Class in (North America): Relevant passages from the novel
The American dream basically dictates that with hard work and perseverance, anyone can become successful; however, many would argue that there is a class system in place that effectively negates this keeping the status quo as it is. Even in a supposedly “improved” world with eons of innovation and medical advancements with so called boundless opportunities, Crake discovered that there were still checks and balances in place that kept the status quo. For example, in their world a new mouthwash was created that effectively ensured oral hygiene putting many dentists out of jobs. What if this continued with all sicknesses? Multi billion pharmaceutical corporations would go out of business, perhaps creating the niche for the opportunistic individual innovator to go and take their place – something the American dream intends. However, Crakes discovers that, to prevent that from happening, pharmaceuticals such as HelthWyzer were “creating [diseases]” and were “[developing] the antidotes at the same time […] but they [held] them in reserve, they practice the economics of scarcity, so they’re guaranteed high profits” (255-56). Later on in the book, Ms. Atwood throws in some situational irony when Snowman stumbles upon an old RejoovTV ad which states that, “A great man must rise to meet the challenges of his life […] The higher the hurdle the greater the jump. Having to face a crisis causes you to grow as a person” (287). Perhaps this passage best exemplifies Ms. Atwood’s argument on the American Dream. We are told that perseverance will lead to success, that you can be anyone or anything you want, and that the possibilities are endless. However, the reality is that we are given a role in society based on our class, and very few people really get past that – the American Dream is just a misleading ideal. (Lucy)
In Oryx and Crake, a major theme is the class division within this society and those who wish to reach the higher level of this class structure. The people wishing to obtain a higher level in this class system are ones like Jimmy, who are not gifted with sciences. The people that are skilled in sciences are clearly treated better and their care and hospitality given to them is apparent. Jimmy makes the remark, "Compared with Martha Graham, Watson-Crick was a palace." (242). Watson-Crick is the school made for students that achieve high grades in sciences. Martha Graham is where Jimmy attends school and it is for the artistic types. Jimmy sees the very noticeable differences between the two institutions and how the Watson-Crick students receive better facilities. Jimmy's father was very caught up in being successful. Jimmy's mother was upset when her husband came home excited about another project to this she replied, "...you've thought up yet another way to rip off a bunch of desperate people?" (66). Jimmy's father became more focused on the success and money he would gain and was enthralled with his present and future achievements. This made him lose sight of the other bigger and better dreams he once had.
Margaret Atwood's argument, as relating to the class system in North America, seems to be that after a while those with aspirations of achieving something like the "American Dream", or merely achieving success are sucked in and become slaves to a system that values money and power more than anything. Their original idea of success is changed to one resembling greed and constant dissatisfaction, which in turn can wreak havoc on the world we have created. "Don't you remember the way we used to talk [. . .] You had ideals then" (67). In this first passage it is clear that a person who used to dream of better things for themselves and for others has fallen victim to class issues within society, and has lost sight of their main goal because they are so focused on figures. "Remember when you could drive anywhere? [. . . ] Remember when voting mattered?" (74) This second passage highlights how times have changed, perhaps because of how the ideals and values of people have been changed over time. This can be related to the topic of the American Dream and how its evolution has evolved because of the growing interest in money and class, making it an increasingly less realistic goal for society. (Maddie)
Atwoods overall argument about the topic of class in North America is its division due to a deteriorating middle class, which acts as a stabilizer in many societies keeping the peace between the elite and the poor. “The house, the pool, the furniture-all belonged [....] not to mention the loose change - the addicts, the muggers, the paupers, the crazies” (33). In this first passage you learn that the elite live in gated communities provided by the companies they work for and the lower class or pleeblands live in the cities, which are considered a dangerous place where the crazies fester. It makes you wonder what caused such an extreme division in the social hierarchy, was it lack of a middle class which caused the division? Another interesting component of the book is Jimmy and Crake. “Crake didn’t have a roommate. [...] Living in a cave fighting off the body parasites, gnawing the odd bone. “It’s food,” said Crake indifferently,” (244). Crake has a scientific mind and Jimmy has a more artistic mind and its clear in the universities they attend which is more important in that society. I felt that this passage illustrated that Crake represented the elite and while his life was luxury Jimmy's life was a struggle, representing the lower class. (Meredith)
