Question 1.
Every individual is included in the American dream although their participation in achieving success is on an optional and voluntary basis. The American dream is an ethos in the United States that gives a set of guidelines and freedom that are necessary for an individual to achieve success, and a form of social upward mobility for their children and their families. Based on the statements made by Truslow Adams every individual is included in the American dream irrespective of the race, class, or status in the society. Life, in this case, should be richer and better for every individual with each getting the opportunity to achievement. Based on the American dream, every individual is equal with the right to liberty, the pursuit of happiness and liberty. Not even an individual is excluded. However, the exclusion process is voluntary and is viewed as an inclusion. Those who are included it is because they chose to be while those who are excluded are simply because they decided to be so.
Question 2.
The individual’s pursuit of the dream can be harmonized with the claims of the state. The claims made by the state can also help in the developing agenda for an individual to realize their dreams. The government, in this case, has a supporting role for an individual’s dream to come true. The government, for instance, must uphold the matters pertaining to the rule of law, ability to secure the property rights and ensure that every individual has the access to education. The federal government or the state has the responsibility to create opportunities and to ensure equitable distribution of resources among the people. The state in this circumstance is engaged in ensuring that that individuals, who strive to work hard do not fall but rise in their first place.
Question 3.
The American art exposes a melancholy tension in the American dream. The tension created is between nostalgia and a lust for innovation. Tension is presented by the American ideals such as all people are equal, independence is highly valued, and Americans are the chosen ones. Such arts presented in the form of literature leads to tension as Americans are perceived to be in the light than others. The matter has brought tension due to controversies arising over those who are excluded or included in the dream. Issues have cropped up pertaining to the state of the immigrants and the blacks. Controversies arise that the blacks are not included in the American dream and thus interfere with the rate of development. The nostalgia and the lust for innovative creates a tension especially amongst the blacks in their bid to achieve the American dreams.
Question 4.
The aspects of the dream that stress wealth, fame, and power affect the image of America in a number of ways. The issue of income inequality that leads to the decline of upward mobility is common especially when matters such as wealth are stressed. When matters of wealth are stressed, individuals tend to think of income equality or those benefiting. Ownership of wealth such as home ownership is used as the proxy for an individual to rise. Ownership of wealth in the US separates the poor and individuals in the middle class. The aspects of wealth give an image of inequality to United States of America.
