Understanding the American Dream

The video explores the concept of the American Dream, highlighting its promise of opportunity regardless of background. It discusses public perceptions, noting that while many still believe in the dream, achieving it can be challenging. The definition of the American Dream has shifted, especially during economic hardships, focusing more on values like freedom and opportunity rather than material success. Immigrant perspectives are also shared, emphasizing the freedom and opportunities available in the U.S. compared to other countries.

What is the core idea of the American Dream as introduced in the video?

• Achieving material success without effort

• Having a guaranteed job and income

• Being able to become anything regardless of background

• Living a luxurious life without working

According to the video, what is necessary to achieve the American Dream?

• A wealthy family

• Hard work and some luck

• Connections with influential people

• A high level of education

What did one New York City resident say the American Dream meant to them?

• Owning a business

• Having a great family and a home on the beach

• Becoming a famous celebrity

• Traveling the world

What profession did one person aspire to achieve as part of their American Dream?

• Lawyer and then a judge

• Engineer

• Artist

• Doctor

What percentage of people in the Times CBS poll said they had achieved their dream?

• More than half

• Exactly half

• Less than half

• None

What was the American Dream for people growing up in Patterson, according to the video?

• Having a stable job and a better future for their children

• Traveling abroad

• Becoming a celebrity

• Owning a luxury car

How have people's definitions of the American Dream shifted during hard economic times?

• Desiring more luxury items

• Wanting to travel more

• Prioritizing values like freedom and opportunity

• Focusing more on material success

What did experts say about people's perception of the American Dream during a recession?

• It shifts towards values like freedom and opportunity

• It remains unchanged

• It becomes more about material wealth

• It becomes less important

What did an immigrant from Belgium say about the American Dream?

• It is only about material success

• It offers more freedom and fewer boundaries

• It is harder to achieve than in Belgium

• It is not achievable for immigrants

How do some people already live the American Dream according to the video?

• By inheriting it from their parents

• By winning the lottery

• By moving to another country

• By working in the tech industry