American Dream

Definition

The American Dream is the national ethos of the United States, which suggests that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work and determination. This concept is often linked to ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity, emphasizing the belief that the U.S. is a land where individual effort can lead to personal success and prosperity. In the context of Korean American literature during the 1950s and 1960s, this dream often intersects with themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the struggles faced by immigrant families seeking a better life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the 1950s and 1960s, many Korean Americans faced significant challenges as they sought to achieve the American Dream amidst discrimination and societal barriers.
2. Korean American literature from this era often reflects a dual identity struggle, where characters navigate between their heritage and the dominant American culture while striving for success.
3. The concept of the American Dream was particularly poignant for post-war Korean immigrants who had experienced upheaval due to the Korean War and sought stability in the U.S.
4. Literary works from this period often highlight themes of family resilience, sacrifice, and the pursuit of education as pathways to achieving the American Dream.
5. As Korean Americans articulated their experiences through literature, they contributed to a broader understanding of what the American Dream means beyond traditional narratives focused on individualism.

Review Questions

• How do themes of identity and cultural struggle manifest in Korean American literature related to the American Dream?
  • Korean American literature from the 1950s and 1960s often explores characters grappling with their dual identity as they attempt to integrate into American society while preserving their cultural heritage. These works highlight internal conflicts where characters face societal expectations and personal desires. The pursuit of the American Dream becomes a metaphor for this struggle, reflecting both the hope for success and the challenges posed by cultural dislocation.
• Analyze how Korean American authors portray family dynamics in relation to achieving the American Dream during this time period.
  • Korean American authors often depict family dynamics as foundational in the quest for the American Dream. Through narratives that emphasize sacrifice and collective effort, these stories illustrate how immigrant families work together to overcome obstacles. The portrayal of parental expectations regarding education and success underscores a cultural emphasis on family solidarity as a means to achieve individual aspirations within a new society.
• Evaluate the ways in which Korean American literature critiques or redefines the traditional notion of the American Dream.
  • Korean American literature critiques the traditional notion of the American Dream by highlighting systemic barriers faced by immigrants, such as racism, economic hardship, and cultural alienation. Authors challenge the idea that hard work alone guarantees success, showing instead that context and privilege play significant roles. By sharing personal stories of struggle and resilience, these literary works redefine the American Dream to encompass a more nuanced understanding of achievement that includes community support, cultural identity, and a call for social justice.

Related terms

Immigration: The act of coming to live permanently in a foreign country, often associated with the pursuit of better opportunities.

Cultural Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture of another group, often losing their original cultural identity.

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social ladder, often influenced by education, income, and occupation.