How to Write an Essay About the American Dream

Contents

Writing an essay about the American Dream can be a challenging task, but by following these steps, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, thoughtful, and well-written.

Write an Essay About the American Dream in 6 Steps

Define the American Dream

Begin by providing a clear and concise definition of the American Dream. The American Dream is often defined as the idea that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity.

However, over time, the definition has evolved to include a variety of different interpretations. As you write your essay, it is important to consider the different ways that the American Dream has been defined and understood throughout history.

Research the historical and cultural contexts

The American Dream is a concept that has evolved over time, and it is important to understand the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped it. Research the origins of the American Dream and how it has been understood in different eras, such as the colonial period, the Gilded Age, the Great Depression, and the post-World War II era.

Additionally, consider how the American Dream has been shaped by cultural movements and events, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the feminist movement, and the rise of globalization.

Consider different perspectives

The American Dream has been understood and interpreted differently by different groups of people. As you write your essay, consider the perspectives of immigrants, minorities, and marginalized groups and how they have understood and experienced the American Dream. Think about how these perspectives might differ from the traditional understanding of the American Dream and how they have been affected by historical and cultural contexts.

Analyze the current state of the American Dream

The American Dream is a concept that is constantly evolving, and it is important to consider its current state. Analyze the current challenges and criticisms facing the American Dream, such as economic inequality, social mobility, and the changing nature of work. Additionally, consider the role of government policies, such as education and healthcare, in shaping the American Dream.

Include personal reflection and analysis

The American Dream is a deeply personal concept, and it is important to include your own reflection and analysis in your essay. Consider your own understanding of the American Dream and how it has been shaped by your own experiences and perspectives. Additionally, think about how the American Dream might be different for future generations and what steps should be taken to ensure that it remains accessible to all.

Conclusion

Summarize your findings and discuss the future of the American Dream. Consider what steps can be taken to ensure that the American Dream remains accessible to all, and reflect on the importance of the concept in American society.

As you write your essay, be sure to use credible sources and to cite them properly. Additionally, consider using a variety of different types of evidence, such as statistics, personal anecdotes, and expert opinions, to support your argument. Finally, be sure to proofread and edit your essay carefully before submitting it.

How do you start an American Dream essay?

There are several ways to start an essay about the American Dream, but here are a few options:

Start with a quote: Begin your essay with a quote that captures the essence of the American Dream. This could be a quote from a historical figure, such as Martin Luther King Jr. or John F. Kennedy, or a quote from a literary work, such as The Great Gatsby.

Begin with a personal story: Share a personal story that illustrates your understanding of the American Dream. This could be a story about a family member or friend who has achieved the American Dream or a story about your own experiences and aspirations.

Start with a historical overview: Provide a brief overview of the history of the American Dream. This could include a summary of how the concept has evolved over time and how it has been understood in different eras.

Begin with a thought-provoking question: Start your essay with a question that will make your reader think about their own understanding of the American Dream.

Start with a current event: Use a current event or news story to introduce the topic of the American Dream.

For example, you could start your essay with a sentence like: “The American Dream has been a guiding principle for generations of Americans, but what does it mean in today’s world?” or “The American Dream is often thought of as the ability to achieve success through hard work and determination, but is it still achievable for everyone in today’s society?”

Keep in mind that the introduction is crucial for your essay as it sets the stage for the rest of the essay. The introduction should be engaging and should provide a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument of the essay.

How to conclude an essay about the American dream

Concluding an essay about the American Dream can be a challenging task, but by following these steps, you can ensure that your conclusion is well-written and effective.

Summarize your main points: In the conclusion, it is important to summarize the main points that you have made in the essay. This will remind the reader of the key arguments and evidence that you have presented.
Restate your thesis: Restate your thesis in a new and interesting way. This will remind the reader of the main argument of the essay and will help to tie all of your main points together.
Offer a final analysis: In the conclusion, you can also include a final analysis of the American Dream. This can be an evaluation of how the American Dream has changed over time or an analysis of the current state of the American Dream and its future prospects.
Offer recommendations: The conclusion is a great place to offer recommendations for how to improve the American Dream, or how to make it more accessible to everyone.
End with a thought-provoking statement: End your essay with a thought-provoking statement that will leave a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a quote, a rhetorical question, or a statement about the importance of the American Dream.

American Dream Introduction Example

In conclusion, the American Dream has been a guiding principle for generations of Americans, but its definition and accessibility have evolved over time. Through hard work, determination and government policies, the American Dream can be achieved, but it’s not guaranteed for everyone. The American Dream is a concept that is constantly evolving, and it is important to ensure that it remains accessible to all. The future of the American Dream depends on how we collectively address the challenges it faces and make sure it remains a reality for future generations. The American Dream is not just a dream, it’s a right.

