Member-only story

The Futile Pursuit of the American Dream: An Exposé on the Illusion of Success

Mario Vargas Llosa

·11.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Bait And Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit Of The American Dream

6 min read · 1 month before

44 View Claps

4 Respond

Save

Listen

Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream

by Barbara Ehrenreich

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	400 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	286 pages

The American Dream is dead.

At least, that's the argument that John Smith makes in his new book, The Futile Pursuit of the American Dream. Smith argues that the idea that anyone can achieve success in America through hard work and determination is nothing more than an illusion. The reality, he says, is that the vast majority of people are doomed to a life of mediocrity and disappointment.

Smith's book is a scathing indictment of the American Dream. He argues that the dream is based on a number of false promises, including the promise of equality of opportunity, the promise of upward mobility, and the promise of a better life for all. Smith shows how each of these promises has been broken, and how the American Dream has become a nightmare for most people.

Smith's book is not for the faint of heart. It is a deeply pessimistic work that offers little hope for the future. However, it is also a well-written and thought-provoking book that forces us to confront the harsh realities of American society.

If you are looking for a book that will challenge your beliefs about the American Dream, then The Futile Pursuit of the American Dream is a must-read. It is a powerful and disturbing book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The False Promise of Equality of Opportunity

One of the cornerstones of the American Dream is the promise of equality of opportunity. This promise is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, which states that all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, as Smith argues, this promise has been broken for most people.

Smith points to a number of factors that have contributed to the decline of equality of opportunity in America. These factors include the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, the decline of labor unions, and the erosion of the social safety net. As a result of these factors, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to move up the economic ladder.

The lack of equality of opportunity is a major problem for America. It means that the vast majority of people are trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair. It also means that the American Dream is out of reach for most people.

The False Promise of Upward Mobility

Another key element of the American Dream is the promise of upward mobility. This promise is based on the idea that anyone can achieve success in America if they are willing to work hard. However, as Smith argues, this promise has also been broken for most people.

Smith points to a number of factors that have contributed to the decline of upward mobility in America. These factors include the increasing cost of education, the decline of good-paying jobs, and the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. As a result of these factors, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to move up the economic ladder.

The lack of upward mobility is a major problem for America. It means that people are increasingly likely to be stuck in the same economic class as their parents. It also means that the American Dream is out of reach for most people.

The False Promise of a Better Life for All

The final promise of the American Dream is the promise of a better life for all. This promise is based on the idea that America is a land of opportunity where everyone has the chance to achieve success. However, as Smith argues, this promise has also been broken for most people.

Smith points to a number of factors that have contributed to the decline of the promise of a better life for all in America. These factors include the increasing gap between rich and poor, the decline of the middle class, and the increasing cost of living. As a result of these factors, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to achieve a decent standard of living.

The failure of the promise of a better life for all is a major problem for America. It means that the vast majority of people are living in a state of poverty or near-poverty. It also means that the American Dream is out of reach for most people.

The Futile Pursuit of the American Dream is a powerful and disturbing book that challenges the long-held belief that anyone can achieve success in America through hard work and determination. Smith argues that the American Dream is nothing more than an illusion, and that the vast majority of people are doomed to a life of mediocrity and disappointment. Smith's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the harsh realities of American society.

Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream

by Barbara Ehrenreich

4.2 out of 5