American Dream

Definition

The American Dream is the national ethos of the United States, centered around the idea that individuals can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. This concept became closely tied to mass media and consumer culture, as it promoted ideals of upward mobility, economic prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness through material wealth and social status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the American Dream gained prominence in the post-World War II era as returning soldiers sought to establish stable family lives and pursue home ownership.
2. Mass media, especially television, greatly influenced public perceptions of success and happiness, often depicting a comfortable suburban lifestyle as the ideal achievement.
3. Consumer culture emerged alongside the American Dream, with advertisements promoting goods as symbols of success and fulfillment, encouraging individuals to spend money to achieve their dreams.
4. The American Dream has evolved over time and has faced criticism for being less attainable for marginalized groups due to systemic inequalities in society.
5. In art, many postwar artists reflected on or critiqued the concept of the American Dream, exploring themes of disillusionment and the darker sides of consumerism.

Review Questions

• How did mass media shape the perception of the American Dream in postwar America?
  • Mass media played a crucial role in shaping how people viewed the American Dream by portraying a specific image of success that was closely linked to consumerism and suburban life. Television shows often depicted idealized family lives in homes filled with consumer goods, which reinforced the belief that prosperity was achievable through hard work. This portrayal created a standard that many Americans aspired to, while also influencing societal values around success and happiness.
• Discuss how consumerism relates to the concept of the American Dream and its impact on society.
  • Consumerism is intrinsically linked to the American Dream as it promotes the idea that personal success is reflected through material possessions. This relationship encourages individuals to associate their self-worth and social status with their purchasing power. The drive for more consumer goods often led to increased economic growth but also raised concerns about overconsumption, environmental impact, and the societal pressure to constantly achieve more in order to maintain one's place within this dream.
• Evaluate the criticisms surrounding the American Dream and its accessibility for all Americans.
  • Critics argue that the American Dream is not equally accessible to all due to systemic inequalities based on race, class, and gender. While it promises opportunity and success through hard work, many marginalized groups face significant barriers that limit their ability to achieve these ideals. This disparity highlights a disconnect between the dream's promise and reality, leading to discussions about social justice, equity, and re-evaluating what constitutes success in modern America.

Related terms

Suburbanization: The process by which people moved from urban areas to suburban areas, often driven by the desire for homeownership and a better quality of life.

Consumerism:

A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, reflecting the values associated with the American Dream.

Mass Media: Various platforms of communication that disseminate information widely, including television, radio, and print, which played a key role in shaping public perceptions of the American Dream.