The central idea behind A Raisin in Sun is the American Dream. What is it? Where did it come from? How do you obtain it? These are essential questions to understanding the concept that has been around since America has been formed.
As this unit progresses, you will form your own notion of what the American Dream is. In class, we will also read other people’s idea of what it means. The following is from an old speech by Barack Obama:
In big cities and small towns; among men and women; young and old; black, white, and brown – Americans share a faith in simple dreams. A job with wages that can support a family. Health care that we can count on and afford. A retirement that is dignified and secure. Education and opportunity for our kids. Common hopes. American dreams…
What is unique about America is that we want these dreams for more than ourselves – we want them for each other. That’s why we call it the American dream. We want it for the kid who doesn’t go to college because she cannot afford it; for the worker whose wondering if his wages will pay this winter’s heating bill; for 47 million Americans living without health care; for the millions more who worry if they have enough to retire with the dignity they have earned.
When our fellow Americans are denied the American dream, our own dreams are diminished. And today, the cost of that dream is rising faster than ever before. While some have prospered beyond imagination in this global economy, middle-class Americans – as well as those working hard to become middle class – are seeing the American dream slip further and further away.
President Barack Obama, 2007–Read the full speach
He is not alone in his ideas of what the American dream means. Here are two items we read in class.
Obama Dream AbridgedQuestion on King and Obama
Dr. King
- Summarize Dr. King’s definition of the American Dream
- In what way are all men created equal?
- What obstacles does Dr. King explain stand in the way of the American Dream?
- How does he suggest people overcome those obstacles
President Obama
- Summarize Obama’s definition of the American Dream
- Is Obama’s American dream a selfish dream? Explain
- What obstacles does Obama explain stand in the way of the American Dream?
- How does he suggest people overcome those obstacles
Questions are based on the links above. We read these in class.
“Let America be America Again”
Hear it:
Read it:
“Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes (printable)
