The American Dream - the Epic of America Written by Truslow Adams

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thinking they will crash it by just being on a game show. Another major aspect that has revised the concept of the American dreamis the US lottery and gambling systems. These games have influenced the American people that with a little luck they can be able to avoid the component of hard work to which their misfortune confines them (Sandel, 4). Unlike the original concept of the American dream, most American citizens believe in becoming successful through fortune and luck instead of hard work and dedication. The American citizens fail to understand that the American dream will be impossible to achieve if they seek instant success through luck.Freedom to pursue one’s interests

This is a crucial element in the American dream which allows the American citizen to follow their own passions, ambitions, interests, aspirations, etc. this is the basis for the fulfillment of the American dream. This freedom enables Americans to develop their talents and skills in particular areas which bring out massive success and exceptional performance. It is through following your own interests that create heroes, champions, leaders, great athletes, among many others (Sandel, 21). This means a lot to the American people because they are able to strive and achieve their own personal goals. Most Americans have been successful because of following their own paths. They include Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Jordan, Barrack Obama, Michael Phelps, Oprah Winfrey, among many others.

Economic well-being

The importance of economic well-being is a major component in the American dream. Thisincludes having the tools and resources that translate into a successful and comfortable life. A lot of American citizens aim to get a well-paying job, own a beautiful home, have some savings so that they can provide for their family and live a happy life. These are the results of putting effort and hard work in order to live a successful life (Freese, 19). They are viewed as rewards that create economic stability, an element crucial for a successful life.

Portraying hope and optimism

Hope and optimism are core elements of the American dream. This means that every American has to be hopeful that they will achieve the dream. This helps them to maneuver with confidence despite challenges and pitfalls that lie on their way. The American citizens should be optimisticthat they will ultimately be successful as long as they are putting in much hard work and commitment. The nature of the American dream itself portrays optimism that the best days lie in the future (Freese, 6). Therefore, Americans should not despair or give up on their dreams.

Summing up, the American dream is a reality and offers opportunities to every American to succeed in life. However, this will depend on upon their hard work, commitment, passion, and dedication. Its origin in the Declaration of Independence states that every American citizen is created equally and stands a chance of succeeding in life. It also offers the American people the freedom to pursue their own ambitions and dreams. Therefore, any American citizen can be rich and live a successful life if they put hard work and determination to their personal goals. There is a major deterrent to achieving the American dream which is very visible in the modern day American society. The media has played a role in revising the concept of the American dream by influencing the Americans that they can become successful by depending on luck and fortune.These two elements have made the American dream to appear as a fantasy because it lacks major components such as hard work and determination. Most Americans in the 21st century believe they can achieve the American dream through instant gratification.Works Cited

Freese, P. The American Dream and the American Nightmare, Paderborn 1987, pp. 4-25. Print.

Hancock, John. The Declaration of Independence: UShistory.org. July 4, 1776, http:// www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/index.htm Web

Sandel, Michael. The Hard Questions: Bad Bet, New Republic, March 10, 1997, p. 20-27. Print. Truslow Adams, the Epic of America, New York: Blue Ribbon Books,