The Significance of the Idea of the American Dream linked with Issues of Poverty and Inequality

When I think of the term American Dream it is directly connected with associations as freedom, chances and success. Hollywood productions like "The Great Gatsby" or "The Pursuit of Happiness", in which people have made it from rags to riches, come into my mind. But by taking a deeper look into that topic it becomes clear that the American Dream is much more like just that. I also think of very egocentric concepts of life which are depicted in these stories and which have nothing to do with a respectful, empathetic and tolerant community.

The questions rise what it actually is, what we are ‘dreaming’ of – is it just about prosperity or do we really pursue happiness regardless to money? And: Am I interested in the development of the community? What has it to do with my personal (American) Dream? When it comes to the American Dream concepts of gender, class, race and ethnicity can and have to be taken into consideration especially when we link the photograph “Bread Line during the Louisville Flood, Kentucky” from 1937 by Margaret Bourke- White with that topic what will be done in this essay.

Before the critical executions in this essay relate to this photograph it displays the meaning of the term American Dream and its connection to inequality and poverty in general.

Table of Contents

• The significance of the idea of the American Dream linked with issues of poverty and inequality
• Defining the American Dream
• Inequality as a result of the American Dream
• Poverty as an effect of the American Dream
• Margaret Bourke-White’s “Bread Line during the Louisville Flood, Kentucky” and the American Dream
• Context of the photograph
• The photograph as a representation of inequality and poverty
• The photograph as a representation of the American Dream
• Representation and its impact on meaning

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay explores the complex relationship between the American Dream and issues of poverty and inequality. The author examines how the concept of the American Dream, often associated with individual achievement and success, can contribute to social divisions and economic disparities. The essay utilizes the iconic photograph "Bread Line during the Louisville Flood, Kentucky" by Margaret Bourke-White as a case study to illustrate these interconnected themes.

• The American Dream and its inherent contradictions
• The impact of the American Dream on social inequality
• The role of poverty in perpetuating the American Dream
• The use of photographic representations to depict social issues
• The importance of understanding context in interpreting representations

Chapter Summaries

• The first part of the essay defines the concept of the American Dream, tracing its origins and highlighting its promise of opportunity for all. It then argues that the American Dream, despite its egalitarian ideals, can lead to significant social inequality. This is attributed to the competitive nature of the dream, which ultimately benefits a select few.
• The second part of the essay explores the connection between poverty and the American Dream. The author argues that poverty is a consequence of the American Dream's inherent focus on individual success, often at the expense of collective well-being.
• The third part of the essay analyzes the photograph "Bread Line during the Louisville Flood, Kentucky" by Margaret Bourke-White in the context of the American Dream. The author examines the photographer's use of contrast and symbolism to expose the contradictions inherent in the American Dream, particularly the juxtaposition of wealth and poverty. The essay also discusses the complexities of representation and how photographs can be used to communicate a range of meanings.

Keywords

The essay focuses on key concepts such as the American Dream, inequality, poverty, representation, photography, and the significance of context in understanding and interpreting social issues. It explores the interplay between individual aspirations and social structures, highlighting the complexities of achieving a just and equitable society.

Details

• College: University of Frankfurt (Main) (England- und Amerikastudien)
• Course: Cultural Studies
• Grade: 1,1
• Author: Svenja Stoll (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 5
• Catalog Number: V345248
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668350571
• ISBN (Book): 9783668350588
• Language: English
• Tags: American Dream Freedom Chances Success Hollywood Great Gatsby Rags to Riches Prosperity Happiness Community Dream America USA Cultural Cultural Studies Gender Class Race Ethnicity Bread Line during the Louisville Flood Kentucky 1937 Margaret Bourke-White Inequality Poverty Bourke-White Bourke White