Question
Option A: The American Dream The American Dream consists of the following beliefs: 1. Everyone can participate equally in society 2. People can make mistakes and start over. 3. Everyone can expect to be successful in life. 4. Success is a result of individual characteristics and one's actions are under one's control. 5. Success is associated with virtue and merit. Indicate whether you agree or disagree with each of the five belief statements Explain your responses. (2 marks per belief)
Solution
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Preston
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Answer
1. **Everyone can participate equally in society:** I disagree. While equality of opportunity is a core tenet of the American Dream, systemic inequalities based on factors like race, socioeconomic background, and access to resources create barriers to equal participation for many individuals. These systemic issues limit access to quality education, healthcare, and other essential services, hindering true equal participation.2. **People can make mistakes and start over:** I agree. The concept of second chances is central to the American Dream. The belief that individuals can learn from their mistakes, overcome setbacks, and rebuild their lives is a powerful motivator and reflects the ideal of a forgiving and adaptable society. However, the reality of starting over can be significantly more challenging for some individuals than others due to the aforementioned systemic inequalities.3. **Everyone can expect to be successful in life:** I disagree. While the American Dream promotes the idea that hard work and determination can lead to success, defining "success" itself is subjective and varies greatly among individuals. Furthermore, numerous factors beyond individual control, such as economic downturns, unexpected life events, and discriminatory practices, can significantly impact one's ability to achieve their goals. Expecting everyone to achieve the same level of success is unrealistic and ignores the complexities of life.4. **Success is a result of individual characteristics and one's actions are under one's control:** I partially agree. Individual characteristics like hard work, perseverance, and talent undoubtedly play a role in achieving success. However, this belief overlooks the influence of external factors, such as privilege, access to resources, and social networks, which can significantly impact one's opportunities and outcomes. While personal responsibility is important, it's crucial to acknowledge that not all individuals have the same level of control over their circumstances.5. **Success is associated with virtue and merit:** I partially agree. Ideally, success should be a reflection of virtue and merit. However, in reality, success can be influenced by factors unrelated to these qualities, such as inherited wealth, connections, and even luck. While hard work and ethical behavior are often rewarded, it's important to recognize that the correlation between virtue, merit, and success is not always absolute.