Unit Two: Equality 5/25 (A Raisin in the Sun)

The American Dream is an indication of the ambition and idealistic sense of equality that exists in this country and has reached to all corners of the globe. In its most general sense, the American Dream is the concept that anybody from any background can be successful with hard work, determination, ambition, and respect. The reason I say that the American Dream has spread to all corners of the globe does not mean that it can be obtained anywhere in the world, I mean to say that people all over the world choose to immigrate to America for the opportunities that exist here. Another part of the American Dream is that each generation hopes, even expects, to be more successful that the generation before it.

More specifically, becoming the American Dream often includes the comforts of financial stability, owning a home, providing education to children, and other luxuries such as automobiles, boats, etc. This may be a portrayal of the American Dream that is more relevant in the last half century than to previous generations of Americans. In the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, immigrants and American families were happy to be provided an opportunity to succeed regardless of their background, even though this was often times more of a dream than a reality.

Britney Spears has certainly had a rollercoaster of success over the past 15 years, but many would agree that she embodies the American Dream to some extent. She had pretty humble beginnings, but progressively worked her way up through dance and vocal competitions and ultimately became a worldwide pop sensation. Spears is one of the best examples of how too much money and fame can affect someone. Her private life, at least for a while, was non-existent and I recall her shaving her head at one point. She also married Kevin Federline. Enough said about that. I suppose this is an extreme case of the American Dream, but it’s one that I don’t think most Americans would actually want for themselves after seeing its psychological toll. I personally would never want to live the life of Britney Spears. Does anybody disagree with me (I guess it would be nice to be a millionaire as a teenager)?

“You want something. Go get it. Period.” is a pretty reckless way to live, in my opinion. Someone who lived like that probably wouldn’t make it too far. We have inhibitions and advice from friends and family for a reason. I might be taking this too literally, but it seems like you wouldn’t add the word “Period” as its own sentence if the statement wasn’t to be taken literally. How does everyone else feel about this assessment of this phrase?

I think this is the general mentality of Walter in A Raisin in the Sun. He doesn’t listen to anyone, including his wife especially before Mama promises him the $6,500. He associates with Willy Harris and they discuss plans to open a liquor store costing them (and Bobo) ten thousand dollars each. If Walter had access to that kind of money, there’s no doubt in my mind he would have already spent that and more without listening to anyone in the family. Later, despite countless warnings about Willy and the liquor store idea in general, Walter gives the full $6,500 to Willy (including $3,000 for Beneatha’s tuition to medical school) only to find that he took the money and ran.

In some ways Mama is spontaneous too. She buys the house in an all white neighborhood, knowing that it’s what she has wanted for decades and also knowing the potential consequences. That being said, she is far less spontaneous than Walter. Ruth and Beneatha are less spontaneous, but have their own goals in mind. Beneatha is only 20 years old, and far more ambitious and less settled-down than Ruth. Her aspirations of becoming a doctor, she admits, were somewhat vain until she considers helping the people of Nigeria with Asagai. Still, she is on the path to fulfilling her goals regardless of the lack of support from her family.

I think the end of the play is an optimistic for the Younger family. Walter, although foolish throughout the majority of the play, shows pride and respect for his family’s opinion in the third act. As Mama says on page 151: “He finally come into his manhood today, didn’t he? Kind of like a rainbow after the rain…” Also, Beneatha is considering moving to Africa with Asagai to realize her dreams of becoming a doctor. Walter and Ruth have reignited the flames in their relationship, inspiring hope for the future of Travis and their unborn child. Mama is proud of the progress the family has made since the beginning of the play, and optimistic for their move to Clybourne Park.

Knowing the background of the author, their lives at Clybourne Park will probably be less than peaceful. But to avoid a white neighborhood would be cowardly, and Mama would not allow intimidation to keep the family from their dreams. I think the end of the play is still meant to be optimistic, even though some turbulence lies ahead for the Younger family.

I think that optimism and determination are still what makes someone successful in America today. The recent economic downturn has hurt a lot of families, but this is not the first economic tragedy to roll through America. If everyone had just given up after the Great Depression, we might be in a different situation today, but the resiliency of Americans is astounding. Among other things, optimism is essential to get America out of the economic rut we are in. New investing will take place, new jobs created, revolutionary thinking in terms of industry and commerce, and America will be bigger and stronger than ever. But only with the help of optimism and determination.

Anyone who believes the American Dream is over (especially those who carry signs through the street claiming this fact), clearly have lost the optimism and determination required. So for them, the American Dream is over. For the rest of us, the American Dream lives on and will make this country greater than it has ever been before.