As a reader, it is perceived that Atwood doesn’t believe in upward mobility of classes and the “freedom” that comes with it. “’You used to be so … you had ideals, then.’ ‘Sure,’ said Jimmy’s father in a tired voice. ‘I’ve still got them. I just can’t afford them.’ […] “’At least your conscience would be clean’” (67). In this passage, Jimmy’s parents are arguing about ethics, and how his father, in order to sustain their family, has to work against his morals. The idea that Jimmy’s father can’t sustain his family with a clear conscience alludes to the idea that despite being upper class and living in the Compounds, he doesn’t have as much freedom as he would if he were a pleebeian, and performing menial tasks. Atwood again raises the idea of incomplete freedom when she brings up the CorpSeCorps. “The CorpSeCorps had never lost sight of Jimmy. […] And so it went” (310–311). Even though it was years later, the shadowed authoritative group still asked Jimmy questions about his mother, and they still tried to keep track and monitor all activity in the Compounds. The standard of living may have been higher in the Compounds, but the price to pay was one’s autonomy. (Nicole)
Atwood’s overall argument is shedding light to the definite separation and segregation within the class system of North America. The author writes in Oryx and Crake, “Compound people didn’t go to the cities unless they had to and then never alone” (33). In this first passage from Chapter One, it mirrors the definite need or necessity to set forth lines dividing individuals based on their income and in this case, their intelligence. This example is seen in North America in a less extreme light. Even the word “pleeblands”, which the protagonist explained as having the relative meaning as the word city derives from the word “plebeians”. A plebeian was one of low birth in the Ancient Roman era. The passage taken from Oryx and Crake gives insight on how intelligence or money can divide a people or even civilization to have no interaction or sense of unity. “If you grew up surrounded by it you were more or less immune, unless a new bioform cam raging through; but if you were from the Compounds and set foot in the pleebs, you were a feast” (346). In the second passage, it is in agreement with the first passage on segregation, however it shows new ideas on the classes. The lower class cities of course are infected with diseases and viruses because of their class, but the higher class is not. The higher class in this case, the Compounds possess the vaccines to eliminate these diseases, but why haven’t they? It is because the higher class is only concerned about money they are receiving from the Pleeblands desperation. In North America, many have discussed the issue of the higher class possessing power over the lower class especially with the issue on privileges and therefore placing the lower class at disadvantage. Yes the higher class in North America is able to purchase vaccinations and receive health insurance due to their wealth, but the lower class is left uncared for. The lower class is put at a disadvantage because of the higher class’s greed.
(Janelle)
Throughout the book, Atwood argues that even within a dystopia, societal imbalances still exist. The first passage argues that although there are new medical advancements every day, they are hardly useful if not everyone can benefit from them "[...] At NooSkins’ prices it is [...] You hype your wares and take all their money [. . . ] Making life better for people- not just people with money [...] you had ideals, then.”(67). This passage is part of the fourth chapter, where Atwood’s insight to this ‘so called futuristic problem’ is actually more current than we like to believe. In the United States especially, medicare- furthermore free health care- is topical in America. This class divide in America not only defies the ‘American Dream’ of success, but begs the question: does money (financial success) equate to health, and will financial worth determine our future well being? More generally, the second passage provides insight on the mold that societal imbalances provide. To fulfill the American Dream, one must break through their social stature to a higher rank. One of the most common images associated with the American dream is remaking oneself in order to break ones societal mold. Atwood discussed this mold through one of Jimmy’s girlfriends (In chapter 10), “[...]Amanda Payne. This name was an invention, like much about her: her real name was Barb Jones. She’d had to reinvent herself [...] the original Barb having been so bulldozed by her abusive white-trash, sugar-overdosed family that she’d been nothing but a yard-sale reject.” (292)
In Oryx and Crake, a major theme is the class division within this society and those who wish to reach the higher level of this class structure. The people wishing to obtain a higher level in this class system are ones like Jimmy, who are not gifted with sciences. The people that are skilled in sciences are clearly treated better and their care and hospitality given to them is apparent. Jimmy makes the remark, "Compared with Martha Graham, Watson-Crick was a palace." (242). Watson-Crick is the school made for students that achieve high grades in sciences. Martha Graham is where Jimmy attends school and it is for the artistic types. Jimmy sees the very noticeable differences between the two institutions and how the Watson-Crick students receive better facilities. Jimmy's father was very caught up in being successful. Jimmy's mother was upset when her husband came home excited about another project to this she replied, "...you've thought up yet another way to rip off a bunch of desperate people?" (66). Jimmy's father became more focused on the success and money he would gain and was enthralled with his present and future achievements. This made him lose sight of the other bigger and better dreams he once had.
