The American Dream Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The American Dream - Research Paper Example The core fabric of the American dream is the fact any individual is capable of attaining the level of success desirable depending on their ability and achievements. Essentially, the American dream envisions an environment where thrift and hard work are the defining factors of the success of an individual. The issues of race and background do not in any obstruct a person in their pursuit for a better and fulfilling life. In the modern times, the definition of the American Dream has significantly changed to reflect the changing times. Some people hold the belief that the American Dream means the pursuit of money. The ability to purchase a big house, own an expensive car and afford exotic holidays seems the motivation of a number of American citizens. Yet to some, the basic freedom to live in a society free from fear literally defines their American Dream. Both ways, the quest for material wealth and freedom still remain the central themes of the modern definition of the American Dream. According Adams (1931), the American dream is not merely a pursuit of cars and high wages, rather a dream of social order creating a society whereby every individual is able to attain the peak of achievement which they are created capable of. Further, each individual deserves the right to be recognized irrespective of their position or the unchangeable circumstances of birth. He further points out that the pursuit of this dream should not sideline other individuals in the pursuit of their goals. The shifts in the modern society have made it almost impossible for every individual to have equal footing; it is hard to ignore the bitter truth that the circumstances where each individual grows in have a tremendous impact on their ability to attain prosperity in the future. Of course the classic story of rags to riches still reverberates throughout the nation. But in reality, sometimes the odds are so great that in surmounting them to attain prosperity, one may have opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their prosperity. Indeed, the parody of our times is people working long hours to buy nice cars and big homes yet they spend over two thirds of their time tied in their work place. It is also necessary to note that it is easier for people coming from a prosperous background to achieve success than those that come from poor backgrounds. Comparing two people of equal capability and with equal opportunity, the differentiating factor will be the initial background. As Mathew (2008) puts it, in the pursuit of wealth you can never run faster than your shadow however hard you may try. The truth is that inequalities in the society serve as impediments in the pursuit of self fulfillment. Growing disparities in class and social stratification make it difficult for the individuals from humble backgrounds to pursue the American Dream. In his article â€Å"Changing Concepts of The American Dream†, Mathew (2008) points out that many Americans no longer entertain the vision fo r future success through hard work and sweat. Rather, most individuals covet a short cut to wealth. This partly explains the recent obsession with get-rich-schemes throughout the nation. Large prize television game shows have also become immensely popular who call in during the shows2. The CNN Memorial2 list a one Charles Henry Karczewski who was a benefits consultant at AON Group. In a tribute for him, his wife says that he loved that â€Å"stupid trade center†

SOC 331 week 5 discussions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SOC 331 week 5 discussions - Essay Example Application of an umbrella cover of distributive justice is seen to be in violation of certain clauses of the constitution like the eighth amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment (Dreisbach, 2013). Drawing inference from the case of Miller v. Alabama, the application of retributive justice demanded the Miller, a fourteen year old boy be tried with the charges of arson and capital crime in the same capacity as an adult. The application of retributive justice does not consider an individuals mental status when committing a crime, thus proposes a blanket cover with which justice is administered equally for equal crime. Application of a mandatory life without parole that is applicable in distributive justice can thus be said to be unjust, as it does not give opportunity for the offender to be cross-examined to ascertain the real intentions of committing a crime (Dreisbach, 2013). According to the constitution, application of retributive justice is significant as it is based on ensuring that commitment of crimes of the same nature like the one that attracted a capital punishment will prevent commitment of future crimes by the potential offenders. Severe punishment acts as psychological negative stimulant to avoidance of the crime. Nevertheless, application of retributive justice will infringe the rights of the citizens especially the juvenile who are life sentenced without parole. These persons will be denied an opportunity for proper development. Application of retributive justice can be just or unjust depending on the situation when the justice is administered. Taking the situation of Karla Faye Tucker, corrective justice as an alternative theory to retributive justice demands that there should be fair compensation to the offender and the victim of a crime without gain for either side. Nevertheless, the victim of Karla had died and could not be compensated. In this regard, corrective justice requires correctional measures to be taken