James Truslow Adams--"The Epic of America" (1931)
"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...a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position" (214-215).

Anyone should have an equal opportunity at success based on their own hard work and ability. Everyone must be recognized for what they do.

“Attention must be paid. He’s not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person” (Arthur Miller, "Death of a Salesman" 62). The play was written in 1949. Willy Loman works hard, yet is not paid attention to nor gains the success he craves. Had he been real, he would have been proof of the death of the American Dream. Arthur Miller was alive during the publication of Adams' "The Epic of America", so he most likely knew the definition of the American Dream according to Adams' book.

The Great Depression had only lasted two years and would live for another eight.

The Great Depression started after the stock market crash of October 1929. During 1931, unemployment would rise from 4 million to 6 million. Bank runs also swept the nation during the spring and fall of 1931.

The American Dream really was just a dream in the 1931. There was very little job opportunity or recognition at the time due to the inflation.

The economy didn't really turn around until after 1939. World War II put the American industry back in business.

James Truslow Adams (1878-1949) lived during the Great Depression, which inspired his idea of the American Dream. The depression of the economy is the opposite of what the American Dream to him was. The definition of the American Dream is his hope for a brighter, better lifestyle for Americans across the nation.

Grandpa

When you hear the words "American Dream", what do you think of?
"People come to the United States to have a better life, right? People have more freedom for...everything."

Why did you come to America?
"Because my fiancé wanted to come here...Through movies and television, you learn that...in America, people have more freedom, a better life, society has more security."

What were your dreams when you came to America?
"We never really dreamed. You see, in our situation...if I go back [to Taiwan] I be okay. You don't have to worry about your future...Back in our time, I don't think we dream...It's beyond our decision. Back in our time, you can't really decide what major you can go in. You can't change major. The chance is not that big."

Why did you stay in America, then?
"Because I have to think about my next generation...I think it is a better environment for them...We made it. We were lucky...I opened a restaurant with my friend...We were okay. It's just a better place for our kids to grow up. Back in our country, the educational system is different. A lot of pressure for the kids, you know? In our experience...it's tough, it's tough...You can't do [extra curricular]. Even if you have talent, you can't do it. "

After being told the historical definition of the American Dream, do you think that it still lives today?
"Not necessarily. I think, this is just an idea in an ideal situation...It's not reality. But it has more chance [in America] than in other place."

How do you think you can achieve dreams today, then?
"I guess, just do all God can give you."

Anything else you'd like to say?
"Tell them I-I'm retired. (laughs)"

Grandma

What do you think of the term "American Dream"?
"I don't think of that...I just want to accomplish my education...the education in [Taiwan] is not as good. I just want to see the world."

Why did you come to America?
"For higher education."

What were your dreams when you came to America?
"To get a doctorate degree. That's it."

What prevented you from achieving that dream?
"We got married and I got a job and...we just got off track. We stayed in America because of my daughter."

After being told the historical definition of the American Dream, do you think that it still lives today?
"No. Hard work does not mean prosperity. We work hard but we go no where. No prosperity."

How do you think you can achieve dreams today, then?
"I say try your best, that's all I can say. But not necessarily achieve them.

Anything else you want to say about the American Dream?
"I didn't have one, so I don't have much to say."

Chet Lee (Father)

When you hear the words "American Dream", what do you think of?
"I think about a house, a white picket fence, two and a half children, and a dog."

Why did you come to America?
"Because I was brought by my parents. They brought us here to give us an opportunity to grow up in America...There'd be more opportunities in America."

What were your dreams as a kid?
"To be in the military."

What prevented you from achieving that dream?
"I decided to have a family...I decided I didn't want to be single. I just thought, you know, that, that would be a single life and I decided that maybe I didn't want that."

After being told the historical definition of the American Dream, do you think that it still lives today?
"Yeah, I think that's true. It's mostly true, more so now than it did before."

Do you think it applied when you were growing up as a kid in America?
"Yeah, I guess so. I think for us it wasn't so much of dream big, but follow the path and you will be successful."

How do you think people can achieve dreams today? If someone asked you how to achieve their dreams, what would you say?
"It depends on your dream. If I knew what to tell them, I would have done it."

Audrey Lee (Mother)

When you hear the words "American Dream", what do you think of?
"A house, two kids, a college education, a great job, vacations once a year, and you know, living a comfortable life."

What was your dream as a kid?
"My dream as a kid was to be a pediatrician, get married and have five children so that they could make their own basketball team. I really liked basketball."

What stood in the way of that dream?
"I got discouraged along the way and I did not do well in chemistry in middle school. I didn't do as well as I thought I should have in Calculus, which was a B. I kinda discouraged myself from a medical degree, which I regret. I didn't have five kids because after having two, I realized how much work it is to have children and how much money it costs to have kids. So, I decided two was enough. In order to give my two the best quality of life, I decided to stop at two. I did get married, though."

After being told the historical definition of the American Dream, do you think that it still lives today?
"Oh, I got the answer wrong. Yes, I do think that a persons goals can be achieved through hard work and determination. Absolutely."

Was it as alive when you were growing up?
"Yeah, I felt like I saw it on tv. You know, the theme was always running through there tv shows we watched as kids...There's this formula that Asian Americans follow, you know. You get good grades in high school so you can get into a prestigious college. Then you can get a professional career such as a doctor or lawyer so that you can live a comfortable life. You know, it's like you suffer now so you can get that great job later."

What would you say to someone who wants to achieve their dreams?
"I would say, it's really important to have self discipline, perseverance and to not be discouraged. If you don't do as well as you think you should in high school, don't give up. Don't worry about good grades and what kind of college you get into. It's more important to find something you love to do and just work towards that goal."

As an ABC (American born Chinese) my view of the American Dream may differ from other teens' definition. In contrast to Adams' definition of the American Dream, my American Dream is finding balance between work and networking, or socializing. Balance is necessary because although hard work is needed, chance and who you know also plays a large factor in achieving your goals. It is important to recognize that some people may have to work harder than others whether it is for less, the same, or more success. I do not believe that opportunities are fair anymore whether or not effort is put in, but what matters most is the outcome. We must remember to not get wrapped up in the frustration at the unfairness and continue towards our goals.

While my grandparents believe it is mostly dead, my parents strongly believe it is alive and well. I believe a mixture of both. Hard work could push you to your goals, however, sometimes it's about networking and who you know or sheer luck. Sometimes, you can work like a dog and never achieve that dream. Some people barely have to lift a finger for their dreams. I believe that hard work will get you somewhere, but that place may not be to your goals. It will be God's goals for you.

My dream is to either be a behavioral analyst for the FBI, work in a psychology department for the military, or be a professor in criminology. However, I do like chemistry and like to be flexible in my dreams. I don't like planning with detail because I will never know where God's wind will blow me.

The picture background represents how I think the American Dream is today. It is vibrantly colored, like our dreams and hopes for the future. You can still tell it's a city, although upside down. Likewise, the American Dream today is upside down, but still there. Hard work doesn't play as much of a factor into success as it should. Getting and maintaining success is very political and about what people think of you. They, like the city, are clouded by the haze of judgement. In the end, achieving goals is about who you know and how they think of you. However, by learning how to see things in a new way--adapting--you can still see and possibly achieve that goal. This wallpaper is from an anime called Psycho Pass, which also relates to my dream in that they are behavioral analysts in a world led by psychopaths.