American Dream

all the tropes

American Dream (allthetropes.org) Seriously, what the American Dream entails is constantly up for debate, but it’s usually agreed that it involves all citizens being allowed to achieve what they want, or at least the opportunity to try. Often it is pointed out that different minorities have commonly been handicapped in chasing the American Dream compared to other Americans.

It’s called the American Dream, ‘cause you have to be asleep to believe it. George Carlin, Life Is Worth Losing (2005)
It’s a big club and you ain’t in it. George Carlin, Life Is Worth Losing (2005)

No, I’m not an American. I’m one of the 22 million black people who are the victims of Americanism. One of the 22 million black people who are the victims of democracy, nothing but disguised hypocrisy. So, I’m not standing here speaking to you as an American, or a patriot, or a flag-saluter, or a flag-waver—no, not I. I’m speaking as a victim of this American system. And I see America through the eyes of the victim. I don’t see any American dream; I see an American nightmare. Malcolm X

American Dream (Wikipedia) The American Dream is the national ethos of the United States, that every person has the freedom and opportunity to succeed and attain a better life. The phrase has had different meanings over time. Originally, the emphasis was on democracy, liberty and equality, rather than on material wealth and upward mobility.