Margaret Atwood's argument, as relating to the class system in North America, seems to be that after a while those with aspirations of achieving something like the "American Dream", or merely achieving success are sucked in and become slaves to a system that values money and power more than anything. Their original idea of success is changed to one resembling greed and constant dissatisfaction, which in turn can wreak havoc on the world we have created. "Don't you remember the way we used to talk [. . .] You had ideals then" (67). In this first passage it is clear that a person who used to dream of better things for themselves and for others has fallen victim to class issues within society, and has lost sight of their main goal because they are so focused on figures. "Remember when you could drive anywhere? [. . . ] Remember when voting mattered?" (74) This second passage highlights how times have changed, perhaps because of how the ideals and values of people have been changed over time. This can be related to the topic of the American Dream and how its evolution has evolved because of the growing interest in money and class, making it an increasingly less realistic goal for society. (Maddie)
Atwoods overall argument about the topic of class in North America is its division due to a deteriorating middle class, which acts as a stabilizer in many societies keeping the peace between the elite and the poor. “The house, the pool, the furniture-all belonged [....] not to mention the loose change - the addicts, the muggers, the paupers, the crazies” (33). In this first passage you learn that the elite live in gated communities provided by the companies they work for and the lower class or pleeblands live in the cities, which are considered a dangerous place where the crazies fester. It makes you wonder what caused such an extreme division in the social hierarchy, was it lack of a middle class which caused the division? Another interesting component of the book is Jimmy and Crake. “Crake didn’t have a roommate. [...] Living in a cave fighting off the body parasites, gnawing the odd bone. “It’s food,” said Crake indifferently,” (244). Crake has a scientific mind and Jimmy has a more artistic mind and its clear in the universities they attend which is more important in that society. I felt that this passage illustrated that Crake represented the elite and while his life was luxury Jimmy's life was a struggle, representing the lower class. (Meredith)
As a reader, it is perceived that Atwood doesn’t believe in upward mobility of classes and the “freedom” that comes with it. “’You used to be so … you had ideals, then.’ ‘Sure,’ said Jimmy’s father in a tired voice. ‘I’ve still got them. I just can’t afford them.’ […] “’At least your conscience would be clean’” (67). In this passage, Jimmy’s parents are arguing about ethics, and how his father, in order to sustain their family, has to work against his morals. The idea that Jimmy’s father can’t sustain his family with a clear conscience alludes to the idea that despite being upper class and living in the Compounds, he doesn’t have as much freedom as he would if he were a pleebeian, and performing menial tasks. Atwood again raises the idea of incomplete freedom when she brings up the CorpSeCorps. “The CorpSeCorps had never lost sight of Jimmy. […] And so it went” (310–311). Even though it was years later, the shadowed authoritative group still asked Jimmy questions about his mother, and they still tried to keep track and monitor all activity in the Compounds. The standard of living may have been higher in the Compounds, but the price to pay was one’s autonomy. (Nicole)
Atwood’s overall argument is shedding light to the definite separation and segregation within the class system of North America. The author writes in Oryx and Crake, “Compound people didn’t go to the cities unless they had to and then never alone” (33). In this first passage from Chapter One, it mirrors the definite need or necessity to set forth lines dividing individuals based on their income and in this case, their intelligence. This example is seen in North America in a less extreme light. Even the word “pleeblands”, which the protagonist explained as having the relative meaning as the word city derives from the word “plebeians”. A plebeian was one of low birth in the Ancient Roman era. The passage taken from Oryx and Crake gives insight on how intelligence or money can divide a people or even civilization to have no interaction or sense of unity. “If you grew up surrounded by it you were more or less immune, unless a new bioform cam raging through; but if you were from the Compounds and set foot in the pleebs, you were a feast” (346). In the second passage, it is in agreement with the first passage on segregation, however it shows new ideas on the classes. The lower class cities of course are infected with diseases and viruses because of their class, but the higher class is not. The higher class in this case, the Compounds possess the vaccines to eliminate these diseases, but why haven’t they? It is because the higher class is only concerned about money they are receiving from the Pleeblands desperation. In North America, many have discussed the issue of the higher class possessing power over the lower class especially with the issue on privileges and therefore placing the lower class at disadvantage. Yes the higher class in North America is able to purchase vaccinations and receive health insurance due to their wealth, but the lower class is left uncared for. The lower class is put at a disadvantage because of the higher class’s greed.