Example Essay topics about the American dream

Here are a few different categories of essay topics about the American Dream, along with some specific topic ideas within each category:

Historical evolution of the American Dream:

How has the definition of the American Dream changed over time?
The American Dream during the colonial period
The American Dream during the Gilded Age
The American Dream during the Great Depression
The American Dream during the post-World War II era

The American Dream and marginalized groups:

The American Dream for immigrants
The American Dream for minorities
The American Dream for women
The American Dream for the LGBTQ+ community
The American Dream for low-income families

The American Dream and government policies:

The role of education in achieving the American Dream
The role of healthcare in achieving the American Dream
The impact of government policies on the American Dream
The role of the American Dream in shaping government policies
The American Dream and the economy:
The American Dream and economic inequality
The American Dream and social mobility
The American Dream and the changing nature of work

The American Dream and personal experiences:

The American Dream and the American identity
The American Dream and the American culture
The American Dream in literature and media
The Future of the American Dream
The American Dream and the impact of technological advancements
The American Dream and the sustainability of the planet
The American Dream and the impact of the pandemics
The American Dream and the impact of political changes.

The American dream essay examples

“The Evolution of the American Dream: From the Colonies to Today”

In this essay, the writer traces the history of the American Dream, starting with its origins in the colonial period and continuing through to its current state.

The writer defines the American Dream as the idea that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity. The writer also examines how the definition of the American Dream has evolved over time and how it has been shaped by historical and cultural contexts.

Through the use of primary and secondary sources, the writer argues that while the American Dream is still a powerful concept, it has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans due to factors such as economic inequality and limited social mobility.

The American Dream is a concept that has been central to American culture for generations. It is often defined as the idea that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity. However, over time, the definition of the American Dream has evolved and has been shaped by historical and cultural contexts. In this essay, I will trace the history of the American Dream, starting with its origins in the colonial period and continuing through to its current state. I will argue that while the American Dream is still a powerful concept, it has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans due to factors such as economic inequality and limited social mobility.

The American Dream can be traced back to the colonial period when the early settlers came to America in search of a better life. They were motivated by the desire to escape religious persecution, economic hardship, and political oppression in their home countries. The colonies offered a new land of opportunity, where people could start anew and pursue their dreams. The early American Dream was based on the idea of land ownership, self-sufficiency, and the ability to create a better life for oneself and one’s family. This ideal was reflected in the literature of the time, such as the works of James Fenimore Cooper and Washington Irving, which celebrated the rugged individualism and self-reliance of the American people.

During the Gilded Age, the American Dream began to take on a different meaning. The rapid industrialization and economic growth of the period led to the rise of a new class of wealthy industrialists and financiers, who were celebrated as the embodiment of the American Dream. The American Dream of this era was based on the idea of upward mobility through hard work and the acquisition of wealth. This ideal was reflected in literature of the time, such as the works of Mark Twain and Horatio Alger, which celebrated the rags-to-riches stories of self-made men.

The Great Depression and World War II marked a significant change in the American Dream. The economic devastation of the Great Depression and the social upheaval of the war led many Americans to question the validity of the American Dream. The American Dream of this era became more focused on the idea of security, stability, and the pursuit of happiness. This ideal was reflected in literature of the time, such as the works of John Steinbeck and James T. Farrell, which depicted the struggles of everyday Americans to achieve the American Dream.

In the post-World War II era, the American Dream underwent another transformation. The economic prosperity and social stability of the period led to the rise of a new middle class, which was celebrated as the embodiment of the American Dream. The American Dream of this era was based on the idea of owning a home, raising a family, and achieving a comfortable standard of living. This ideal was reflected in literature of the time, such as the works of J.D. Salinger and Sylvia Plath, which depicted the struggles of everyday Americans to achieve the American Dream.

Today, the American Dream is still a powerful concept, but it has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans due to factors such as economic inequality and limited social mobility. The widening gap between the rich and the poor, the erosion of the middle class, and the increasing difficulty of achieving upward mobility have all contributed to the erosion of the American Dream. Additionally, the current economic and political climate has led to the erosion of the social safety net, which has further reduced the accessibility of the American Dream to many Americans.

In conclusion, the American Dream is a concept that has evolved over time and has been shaped by historical and cultural contexts. While the American Dream is still a powerful concept, it has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans due to factors such as economic inequality and limited social mobility.

Essay About the American Dream Example 2

“The American Dream for Immigrants: Achievable or Illusionary?”

In this essay, the writer explores the American Dream as experienced by immigrants. They begin by defining the American Dream and discussing how it has been historically understood and experienced by immigrants. They then go on to research on how the American dream is perceived and experienced by different groups of immigrants in modern times.

They use statistics and personal anecdotes to illustrate the challenges that immigrants face in achieving the American Dream, including discrimination, language barriers, and lack of access to resources. The writer argues that while the American Dream is often held up as an achievable goal for all, it is often an illusion for immigrants, who face significant barriers to achieving it.

