Does the internet affect human behavior

¶ … American dream" in contemporary American society

Popularly noted and effectively illustrated through the Arthur Miller's play, "The death of a salesman," people's belief in the American dream has, throughout history, led to the creation and development of a society that is not only economically, but also politically powerful and stable.

The concept of the American Dream is simple: it is the term which people associate and think about when they want to achieve a goal in life that seemed impossible or not easily accomplished at the time. Furthermore, the American Dream embodies the ideals of Americans in living in a 'free country': freedom, economic prosperity, and contentment or satisfaction in life.

The emergence of the 20th century gave birth to renewed perceptions and opinions about the American Dream. In a country where developments and downfalls have taken place over the years, the very concept of the American Dream has faded to provide a more realistic and newer framework that people can relate with and will serve as the guide towards achieving happiness and contentment in life (Varadi, 2004).

Indeed, stereotypical illustrations of the American Dream as portrayed through the American individual and society are enumerated by Kellman (2003) as follows: "upward mobility, equality, and home ownership...and getting something from nothing." From these categories, it is evident that initially, this popular concept was conceived due to economic reasons, wherein one's dream to own a house was made possible through the program campaign called the American Dream.

However, a shift towards hopefulness to hopelessness and disillusionment among Americans show that through the years, the American Dream has undergone changes, too. The American Dream has now a broader meaning, which means people speak about it in the symbolic sense, which means achieving economic prosperity, and not just limited to house ownership.

The harsh realities and poverty faced by most Americans today resulted to the loss of meaning of the American Dream, since its gradual disintegration as a concept is yet to be determined (Jonsson, 2002). Most people are skeptical about their future lives, an attitude that serves as a detriment for people to once more, aspire to achieve the American Dream.

The American Dream still exists, although faith in it has gradually died down. Florida (2003) gives important emphasis to bringing back the attitude of hopefulness and contentment in life, since if looked at relatively, American life is still much better than those from other countries.