The American Dream is a widely disputed issue in the mainstream and culture, with some believing that the dream has been accomplished and that civilization provides fair chances for all, while others disagree. This is essentially a matter to examine since achieving the American dream supports personal and societal progress and development. Achieving the American dream is inextricably related to parity, justice, and equity, which would result in a multiplication of good qualities and characteristics in the market, productivity, pleasure, lifestyles, advancement, education, living standards, and many other areas. Failing to achieve the American dream, on the other hand, will result in a disparity in the allocation of opportunity and resources, inadequate governmental services provision in some regions, and generally sluggish development and improvement in civilization. As seen in the film The Great Gatsby, Franklin’s claim that the American Dream is attainable to all is false since Jay Gatsby became wealthy as a bootlegger, Thomas “Tom” Buchanan is a white supremacist, and Jordan Baker lied to come out on top in a championship.
Given that equity and justice in resource distribution is one of the main principles and aspirations of the American Dream, Jay Gatsby’s tactic of selling illegal commodities to become a millionaire demonstrates that the dream has yet to be realized (Nugent, 1949). This is primarily because, notwithstanding the reality that both Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby served as combatants in World War I, Gatsby’s illegal sales enabled him to become wealthy, whilst Nick is simply a bond salesman who longs for Gatsby’s affluent lifestyle. It is also unfortunate because, despite his involvement in illicit activities, Gatsby is a well-connected guy who gets away with his illegal operations while being guarded by competent lawyers (Nugent, 1949). Unlawful economic operations have survived in American culture and other countries across the universe, and there is no assurance that civilizations can exist without some type of criminal business. The illegal trade enterprise is one of the most profitable. Still, it is so closely protected by legislation that only a few lucky persons can perform the business and walk away unscathed. The illegal trade business, like any other, is regulated in many nations, with new participants bearing the brunt of the industry’s faults while long-term members benefit. This is depicted in the reality that, notwithstanding their age differences, Nick Carraway strains to make a living while Gatsby maintains a luxurious life. Gatsby’s rich status and involvement in illegal commerce-enabled him to acquire exposure to other chances, furthering the society’s disparity in resources and opportunities dispersion (Nugent, 1949). This instance is readily traceable in the present community and background, proving that the American Dream has yet to be accomplished.
The American Dream aspires to build a nation where everyone is regarded liberated and equitable, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status. Thomas Buchanan’s aspiration as a white supremacist significantly undermines this objective (Nugent, 1949). Sustaining white supremacist attitudes and behaviours would eventually lead to discrimination towards minority populations such as Latinos, Black People, and Asians. This would lead to communal discord and racism, which are major impediments to achieving equity, freedom, fairness, and appropriate allocation of national resources. Throughout antiquity, marginalized communities such as Black People have faced prejudice and violations of fundamental liberties at the hands of both authorities and citizens. This is fostered by white supremacism, which strives to eliminate other ethnicities and promote the white people as the most advanced, prosperous, and dominating ethnicity in all aspects of society. Adopting white supremacism is thus a hindrance to achieving equality, equity, and balanced resources allocation. Apart from that, white supremacy facilitates the coordination of crimes against minority populations. Many people from marginalized populations have been victims of shootings, hangings, torching’s, and other atrocities because of their colour or heritage. This technique is prevalent in the United States and other countries throughout the world, confirming that the American Dream has yet to be accomplished. All ethnicities must love one another and specifically drive the most disadvantaged groups to succeed to attain the American Dream. Although minorities and disadvantaged groups demand assistance and help, they frequently face denial of fairness and other afflictions, making it difficult for them to thrive and transform their lifestyles. The US civilization has consistently made it hard for marginalized populations to transform their lifestyles, with most disadvantaged communities being driven into redlined and economically depressed areas. Minority populations in redlined low-income areas also receive terrible medical attention, schooling, deplorable water and wastewater systems, and a slew of other subpar amenities, confirming that the American Dream has yet to be accomplished.
Another compelling reason the American Dream has not been realized, as depicted in the film The Great Gatsby, is that Jordan Baker lied to win a golf sporting event (Nugent, 1949). In the movie, Baker’s participation in the lying tarnished her public character, although this is not the situation with Edith Cummings, who lied effectively and triumphed (Nugent, 1949). Lying in tournaments results in the uneven distribution of chances and incentives depending on talent and competence. The instance of lying in the movie and the numerous incidents and instances of lying-in tournaments ranging from court proceedings, sports, academics, and numerous other aspects of culture suggest that the American Dream has yet to be accomplished. This is because dishonesty results in the unjust granting of prizes and acknowledgement to specialists, experts, and outstanding persons in society. This contributes to a type of inequality, unfairness, and inequitable allocation of national resources and opportunities. As a requirement to achieving the American Dream, there is a necessity to create a society that supports and ensures equity, freedom, tolerance, and other such qualities.
Finally, it is apparent that the American Dream has proved unattainable in American culture. This is due to the numerous problems that persons face in society due to inequity, injustices, and uneven allocation of assets and opportunities. Notwithstanding Franklin’s (1848) claim that the American Dream has been realized and that everybody has the potential to be prosperous and joyful, the considerations shown above demonstrate that the American Dream has yet to be accomplished.
References
Franklin, B. (1848). The Way to Wealth. Washington: New York Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor.
Nugent, E. (Director). (1949). The Great Gatsby.
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