(Janelle)
Throughout the book, Atwood argues that even within a dystopia, societal imbalances still exist. The first passage argues that although there are new medical advancements every day, they are hardly useful if not everyone can benefit from them "[...] At NooSkins’ prices it is [...] You hype your wares and take all their money [. . . ] Making life better for people- not just people with money [...] you had ideals, then.”(67). This passage is part of the fourth chapter, where Atwood’s insight to this ‘so called futuristic problem’ is actually more current than we like to believe. In the United States especially, medicare- furthermore free health care- is topical in America. This class divide in America not only defies the ‘American Dream’ of success, but begs the question: does money (financial success) equate to health, and will financial worth determine our future well being? More generally, the second passage provides insight on the mold that societal imbalances provide. To fulfill the American Dream, one must break through their social stature to a higher rank. One of the most common images associated with the American dream is remaking oneself in order to break ones societal mold. Atwood discussed this mold through one of Jimmy’s girlfriends (In chapter 10), “[...]Amanda Payne. This name was an invention, like much about her: her real name was Barb Jones. She’d had to reinvent herself [...] the original Barb having been so bulldozed by her abusive white-trash, sugar-overdosed family that she’d been nothing but a yard-sale reject.” (292)
class in (north) America: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brinkley, Douglas. "Renew the American Dream." The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Jan. 2013. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
Time has proven that each generation in America brings new civic responsibilities in order to uphold the “American Dream”. Our current responsibility is preserving liberty, and eliminating the high, “fear index in USA today,” ranging from murder threats, to deportation threats, to environmental threats. This source also reminds the readers that the United States is a work in progress installing hope for the failing “American Dream”. FDR rightly said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” (1937). This demonstrates the timeless American desire to uphold their civic responsibility of caring for one another. This comes from a reputable newspaper (The New York Times) and was written by Douglas Brinkley who is a history professor (Rice University), CBS News commentator, author of “The Wilderness Warrior” and the editor of “The Reagan Diaries.” (Anisette)
Time has proven that each generation in America brings new civic responsibilities in order to uphold the “American Dream”. Our current responsibility is preserving liberty, and eliminating the high, “fear index in USA today,” ranging from murder threats, to deportation threats, to environmental threats. This source also reminds the readers that the United States is a work in progress installing hope for the failing “American Dream”. FDR rightly said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” (1937). This demonstrates the timeless American desire to uphold their civic responsibility of caring for one another. This comes from a reputable newspaper (The New York Times) and was written by Douglas Brinkley who is a history professor (Rice University), CBS News commentator, author of “The Wilderness Warrior” and the editor of “The Reagan Diaries.” (Anisette)
Case, David. “America’s middle class: An endangered species?” Global Post. Global Post, 24 Oct. 2012. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
Case the author of this article addresses the potential detrimental concern of the extinction of the middle class. He regards the average middle class individuals as “endangered species” and explains that there “numbers and lifestyle are threatened”. If these numbers continue to decline, economists define this “trend as terminal”. The writer goes back to the past and notes that World War II was the last recent period in which the Middle Class was “more financially stressed”. The writer also goes into more depth on the rising debt in The United States, such as mortgage and credit card debt and the effects of those aspects on the average American. I found interesting that he added the effects on globalization and the effects of outsourcing jobs, therefore increasing the unemployment rate and harming the middle class. Globalization and technology in the authors words are the main reason for the steadily decline of the middle class which is “disrupt[ing] America’s employment market”. Case also brought up a point that related to Atwood in Oryx and Crake, when he quoted a quotation taken from Hedrick Smith, the author of the piece “Who Stole the American Dream” that the business leaders control the economy, which made me think of the Compound Companies and the Pleeblands.
