Myth of Money and Success Essay - 1254 Words

Joshua Nooe Professor Hart RWS 200 20 October 2011 The Myth of Money and Success The American Dream is different for everyone, though it is most commonly associated with success, freedom, and happiness. The concept of the American Dream seems to have dwindled from where it was in the past few generations. It has gone from success, freedom, and happiness to having lots of money and the nicest possessions. In today’s society, we all hope and strive for this dream, but how many actually achieve the American Dream? Is it a reasonable goal that Americans should strive for, or is it a myth that only leads to self-destruction? According to Horatio Alger and Toni Cade Bambara, they both believe the concept that the American Dream†¦show more content†¦Today, as well as back in the 1800’s when the story was written, most people’s dreams are to achieve success. This formally became known as â€Å"The American Dream†. Although this may seem strange for everyone to have the same idea, it really isn’t when you look at it with an open perspective. Each and every person’s perception of success is extremely different and individual, which makes everyone’s dreams different. There may be people who strive for big goals, and there may be others who take it one day at a time, achieving happiness on a less formal level. In comparing the time period of the story to our society today, there are many similarities and differences to consider. According within the world we live today, people tend to set much higher goals and expectations for themselves, whereas, in Ragged Dick, it was more of a day-to-day type situation. When people set smaller, more realistic goals, it results in more happiness and comfort in their lifestyle. However, in today’s world, Americans have become so incredibly competitive and successful, that the standards have been significantly raised to the point where personal happiness is no longer good enough. After reading a novel like Horatio Alger’s Ragged Dick, you s ubconsciously make yourself realize the important underlying message that he is trying to portray. To me, this message is to always be optimistic, and no matter how bad your life is, it can always get better if you are honest,Show MoreRelatedThe Myth of Money and Success and That of Gender Essay1843 Words   |  8 PagesThe Myth of Money and Success and that of gender â€Å"The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. 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