The Perversion of the American Dream

Background: The American Dream, a recurring theme in American literature, was established in early colonial writings, later explored by philosophers like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, and finally mythologized by writers like Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson.


Yet, the twentieth century, with its World Wars, financial recessions and depressions, and multiple genocides, ushered in an unprecedented cultural cynicism that questioned the idealism and optimism present in the original American dream, ultimately perverting and changing it.

Assignment:

1. Write about dreams or wishes that you once had that you now think are unrealistic or foolish. (At least 4 sentences.)

2. Why do you think those dream are unrealistic now? In your response, consider what lessons, experiences, and people have diminished your original idealism or optimism? Explain. (At least 5 sentences.)

3. Read other responses to question 1 and 2. Write a paragraph that considers the similarities and differences between students' various responses. Describe any common lessons, experiences, or people that have been a discouraging influence to initial dreams. Are there any trends apparent? Explain. (At least 5 sentences.)

Winthrop and Franklin's Influence

In “A Model of Christian Charity,” John Winthrop describes a covenant that he believes exist between God and immigrants on the Arabella . He states that the colonists must create “a city upon a hill,” a Godly, Christian, Puritan city whose blueprint would redeem and reform English society. Winthrop ultimately hoped to establish in New England a pure church that would offer a model for the churches in England. American presidents like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan have borrowed Winthrop’s phrase, claiming their presidential goals/dreams are quintessential “American” because they continue in the tradition established by John Winthrop’s “a city upon a hill.” Yet, JFK and Reagan transform its original meaning, using the symbol differently to present their version of the American Dream as defined by Franklin.

JFK:

1. JFK wrote this speech after elected in order to present his American Dream for his presidency. In his speech, he promises to remember his Massachusetts roots in the White House. According to JFK, what Massachusetts groups exhibit important qualities that he hopes to uphold as president-elect? What qualities do you think these groups symbolize? What parts of JFK’s vision uphold and reject Ben Franklin’s version of the American Dream? Explain your answer. (5 sentences)

2. JFK stated that his presidency will be guided and judged by standards established by John Winthrop. According to JFK, what are those standards? How do JFK’s standards expand and change Winthrop’s original standards?

3. What does JFK specifically mean when he stated that America is “a city upon a hill?” How did JFK expand and change Winthrop’s original meaning?

Reagan

4. In his farewell speech, Reagan described his vision of and dream for America. Name 2 aspects of that dream that Reagan believed are inherently “American.” What parts of this vision uphold and reject Ben Franklin’s version of the American Dream? Explain your answer. (5 sentences)

5. What does Reagan specifically mean when he stated that America is “a city upon a hill?” How did Reagan expand and change Winthrop’s original meaning?

7. Access http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_exceptionalism to read the definition of American Exceptionalism. Write a one sentence definition of that term. Then provide 2 phrases/sentences from Winthrop’s speech that express this sentiment and explain how they establish the idea that this country is special. Provide 2 phrases/sentences from JFK and Reagan’s speech that express this sentiment and explain how they express this similar idea. Finally, why do you think American presidents express American Exceptionalism in speeches? Explain you answer. (8 sentences)

Homework:

Reread Blog posts that explore each students' American dreams under the section  titled "The Great Gatsby: The American Dream-Introduction."
1. How do your personal American Dreams compare to JFK and Reagan’s dreams for this country? Provide 1 similarity and one difference between your dreams and JFK and Reagan’s visions.
2. Do you think that your dreams have been influenced by the idea of American Exceptionalism? Explain your answer. (5 sentences)

The Great Gatsby: The American Dream-Introduction

In "Dreams," the poem presented below, Langston Hughes promotes dreams.


Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.


1. Summarize the poem meanings. Do you agree with it? Why or why not? 
2. What literary devices does Langston Hughes use? How do these devices uphold the poem's meaning, form, mood, or tone? Must analyze at least 2 devices.
3. What are you personal reactions to the poem? Why would Hughes provoke those emotions in a reader? Does he critique, warn, or celebrate something? Explain. 
4. Describe your personal dreams, including professional, personal, and financial goals. Consider immediate goals (like college) and future goals (like career and marriage). Be as specific as you can. (At least 3 paragraphs)
5. What steps will you take now and in the future to accomplish these goals? (3 paragraphs)


Homework: Read other responses to question 3 and 4. Write a paragraph that considers the similarities and differences between students' various responses. Describe any common goals found and analyze why they seem universal. Describe differences found. Are there any trends apparent? Consider gender, creed, and age. (2 paragraphs)