(Janelle)
Case the author of this article addresses the potential detrimental concern of the extinction of the middle class. He regards the average middle class individuals as “endangered species” and explains that there “numbers and lifestyle are threatened”. If these numbers continue to decline, economists define this “trend as terminal”. The writer goes back to the past and notes that World War II was the last recent period in which the Middle Class was “more financially stressed”. The writer also goes into more depth on the rising debt in The United States, such as mortgage and credit card debt and the effects of those aspects on the average American. I found interesting that he added the effects on globalization and the effects of outsourcing jobs, therefore increasing the unemployment rate and harming the middle class. Globalization and technology in the authors words are the main reason for the steadily decline of the middle class which is “disrupt[ing] America’s employment market”. Case also brought up a point that related to Atwood in Oryx and Crake, when he quoted a quotation taken from Hedrick Smith, the author of the piece “Who Stole the American Dream” that the business leaders control the economy, which made me think of the Compound Companies and the Pleeblands.
(Janelle)
Churchwell, S. "The Great Gatsby and the American dream." Guardian 25 May 2012, n. pag. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
This article is unique in that it doesn’t simply give an explanation of what the American Dream is, but rather a historical perspective of what the dream entails, how it has changed throughout history, and how it’s been represented in literature, especially in relation to The Great Gatsby. What made this article stand out to me was how Fitzgerald, through his novel actually predicted what the dream has become today (largely an ideal, and a failure in practice), but also a comparison of what the dream means today in the grand scheme of things compared to the 30s when the term was first coined. As mentioned, what the piece brings to the conversation is the historical perspective – what the American Dream was originally intended to be, what it has become today, and through this historical lens, the article has illustrated the concept that history is, ironically repeating itself, and that instead of learning from our mistakes we suffer from historical amnesia. The author, Sarah Churchwell has valid credentials (professor of American literature and public understanding of the humanities), but what makes this article credible to me is that it confirms what was taught in American History when I took it last year, and draws parallel with today’s world which is something we’re all familiar with. (Lucy)
Jefferson, Thomas. et al. The Declaration of Independence U.S. National Archives & Records Administration
The Declaration of Independence’s main points are that everyone is equal and that we all have the right to “life, liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness.” This source was written in 1776. I would say that it is a very reliable source considering it was written by the President at the time and his colleagues. This declaration would have gone through many drafts and that is also why it is a credible source. This source is the basis of The American Dream, it is relevant to my topic because this is where people developed their ideas about The American Dream. (Hanna)
Meacham, John. “Keeping the Dream Alive.” Time.com. N.P, 21 June 2012. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
The article offers important perspectives when it comes to the “American Dream.” It questions whether this idea creates a false sense of reality, because of how this dream is becoming harder and harder to achieve which may result in it slipping away altogether. The goal of this source is to explore the American dream throughout the years, by using many credited sources and quotes in order prove their point. This article is definitely opinionated, and it adds to this by only using sources that support the argument. This source could prove to be very helpful because it could help create a discussion around it it is really an attainable goal, is it really beneficial for society and it can prompt us to consider that this dream could be slipping away, and discuss the implications that could have on the America we all know. (Maddie)
This article is unique in that it doesn’t simply give an explanation of what the American Dream is, but rather a historical perspective of what the dream entails, how it has changed throughout history, and how it’s been represented in literature, especially in relation to The Great Gatsby. What made this article stand out to me was how Fitzgerald, through his novel actually predicted what the dream has become today (largely an ideal, and a failure in practice), but also a comparison of what the dream means today in the grand scheme of things compared to the 30s when the term was first coined. As mentioned, what the piece brings to the conversation is the historical perspective – what the American Dream was originally intended to be, what it has become today, and through this historical lens, the article has illustrated the concept that history is, ironically repeating itself, and that instead of learning from our mistakes we suffer from historical amnesia. The author, Sarah Churchwell has valid credentials (professor of American literature and public understanding of the humanities), but what makes this article credible to me is that it confirms what was taught in American History when I took it last year, and draws parallel with today’s world which is something we’re all familiar with. (Lucy)
Jefferson, Thomas. et al. The Declaration of Independence U.S. National Archives & Records Administration
