Text 2: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Perspective
In the text Arnold Schwarzenegger has written about the American Dream. Arnold Schwarzenegger tells that the American Dream, no matter what country you are from or who you are. You can be something great and accomplish anything beyond your wildest imagination if you work hard. This statement is aligned with the classic understanding of the American Dream, which emphasizes individual effort and the possibility of upward mobility. The notion that hard work leads to success is deeply rooted in American culture and has been a driving force for many immigrants who come to America seeking better opportunities.
Arnold Schwarzenegger also says that you have to learn the English language to blend in and be a part of the American culture. This reflects the idea that assimilation is crucial for success in America. Learning English is not just about communication but also about cultural integration, which can open up more opportunities in both social and professional spheres. You have to be a part of the community as well as participating in politics, and Arnold says that democracy is not a spectator sport. This emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the role of individuals in shaping the society they live in. Active participation in the democratic process is seen as a way to contribute to the community and ensure that one’s voice is heard.
Arnold says that the final thing that completes the American dream, is giving back to the country and its citizens by doing work that will aid those who are not as fortunate as Arnold (Page 5, lll,33-35). This philanthropic aspect of the American Dream highlights the responsibility of successful individuals to help others and improve society. It suggests that the American Dream is not just about personal success but also about contributing to the greater good.
Text 3: Materialistic Perspective
In this text, the American Dream is explained in a materialistic perspective. The American Dream is explained as it is wounded because of the materialistic things that do not make you any happier and the economy is getting worse because of high prices for energy (page 6, ll.1-2). This critique aligns with academic arguments that question the sustainability and ethical implications of consumer culture. Scholars like Juliet Schor have argued that the relentless pursuit of material goods can lead to negative social and environmental impacts, without necessarily increasing overall happiness.
But this makes an opening for a new American Dream, where people would give up money and other materialistic things in order to pursue the things that really should matter to the Americans, such as being with your family and their health, and providing a social security net that gives a baseline of security. This shift from materialism to a focus on well-being and social security reflects broader societal trends. For instance, the growing interest in minimalism and the emphasis on work-life balance suggest a redefinition of success that prioritizes personal fulfillment and social welfare over material wealth. This new perspective on the American Dream is also supported by studies in psychology and sociology that emphasize the importance of social connections and mental health in achieving a fulfilling life.
Text 4: David’s Perspective on Economic Realities
Text 4 has more or less the same perspective as text 3 because it interprets the American Dream to be on the edge of extinction. David says that the ideal plan is that people can live comfortably and safely without worrying about their economy and that their parents’ children would be in an even better financial situation than them (page 8, ll, 21-22). This reflects the traditional view of the American Dream as a promise of generational progress and financial security. However, many Americans are struggling to pay their own loans. According to a survey, many people still believe and regardless of the fact that the economy is worsening and they are responsible for their own financial situation because they believe that they will succeed or fail based on their own efforts. This belief in self-reliance and individual responsibility is a core aspect of the American Dream, but it can also be critiqued for ignoring structural inequalities and economic barriers that many people face.
David’s perspective highlights the discrepancy between the ideal and the reality of the American Dream. While the dream promises upward mobility and financial security, the economic reality for many Americans includes debt and financial instability. This critique is supported by economic studies that show increasing income inequality and the stagnation of wages for the middle and lower classes. These economic challenges call for a re-evaluation of the American Dream and the need for policies that address these structural issues.
Comparison of Language, Tone, and Style in Texts 1 and 2
The vocabulary in text 1 is more formal compared to text 2, but it is not because it is poorly formulated, but it has the mark of spoken language instead of a written and formal language where the words are more advanced and used right to explain the true meaning. Where text 2 is more informal and unclear. This type of language and formality shows that text 1 is thought through, then Arnold Schwarzenegger’s is, which is written more like a speech. The use of formal language in text 1 gives it an authoritative tone, which is appropriate for a text that aims to provide an objective analysis of the American Dream.
The tone in both texts varies a lot. The tone in the first text is objective compared to text 2, which is more subjective. This is not a surprise, especially if you look at the different sources. There is ‘The Library of Congress’ and on the other source ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger’. The Library of Congress is America’s national library, and Arnold Schwarzenegger is a former movie star and fitness icon. Therefore, it is natural that his statement is more subjective than the other one, ‘The Library of Congress’. The library uses an objective style and tone, so it becomes more reliable and formal, and it is also owned by the government. This objective tone in text 1 aims to present facts and analysis without personal bias, making it suitable for academic and policy discussions. In contrast, Schwarzenegger’s subjective tone in text 2 reflects his personal experiences and opinions, making it more engaging and relatable to a general audience but less suitable for rigorous academic analysis.
Personal Perspective on the American Dream Starting from Text 1
I have chosen text 1 as my starting point for my point of view to explain the American Dream. I have chosen this text because it has many different aspects of what the American Dream is, which I can agree with. America has always been a place called the ‘promised land’ where a poor man or woman, no matter who he or she is, what nation he or she is from, can make something of themselves if only he or she is capable and has the abilities they can have success. But this is not real, because it is represented as if America is a land that is flying on flowers and happiness and no one is judging you.
In the text, it shows different aspects of what the American Dream is, and it also shows that the American Dream has progressed since the beginning. The American Dream started as a dream of social order, where you could get a higher social status which you deserved. This historical perspective aligns with the views of scholars like James Truslow Adams, who coined the term “American Dream” and emphasized its roots in the desire for social and economic mobility.
The text says it has become the ideal way of living a life of success and satisfying your life with other materialistic things. The American Dream can already be changing again with the new generation of young people searching for a simple life. This evolution of the American Dream reflects broader societal changes, including the rise of the gig economy, the increasing importance of mental health, and the growing awareness of environmental sustainability.
Moreover, the original content of the American Dream, as discussed in Text 1, includes the aspiration for social mobility and the pursuit of a better life. This aspiration has been a driving force for many immigrants who see America as a land of opportunity. However, it is essential to recognize that this dream has not been equally accessible to all. Structural inequalities based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status continue to pose significant barriers to achieving the American Dream.
The critique of materialism in Texts 3 and 4 suggests that the American Dream needs to be redefined to focus on well-being, social security, and personal fulfillment. This redefinition aligns with contemporary discussions in fields such as psychology, where researchers like Martin Seligman advocate for a focus on positive psychology and well-being rather than merely economic success.
In conclusion, the American Dream remains a powerful and evolving concept. While it continues to inspire people to strive for success, it also requires constant re-evaluation to address the changing social, economic, and cultural realities. By balancing individual aspirations with collective responsibilities and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all, the American Dream can continue to be a guiding vision for a just and equitable society.