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What is the
American Dream?
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American Flag Statue of Liberty
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Plowing in the Fields
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The Perfect Home
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Family Time
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Family Feast
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Husband and Wife
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Women At Work
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Rosie the Riveter
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Civil Rights
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American Soldiers
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Money
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The American Dream A Perspective

• We hold these truths to be self-evident--that
  all men are created equal that they are endowed
  by their Creator with certain unalienable rights
  that among these are life, liberty, and the
  pursuit of happiness
• Thomas Jefferson

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The American Dream A Perspective

• The American Dream can be expressed as a national
  sentiment that a democratic society inherently
  leads to prosperity. This sentiment bonds
  Americans in a common experience but can also
  give rise to excessive expectations.

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The Promise of the American Dream

• Historical perspective
• Symbol of the opportunities inherent in a
  democracy
• Immigration and the American Dream
• Diversity as a major strength in our society
• The American Dream as a motivating force that
  attracts immigrants
• The belief that hard work, ingenuity, and
  perseverance can take you anywhere!

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The CHANGING American Dream
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The CHANGING American Dream

• America is a new Eden, a promised land of
  beauty, unlimited resources, and endless
  opportunities.

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, John Adams, and
Thomas Jefferson
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The CHANGING American Dream

• The independent, self-reliant individual will
  triumph.
• Everything is possible for the person who places
  trust in his or her own powers and potential.

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The CHANGING American Dream

• The American birthright is one of ever-expanding
  opportunity.
• Progress is a good thing, and we can
  optimistically expect life to keep getting better
  and better.

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The CHANGING American Dream

• Historically, the American Dream has not helped
  most minorities improve their financial security.

• Rather, it has allowed those in power and wealth
  positions to sustain their advantage

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The Pitfalls of the American Dream

• Brainstorm the positive and negative impacts of
  the American Dream

POSITIVE NEGATIVE





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WHAT DO YOU ENVISION
AS YOUR AMERICAN DREAM?