The Declaration of Independence’s main points are that everyone is equal and that we all have the right to “life, liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness.” This source was written in 1776. I would say that it is a very reliable source considering it was written by the President at the time and his colleagues. This declaration would have gone through many drafts and that is also why it is a credible source. This source is the basis of The American Dream, it is relevant to my topic because this is where people developed their ideas about The American Dream. (Hanna)
Meacham, John. “Keeping the Dream Alive.” Time.com. N.P, 21 June 2012. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
The article offers important perspectives when it comes to the “American Dream.” It questions whether this idea creates a false sense of reality, because of how this dream is becoming harder and harder to achieve which may result in it slipping away altogether. The goal of this source is to explore the American dream throughout the years, by using many credited sources and quotes in order prove their point. This article is definitely opinionated, and it adds to this by only using sources that support the argument. This source could prove to be very helpful because it could help create a discussion around it it is really an attainable goal, is it really beneficial for society and it can prompt us to consider that this dream could be slipping away, and discuss the implications that could have on the America we all know. (Maddie)
Rampell, Catherine. "Fatalism and the American Dream."New York Times 23 Nov 2011, n. pag. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
From this source, the reader can pick up on the idea that there is no such thing as the American Dream, because despite the fact that many Americans don’t believe in fate, they still have less upward mobility than those in other countries. Also, the article mentions how the education of parents is largely attributed to the success of individuals. In terms of the “conversation”, the article could be used to support the idea that the American Dream is propaganda, seeing as the government’s done all this work to promote this image of the self-made man and yet it’s easier to move upwards in terms of class in Europe and other places around the world than it is in the States. This source is reputable because it’s published by an author for the New York Times and it’s based off of a study. (Nicole)
Rampell, Cathrine.”The End of the Middle Class.” The New York Times, 28 Sept. 2012. Web.4 March. 2013.
This article discusses a book called “the betrayal of the American dream.” The author Catherine Rampell is an has authority on America's economic situation because she is an economic journalist, who is the editor for The New York Times Economix blog which has was honored by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers with an award. She has also received the Weidenbaum Center Award for Evidence-Based Journalism which is why I trust her. As she critics the book by Donald Barlett and James Steele she notes that the writing is emotional depicting the wealthy as villains and failing to mention what they have done right (such as a campaign finance reform). As she critics she states that the books solutions would in fact harm the already damaged economy. Ms. Rampell acknowledges that the book does have some helpful opinions on the American tax code which favors the wealthy and some changes that could be made. I choose the article to get a better understanding of the economic situation and possible solutions in America. As well as to get a better idea of how the American dream may have changed due to the recession and it has in fact changed what I believed the American dream to be.
From this source, the reader can pick up on the idea that there is no such thing as the American Dream, because despite the fact that many Americans don’t believe in fate, they still have less upward mobility than those in other countries. Also, the article mentions how the education of parents is largely attributed to the success of individuals. In terms of the “conversation”, the article could be used to support the idea that the American Dream is propaganda, seeing as the government’s done all this work to promote this image of the self-made man and yet it’s easier to move upwards in terms of class in Europe and other places around the world than it is in the States. This source is reputable because it’s published by an author for the New York Times and it’s based off of a study. (Nicole)
Rampell, Cathrine.”The End of the Middle Class.” The New York Times, 28 Sept. 2012. Web.4 March. 2013.
This article discusses a book called “the betrayal of the American dream.” The author Catherine Rampell is an has authority on America's economic situation because she is an economic journalist, who is the editor for The New York Times Economix blog which has was honored by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers with an award. She has also received the Weidenbaum Center Award for Evidence-Based Journalism which is why I trust her. As she critics the book by Donald Barlett and James Steele she notes that the writing is emotional depicting the wealthy as villains and failing to mention what they have done right (such as a campaign finance reform). As she critics she states that the books solutions would in fact harm the already damaged economy. Ms. Rampell acknowledges that the book does have some helpful opinions on the American tax code which favors the wealthy and some changes that could be made. I choose the article to get a better understanding of the economic situation and possible solutions in America. As well as to get a better idea of how the American dream may have changed due to the recession and it has in fact changed what I believed the American dream to be.