard work, and often disillusionment. For instance, dramas may highlight personal struggles against systemic barriers while comedies might offer a more lighthearted take on achieving dreams. This diversity in genre allows filmmakers to explore various aspects of success and failure related to the American Dream, emphasizing how it can be both an inspiring goal and a source of frustration for many.
• Discuss how cultural criticism can be applied to analyze films that depict the American Dream.
  • Cultural criticism can be applied to analyze films depicting the American Dream by examining how these films reflect and critique societal values. By looking at characters' journeys towards success or failure, critics can uncover underlying messages about social mobility, meritocracy, and systemic obstacles faced by marginalized groups. This approach reveals not only individual stories but also broader societal implications about who truly has access to the American Dream and how those narratives shape public perception.
• Evaluate how contemporary films challenge traditional notions of the American Dream and what this signifies about current societal attitudes.
  • Contemporary films often challenge traditional notions of the American Dream by highlighting issues like economic inequality, racial discrimination, and the unrealistic standards set by society. By presenting characters who struggle despite hard work or who redefine success beyond material wealth, these films signify a shift in societal attitudes toward a more critical understanding of achievement. This evolution reflects growing awareness of structural barriers that impede access to opportunities for many individuals, prompting audiences to reconsider what the American Dream truly represents today.

Related terms

Meritocracy: A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement, central to the idea of the American Dream.

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social ladder, often seen as a key element of the American Dream.

Cultural Criticism:

An approach that examines cultural artifacts, like films, to explore societal values and issues, including interpretations of the American Dream.