The American Dream - Then and now

The American Dream - Then and now

1. Then

   • beliefs and values
     • freedom
       • freest society, all people are equal
     • individualism
     • mobility, optimism, flexibility
       • chance to success
     • progress
       • ''Nation with a mission''
     • hard work
       • good self-discipline
     • patriotism
       • proud to be an American
   • historical events
     • Declaration of Independence (1776)
       • every citizen has a right to life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness
     • Revolutionary War (1776-1783)
       • Americans start to settle the North American continent (1776-1783)
     • women get the right to vote (1920)

2. Now

   • big gap between rich and poor
     • rich class
     • middle class
     • underclass
   • affirmative action
     • supporting blacks and single parents to get work and education
   • no classless society, succes-oriented
     • unfair chances to get succes
   • ambition to succeed
     • African-American
       • prosperous black middle class, impoverished underclass
     • Mexican-American
       • illegal, cheap workers
     • Asian-American
       • qualified professionals
   • ''melting pot of nations''
   • ''salad bowl''