Sociology Ms. Rogers Yorktown High School The “AMERICAN DREAM” (take notes, please)

Sociology Ms. Rogers Definition Dynamic definition Depends on who is defining it Evolved over the decades Generally speaking: – A national ethos of freedom, success, and prosperity – Focus on financial success, college education, family, home-ownership

Sociology Ms. Rogers History Settlers came to the New World (America) from Europe seeking land of their own and ways to get rich off the land Thomas Jefferson set out American ideals in the Declaration of Independence – Life – Liberty – “Pursuit of Happiness”

Sociology Ms. Rogers History Immigrants streamed into the U.S. in the 19 th Century in search of a “better life” – “Streets paved in gold” Historian James Truslow Adams popularized the phrase "American Dream" in his 1931 book Epic of America – "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement…”

Sociology Ms. Rogers The New Colossus By Emma Lazarus, 1883 Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Sociology Ms. Rogers How do you view the “Dream”? America is entirely different from the America that James Truslow Adams knew. It was different for him than it was for the immigrants that came here in the 19 th Century. And it was different for the immigrants than it was for Thomas Jefferson or early colonial settlers.

Sociology Ms. Rogers Watch 1 st : KjTk&feature=related KjTk&feature=related

Sociology Ms. Rogers How is it different today? How do you view it? How do we view it?