The American Dream

Instructions

Prompt: How do you personally define the American Dream? How effective have other writers and thinkers been in exploring aspects of the American dream and which specific rhetorical strategies have they used to convey these powerful ideas?

In a narrative and analytical hybrid essay, I’d like you to explore what you believe to be the “American Dream” by connecting some part of your identity (race/class/gender/immigrant status/sexuality/social class/disability/etc.) to what your version of the “dream” is. Then I would like you to bring in key ideas from the texts we’ve read this semester to either help support your argument, or to be used in opposition to your argument.

By identity, remember that you are focusing on those aspects of yourself that you either cannot change or are very difficult to change. Therefore, being an artist or a soccer player would not count as part of your “identity” for this assignment, as those are closer to hobbies/interests than identity. You are, in essence, composing an essay similar to those written by Bich Nguyen, James Baldwin, and bell hooks.

This is a personal, analytical essay that will attempt to define what the American Dream is according to your observations. You may choose to describe one specific turning point or moment in your life that defined you or describe a particular epiphany or philosophy that you feel expresses your identity.

Be creative and remember that your audience knows nothing about you—so be specific, unique, and most importantly—make sure your essay centers around a clear thesis that answers the questions above. Requirements: ?Thesis that clearly addresses the prompt and answers the two questions above ?You must refer to at least TWO of the essays we’ve read so far, and have several citations from each throughout your essay. Remember, you can cite an author with whom you disagree with to prove your thesis as well by saying something like “Unlike hooks, I believe that…”) (use essays listed) ?First person “I” is acceptable, but do not overuse ?Works cited page must be attached with a minimum of two sources ?Essay structure with intro, body paragraphs, and conclusion ?MLA format must be followed—see syllabus for formatting specs ?You must attend both peer review sessions—I do not accept final drafts without peer-reviewed drafts?Use transitions to switch from one idea to another Bell Hooks “work makes life sweet” Bich Nyugen “A good immigrant” the documentary “the 13th” This essay is about the American dream and how it is a fallacy.

I have to use my personal history experiences to advocate my point. The introduction paragraph I wrote (and would like to keep as close as possible) is Growing up Latina in America the “American Dream” is something I hear often. While most of these dreams had differences, the most common factor was working hard to one day achieve success- a success that is only possible in America. Many immigrants cling on to this hope, making it become America’s generational fallacy. Being first generation, I have seen both of my parents work harder than their counterparts only to get paid less.

Thesis (please keep as close to this as possible): “Although America is an amazing country to live in the “American Dream” is a meritocratic fallacy told to us for generations, to keep us happy with working hard for a future that has been proven not to come.” ABOUT ME I am female, 26 years old I am first generation, Puerto Rican/ Dominican My mother works at a factory despite graduating high school in DR at 16 and having her degree I have worked since I was 14 I was picked on for being to dark/different as a child Have been payed less than my white male counterparts my whole life I moved around alot as a child like the author Bich Nyugen and can tie that in with quotes from her essay I think the “American DReam” is something engraved in our heads to make us work harder and keep pushing I think the “American Dream” is a fallacy and have to prove it in this essay. Outline 1.Latinas pay rate, jobs available, xenophobia and social stigmas 2.Studies on people born in poverty and the likelihood that they will get out of it 3.Comparisson to opportunities in other countries (prove America isn’t the only place to have opportunity)