It is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone. The American dream is achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking and hard work, not by chance. Both native-born Americans and American immigrants pursue and can achieve the American dream. In contrast to other political and economic systems, such as communist dictatorships, America’s free-enterprise system makes possible the circumstances that allow individuals to go beyond meeting their basic needs to achieve self-actualization and personal fulfillment.
Document 1
According to this document Americans would rather have opportunity and family over any other aspects that are a part of the definition of the American Dream. By looking at this graph, we could've thought that money/wealth would be the key element of the American Dream. Because as we may know, that term rimes with money and fame, but we judged too quick as money defines the American Dream according to just 4% of the American population. We also see that freedom plays an important part too which makes sense because of the origins of the American nation.
Document 2
This document redifines the notion of the American Dream, this graph is very recent (2011) because money has now taken the biggest part as opposed to the first document where it had little influence (4%). Nowadays happiness is having enough money for retirement. Education is less important since it represents only 5%. Which means it's as "useless" as owning a car and/or starting a business. Which is a sad reality but it's linked to the kind of society we live in, where money is almighty. Nowadays, the American Dream is not about opportunity or family or freedom, but just about having enough money for the rest of your life.
Document 2
