USA, myths and realities, American Dream - an overview - Englisch Abitur, Oberstufe - Abiturthemen

The American Dream, a concept introduced by James Truslow Adams, is not a single idea but a set of expectations and beliefs that attracted people to the USA. It's often simplified to 'rags to riches' through hard work, but it encompasses broader philosophical and religious ideals. The USA, unlike traditional countries, was founded on ideas like independence, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution ('We the People'). The dream promises prosperity, freedom, and equal rights, though its attainability is constantly debated.

Key ideas within the American Dream include progress (technological advancement), Manifest Destiny (the religious belief that the USA is a chosen nation), democracy, the melting pot (people from diverse backgrounds forming one identity), frontiers (unexplored land for expansion), and success (material possessions like a house and car). However, these positive aspects have negative counterpoints: progress can lead to decadence, Manifest Destiny can be seen as arrogant, democracy faces problems, the melting pot ideal often ignores racial segregation and racism, frontiers represent imperialism, and success can become materialism.

The USA's political landscape is dominated by two main parties, Democrats and Republicans, leading to deep-seated 'culture wars' where political and cultural identities align. Progressives/liberals (often urban Democrats, symbol: donkey, color: blue) support minorities, immigration, gun control, environmental protection, a strong state, and higher taxes. Conservatives (often rural Republicans, symbol: elephant, color: red) are generally against active minority support, for gun rights, supportive of businesses (low taxes), and advocate for minimal government interference. This simplification highlights a real division in American society.

Immigration is fundamental to the USA's identity, as it's a nation built by people from other places. The 'melting pot' idea is closely linked to this. Historically, immigration was primarily from Europe (1820-1920), shaping the country's initial European character. Post-WWII, immigration diversified, with more people arriving from other Americas, Asia, and Africa. This shift has significantly impacted racial dynamics and societal perceptions. Discussions around immigration often differentiate between legal and illegal immigration and involve arguments for and against further immigration.

The African-American experience is marked by the history of slavery, which ended with the Civil War. However, freedom did not bring equality, leading to segregation under Jim Crow laws, characterized by separate facilities and widespread lynching by groups like the Ku Klux Klan, particularly in the South. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. (famous for his 'I Have a Dream' speech), fought for voting rights and an end to formal segregation, achieving significant advancements. Barack Obama's election in 2008 was a milestone. Today, the Black Lives Matter movement highlights ongoing issues of police brutality and racial injustice.

The material aspects of the American Dream (e.g., homeownership, nice car) are increasingly challenging due to rising house prices relative to income and the need for expensive education for good jobs. The ideals of equality and equal chances often fall short, with socio-economic background and race still significantly impacting opportunities. The culture wars and political partisanship threaten the functioning of democracy. Despite these challenges, the American Dream remains a powerful ideal and a reference point for many. The USA is still seen as an attractive country globally with a high standard of living, high wages, and functioning institutions, suggesting that criticisms often operate on a 'very high level' compared to many other nations.