The American Dream is often defined as the idea that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity. However, for immigrants, the American Dream can often seem like an illusion. Immigrants face a number of barriers to achieving the American Dream, including discrimination, language barriers, and lack of access to resources. In this essay, I will explore the American Dream as experienced by immigrants and argue that while the American Dream is often held up as an achievable goal for all, it is often an illusion for immigrants, who face significant barriers to achieving it.

The American Dream has a rich history in the United States, dating back to the colonial period. The earliest settlers came to America in search of religious freedom, economic opportunity, and a better life. The American Dream, as we know it today, has evolved over time and has been shaped by historical and cultural contexts. However, for immigrants, the American Dream has always been a powerful symbol of hope and opportunity. Immigrants have come to America from all over the world, in search of a better life for themselves and their families. They have been drawn by the promise of the American Dream, the idea that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity.

However, for many immigrants, the American Dream has remained out of reach. Immigrants face a number of barriers to achieving the American Dream, including discrimination, language barriers, and lack of access to resources. Discrimination is a major barrier for immigrants in achieving the American Dream. Immigrants, especially those from non-white countries, often face discrimination in the workplace and in their communities. This discrimination can take many forms, from verbal abuse to physical violence. It can also result in immigrants being passed over for jobs or promotions, or being denied housing or other services.

Language barriers are another major barrier for immigrants in achieving the American Dream. Many immigrants come to the United States without a strong command of the English language. This can make it difficult for them to communicate with their neighbors, find a job, or access essential services. Additionally, many immigrants lack access to resources that are essential for achieving the American Dream, such as education, healthcare, and affordable housing.

In conclusion, the American Dream is often held up as an achievable goal for all, but for immigrants, it can often seem like an illusion. Immigrants face a number of barriers to achieving the American Dream, including discrimination, language barriers, and lack of access to resources. These barriers make it difficult for immigrants to achieve the same level of success and prosperity as native-born Americans. It’s important to recognize that the American Dream is not a guarantee for anyone, and that it requires collective effort to ensure that it remains accessible to all, including immigrants. It’s essential for the government to implement policies that help immigrants to overcome these barriers and achieve the American Dream.

Essay About the American Dream Sample 3

“The American Dream in the 21st Century: Achievable or Unattainable?”

In this essay, the writer analyzes the current state of the American Dream and its future prospects. They begin by defining the American Dream and summarizing the main arguments and evidence presented in the essay. They then go on to analyze the current challenges and criticisms facing the American Dream, such as economic inequality, social mobility, and the changing nature of work. The writer also considers the role of government policies, such as education and healthcare, in shaping the American Dream. They conclude by offering recommendations for how to improve the American Dream and make it more accessible to all, and reflect on the importance of the concept in American society. They also argue that the American Dream is still achievable, but it requires a collective effort to ensure that it remains accessible to all in the 21st century.

The American Dream, defined as the ability to achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, has been a guiding principle for generations of Americans. However, as the 21st century progresses, many people have begun to question whether the American Dream is still achievable. Economic inequality, limited social mobility, and the changing nature of work have all contributed to a growing sense that the American Dream is unattainable for many Americans. In this essay, I will analyze the current state of the American Dream and its future prospects, and argue that while it is still achievable, it requires a collective effort to ensure that it remains accessible to all in the 21st century.

One of the biggest challenges facing the American Dream today is economic inequality. According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, the top 1% of Americans hold a disproportionate share of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 90% have seen their wealth decline. This economic inequality makes it difficult for many Americans to achieve the American Dream, as they lack the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed. Additionally, social mobility in the United States has been on a decline, making it harder for people to move up the economic ladder. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, only half of American adults born in the bottom fifth of incomes are able to move up to a higher income group.

Another challenge facing the American Dream is the changing nature of work. The rise of automation and globalization has led to the disappearance of well-paying jobs, making it difficult for many Americans to find employment that will allow them to achieve the American Dream. Additionally, the gig economy has created a situation where many Americans are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet, and this lack of job security can make it difficult for people to plan for the future.

Despite these challenges, I believe that the American Dream is still achievable. However, it will require a collective effort to ensure that it remains accessible to all. Government policies can play a crucial role in shaping the American Dream. For example, investing in education and healthcare can help to provide more opportunities for Americans to succeed. Additionally, policies that address economic inequality, such as a higher minimum wage and a more progressive tax system, can help to level the playing field and make it easier for people to achieve the American Dream.

In conclusion, the American Dream is a powerful concept that has guided generations of Americans. However, as the 21st century progresses, it has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans due to factors such as economic inequality, limited social mobility, and the changing nature of work. While the American Dream is still achievable, it requires a collective effort to ensure that it remains accessible to all. Government policies can play a crucial role in shaping the American Dream and providing more opportunities for Americans to succeed. It’s time for a collective effort to make sure that the American Dream remains a reality for future generations.