Page 14 - Šolsko polje, XXVIII, 2017, no. 3-4: Education and the American Dream, ed. Mitja Sardoč
P. 14
šolsko polje, letnik xxviii, številka 3–4
fying in many respects. There are a number of reasons this is so. There is,
as one example, the problem of definition. There is also the problem of ev-
idence since very few studies have attempted to test the definitions pro-
posed by collecting evidence in support of one or another. The present pa-
per will consider these and other factors that bear on developing a better
understanding of the state of American Dream studies today.
The Question of Definition: What is the American Dream?
One of the more intriguing issues with respect to the American Dream
is the fact that many of us assume we know what the phrase means. If,
for example, one asks another person – as I have – whether they know
what the American Dream is, many – and perhaps most – faced with the
question will answer that they do know. Yet, if one follows up and asks
the respondent to define it, one is likely to receive a range of answers.
Thus, the matter of definition is a critical one for studying the Ameri-
can Dream.
There is a general consensus that the first recognized, widespread use
of the phrase “American dream” in print may be attributed to James Trus-
low Adams in his 1931 book, The Epic of America (Cullen, 2003; Hau-
hart, 2016:p. x). In his epilogue, Adams recounts many of the advanc-
es that Americans made over its several centuries of existence in diverse
fields of endeavor from medicine and science to literature and drama. Ad-
ams (1933: p. 317) then defines the idea that he believes has made the most
important benefit to world progress:
If, as I have said, the things already listed were all we had to contribute
America would have made no distinctive and unique gift to mankind.
But there has also been the American dream, that dream of a land in
which life should be better and fuller and richer for every man, with op-
portunity for each according to his ability or achievement. (Emphasis in
original.)
Adams went on at some length to elaborate on his understanding of the
phrase and the role it played in life within the United States. While all
of Adams’ reflections on the meaning of the term are not critical with re-
spect to its definition, it is worth noting that he wrote:
[The American Dream] is not a dream of motor cars and high wages
merely, but a dream of a social order in which each man and each wom-
an shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately
capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the
fortuitous circumstances of birth or position. (1933: p. 317)
12
fying in many respects. There are a number of reasons this is so. There is,
as one example, the problem of definition. There is also the problem of ev-
idence since very few studies have attempted to test the definitions pro-
posed by collecting evidence in support of one or another. The present pa-
per will consider these and other factors that bear on developing a better
understanding of the state of American Dream studies today.
The Question of Definition: What is the American Dream?
One of the more intriguing issues with respect to the American Dream
is the fact that many of us assume we know what the phrase means. If,
for example, one asks another person – as I have – whether they know
what the American Dream is, many – and perhaps most – faced with the
question will answer that they do know. Yet, if one follows up and asks
the respondent to define it, one is likely to receive a range of answers.
Thus, the matter of definition is a critical one for studying the Ameri-
can Dream.
There is a general consensus that the first recognized, widespread use
of the phrase “American dream” in print may be attributed to James Trus-
low Adams in his 1931 book, The Epic of America (Cullen, 2003; Hau-
hart, 2016:p. x). In his epilogue, Adams recounts many of the advanc-
es that Americans made over its several centuries of existence in diverse
fields of endeavor from medicine and science to literature and drama. Ad-
ams (1933: p. 317) then defines the idea that he believes has made the most
important benefit to world progress:
If, as I have said, the things already listed were all we had to contribute
America would have made no distinctive and unique gift to mankind.
But there has also been the American dream, that dream of a land in
which life should be better and fuller and richer for every man, with op-
portunity for each according to his ability or achievement. (Emphasis in
original.)
Adams went on at some length to elaborate on his understanding of the
phrase and the role it played in life within the United States. While all
of Adams’ reflections on the meaning of the term are not critical with re-
spect to its definition, it is worth noting that he wrote:
[The American Dream] is not a dream of motor cars and high wages
merely, but a dream of a social order in which each man and each wom-
an shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately
capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the
fortuitous circumstances of birth or position. (1933: p. 317)
12
