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Shadows of Berlin


A captivating novel of a Berlin girl on the run from the guilt of her past and ...
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What do you think the American Dream entailed in the 1950s? Is it defined differently today? Do you feel it's still achievable?

Created: 04/28/22

Replies: 8

Posted Apr. 28, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

What do you think the American Dream entailed in the 1950s? Is it defined differently today? Do you feel it's still achievable?

Rachel believes she can only view motherhood as a "foreign concept… like the American Dream." Yet even after becoming a citizen she's unsure of what is meant by ‘the American Dream.' 

What do you think the American Dream entailed in the 1950s? Is the American Dream defined differently today? Do you feel it's still achievable?


Posted Apr. 28, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
djcminor

Join Date: 03/14/19

Posts: 208

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

In the 1950s, the American Dream was a home in the suburbs, away from the noise of the city, a family of mom, dad, and two kids, and a secure job. Today, the American Dream seems a bit more mercenary--more, more, more. Or perhaps I am cynical!


Posted Apr. 28, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
robertaw

Join Date: 04/20/16

Posts: 83

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

I think the American Dream was the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success.

It might be possible for white people, but it certainly is much harder for minorities or people of color. There is too much racism in this country today. We live in a plutocracy.


Posted Apr. 28, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Laura C

Join Date: 04/30/21

Posts: 26

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

The American Dream of the 50s for many was marriage relatively young, children almost immediately, a wife who stayed home with the kids, and a husband who worked with the goal of a pension for life upon retirement. I don’t think there is an as clearly defined Dream today. Family life and employment goals have evolved greatly and are still in flux.


Posted Apr. 29, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dorinned

Join Date: 10/13/14

Posts: 176

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

I was a teenager in the 1950's. My mother always told me that if you tried hard enough and believed in yourself, you could do anything. That embodies the American Dream to me, and I still believe it today.


Posted Apr. 29, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
carriem

Join Date: 10/19/20

Posts: 237

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

The American Dream in the 1950's was to marry at a fairly young age, buy a home in the suburbs with mom staying home to raise the the children and be involved in their school and in the community and church while the husband was also involved with the kids schooling and community but was the primary bread winner and worked hard to bring the American Dream in its fullest to his family and if needed support his and her parents,


Posted Apr. 30, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 889

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

I completely agree with djcminor, except they left out the car in the driveway!

I also agree with their opinion that once people achieved that, their children or grandchildren aren't content with "just" the house, car and kids, they want MORE. Everyone wants a bigger house, a bigger car, more money, more power - even if it's at the expense of others. I feel like the American Dream isn't as well defined as it used to be, and that lack of definitions keeping people from happiness. Many people are so determined to have MORE that they make themselves miserable and forget to enjoy life. Our society has traded a defineable goal for the goal of "more" - something that's unattainable.


Posted May. 01, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
carolt

Join Date: 03/25/17

Posts: 190

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

The other thing about the 50s is the relative peace and prosperity. And, with the GI Bill, the growth of the (white) middle class. I wonder if the dream will still be alive for my now-teenaged grandchildren.


Posted May. 11, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
CarolRS

Join Date: 05/11/22

Posts: 13

RE: What do you think the American Dream...

In the 1950's, the American Dream was home ownership in the suburbs, a stable job with a pension, children, a car, a stay-at-home mom, and a life better than your parents.

Today the American Dream has gotten out of hand, defined by having more, bigger, better than your neighbors/friends/family. Very few can afford the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom and high-powered careers are the goal. Pensions are a thing of the past and financial security is out of reach for many. Healthcare, daycare, real estate, college tuition, taxes, the latest model vehicles, the latest technical gadgets, and all the other "wants" make financial security impossible for many. The marketing machine has redefined what it takes to make us happy and successful.


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