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Mikaylan Simon
Mrs. Coco
English 1001
15 November 2016
Audience: Political Science students who want to learn about the American Dream, and how it
equates to equality.

The American Dream

Over the course of a tense American political system, divided between different
ideological beliefs, many politicians and potential elected officials declare once elected to office,
they will restore or expand the American Dream. Depending on the party, politicians offer stark
changes to the mainstream agenda, offering the American people more options and a chance to
vote for a certain belief and different path. Some even declare that the current administration has
absolutely went rogue from original American ideals killing the American Dream, and declare
that they, solely by themselves when elected, will restore the American Dream. Others, who
agree with the mainstream direction in which the administration in power has gone, declare that
the American Dream is move available than ever before, and believe that we as a people need to
continue in the direction the current administration has brought.
Many individuals vote dependent on ideological values, and subjects whether or not the
government can solve all or most issues to create an environment where the American Dream
will be easier to obtain. Others vote more in a Darwinian theory believing we as a people need
little to no help from government, and that the people will thrive when tasked with fending for
themselves. Even though they have ideological differences, most still believe the American
Dream is still a plausible way of life. To further understand how people perceive the American

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Dream, we need to reveal how has the definition of the American Dream changed over time to
ensure equal opportunity and equality?
The first instance of the American Dream occurred when colonists came to America
during the 16th and 17th century. As Englands economy faltered causing high inflation and
poverty, many chose to seek out prosperity in the New World. Religious freedom was also an
incentive that brought European immigrants to the New World in prospect of establishing their
own religion. The political climate had become a tumultuous place where civil unrest and
prosecution were prominent. Unfortunately, the American Dream could not be achieved under
European rule, thus creating an atmosphere of revolt pushing for independence. This instance
displayed the first adaptation of the American Dream, an idea that the people had a right to live
however they wanted, with liberty, to pursue the thing that made them happy.
Upon building the foundation of the United States government, the founders wanted to
secure the rights of the people. This was to ensure that foreign government could not oppress
them nor could the federal government gain too much power. If government was not limited, it
could overpower the citizens resulting in the loss of individual liberty. By limiting the
government, the founders made it possible for freedoms in which the government could not
infringe. Although limiting government increased individual liberty, it also can limit
governments ability to take action for its citizens. The founders then decided that not only must
government be limited, but the basic rights of the people must be outlined. With this in mind, the
founders went to create the Bill of Rights, or otherwise known as the first ten amendments to the
United States Constitution
Although the foundation of America was built upon the very aspects of liberty,
individualism, and freedom, many were not able to receive these benefits from early on. Slavery

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was a vicious and cruel implementation that reveled on the denial of basic human rights for
individuals of African descent, shipped to America to serve European immigrants and their
families. When slaves disobeyed their masters, they were greeted with violent lashings,
mutilation, branding and even rape. Many slaves sang songs most of which were about hope that
one day, they would be ridden of the inhumane practices that was slavery. These songs carried
them through the rough and dangerous climate, that was slavery. Without any way to speak out
against the brutality that they were met with, slaves used their songs to tell stories, of the dangers
they have encountered and the dream that one day, it would change.
After the civil war, the African descent slaves received the very thing they prayed for.
President Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, declared that slaves were now free in the
Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation was the dream the slaves had been wishing for.
Now, they could be a free people who no longer had to live in bondage under inhumane systems.
Unfortunately, more institutions came about that separated both the white and black
constituency. The areas that only blacks were allowed were not as clean or equal to the whites.
During this time, many African-American came out in support of a new system that abolishes
segregation. Martin Luther King Jr., was a famous civil rights activist who constantly spoke out
against racial inequality and segregation that disenfranchised many African-Americans. He
spoke constantly about a dream, that would allow every boy and girl regardless of color be
accessible to every and all rights in an equal manner. His rhetoric caused millions to redirect
their differences, and to no longer judge individuals by their skin color but by their character.
This dream of equality illustrated the new American Dream, a dream where equality would
overstretch the mainstream divides and bring people together.

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Although inequality was a major problem in Americas history for African-Americans,

women and gays were also at a disadvantage. However, women were able to vote after the 19th
Amendment was ratified to the U.S. Constitution. For years same-sex couples had fought
adamantly for the right nationwide that they could experience the same equality heterosexual
couples get. Many homosexual couples were denied the right to marry, and were also denied
services for their wedding. Some caterers would deny to cater a homosexual wedding which
proved to be biased and unfair. However, President Obama identified the unconstitutional acts
and decided that he would do something to help. Over time, many campaigns were started to
help pass legislation to approve same-sex marriage throughout America. This explanation
illustrates the reality of the American Dream.
When I began this essay, I wanted to discover the meaning behind the American Dream. I
always thought that the American Dream was simply concentrated on an individuals desire to
become rich, famous, and popular. I thought the main goal of the American Dream was to simply
get thousands of followers on Twitter, millions of likes on Facebook and Instagram, and millions
of dollars in the bank account. Instead, the American Dream is not centered around materialistic
things but around the idea that everyone has equal opportunity on an equal platform. The
American Dream has never been about materialistic desires, but it has been about the desire
individuals have to experience equality.

Zachary Weinstein:
More quotes/sources from scholars on the topic- "I Have A Dream Speech",
Emancipation Proclamation.

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How did the modern version of the "American Dream" take shape
Remember to put citations at the end of each sentence with a quote
How has your view of the "American Dream" changed

My comments:
The critique of this essay is vague, but after talking to Zack I was able to understand what
the rudimentary form of my essay was missing. I will create more details throughout my paper in
explaining the form of the American Dream. I will also provide evidence by citing Dr. Martin L.
King Jr., and President Lincoln to help prove the points I will make. I hadnt thought about
adding my take on the American Dream, but I believe it will benefit my essay if I add it towards
the conclusion on how my definition of the American Dream has changed.