The American Dream is Dead Essay Example

The “American Dream” is dead. The cliche white picket fence dream that every American had at once, that’s gone. Some may say that you can still make it happen with enough hard work, they’re wrong. For so many people the original American dream has become so unattainable to the point where it might as well be considered dead. It’s no longer possible.

The stereotypical American dream has become so unaffordable for people that it is no longer attainable. Many can't even afford a house and are forced to rent. The author states in their article “Is the American dream dead?”,“One of the primary reasons families cannot afford to buy homes or find affordable rental housing is that housing costs have risen quicker than household income.” Since families can’t afford to buy homes or find affordable rental housing, that part of the american dream - owning a nice home- has died off. If we can’t even afford a house, how are we supposed to be able to raise a family? How are we to do any of that? 

Another reason the original american dream is no longer possible is because there is so much discrimination in america that it has become a huge disadvantage for so many citizens. Racism is such a big thing, especially in housing. In her article “The American Dream while Black: Locked in a vicious cycle,” Shannon Wright cites an interview with someone where it says, "We have a housing market with different components, including rentals and purchases and financing and insurance, that is really built on a structure that was explicitly racist," said Debby Goldberg, vice president of housing policy.” How are black people supposed to become successful and achieve the american dream if peoples prejudice is keeping them from even buying a house all because of their background and race? It has become very hard for black people and other minorities to even do something simple as getting a house all because the system is prejudiced.

One last reason as to why the American Dream is dead is because that is no longer everyone’s dream. Not everyone wants the stereotypical white picket fence house with a nice family and financially secure. Not everyone wants that. Some people want to travel and have a nice job. Some people want to be nomads. Not everyone wants to settle down. Because not everyone wants that version of the american dream, not everyone can afford it, and not everyone has an equal chance to achieve it, these are all the reasons why the original “American Dream” is dead. “The American dream of rags to riches is a dream for a reason- it is hard to achieve: were everyone to do it, it wouldn’t be a dream but would rather be a reality.” -Robert Fulton.