the American Dream stories

Self-reliance

Emerson

Paradox and Dream

(Steinbeck) -Americans are a restless, a dissatisfied, a searching people. -We are able to believe that our government is weak, stupid, overbearing, dishonest, and inefficient, and at the same time we are deeply convinced that it is the best government in the world, and we would like to impose it upon everyone else. -Americans are remarkably kind and hospitable and open with both guests and strangers; and yet they will make a wide circle around the man dying on the pavement. -We are self-reliant and at the same time completely dependent. -Americans seem to live and breathe and function by paradox -We shout that we are a nation of laws, not men-and then proceed to break every law we can if we can get away with it.

Introduction

(dan rather) american dream existed before country started and sustains us through bad times

time to down-size the american dream

(morton) the american dream is out of hand and needs to be more realistic

the american dream, Alabama style

(parker) American dream doesn't have just one path

Paradox and Dream

(steinbeck) the American culture is one large paradox. We strive for greatness and think that we are the greatest country on the earth, but we complain about how our country is weak and dishonest.

the america i love

(weisel) Americans have a duty to others because of our status