The American Dream: Defining the Great Society Essay

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Introduction

The “Great Society” is one where everybody experiences freedom socially, politically, and are economically empowered hence having abundance. American society is made up of people from all walks of life. The cosmopolitan nature of the United State makes it an ideal society where cultures are interacting and a common goal is paramount to unity. In the 1960s through to the1970s, protests and uproar engulfed the country due to perceived iniquities by the people. Strikes occurred, death of state men and women was witnessed and this was due to what the people thought were their rights being violated. (Lyndon, 1964)

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Main Body

The circumstances led to the formulation of social legislation plan and other plans that came to be known as “the Great Society plan”. These were pieces of legislation that centered on human equality and necessitated the empowering of sections of society based on their needs. For instance, the Medicare bill was for the elderly and the poor, human rights for the oppressed, and antipoverty laws that set a stage for growth in the society. (William, 1999).

In the 1960 elections debate, a vibrant presidential candidate JF Kennedy echoed a statement that brought about a realization that it was time to move on. He thought that it was a time where there was no need for free and slave men in society. This was a seed for a dramatic change in America over the years to come. Kennedy was knowledgeable, insightful, and argued with timely statistical facts, this attracted people to him and he was elected president. Kennedy came up with the “New Frontier” which relayed equal rights to all. This came to an abrupt end on 22nd November 1963 with the assassination of J F Kennedy. (Lyndon, 1964).

Civil unrest followed as people felt there was no one to champion their rights. Cases such as the student riot in the University of California arose due to students being denied to solicit funds. They formed the Free Speech Movement and in Michigan, an organization known as the Students for a Democratic Society emerged. This caused years of turmoil. Riots and protests occurred across America. Usually, the protest was against the Vietnam War which many saw as their fellow citizens dying for no apparent reason. The war had many casualties and even divided the democrats giving the republican resurgence in Richard Nixon. The uprising of society to ask for their rights was cultivated in the 1960 election of J F Kennedy who advocated for human equality. Society realized there is more to life than was being offered. In his vision, Kennedy saw a society that was free to develop all spheres and indulges in gainful production. Post Kennedys’ presidency saw a state of wanting that which had been born in their minds. This led to unrest in New York, Chicago, Newark, and the ultimate assassination of Martin Luther King. King’s death sparked off countrywide rage as he was known to be a man who opposed slavery. More unrest followed. Mexican farmers in the west and women were not left in the struggle. (Lyndon, 1964).

The New Frontier as it was known had good intentions. The level playing field is best for the realization of potential in a people. It can be noted that the empowering of individuals in society have brought America to an economic giant of sorts. Citizens can be innovative using their skills to better their lives and those they love. The rest of the society can tap into the inventions available and build on them. If an individual is not productive in society, he/she may end up poor. This is because there are virtually many ways in which one can improve their living standards. Sport is one area where Americans have excelled. We have sportsmen and women who play as professionals hence careers are born. America actually exports its sports. The baseball sport is now played in Japan as a professional sport. This attracts endorsements and gives the nation revenue. The wellness industry has grown tremendously over the years due to increased athleticism among citizens. (William, 1999).

Innovations cropped up from the 70s to date. Year after year new inventions is made in America and exported to the world. This creates jobs and generates revenue for the state. Bill Gates invented the Microsoft windows computer system that has impacted the world. In this 21st century alone we have had a tremendous exchange of information and communication thanks to the internet invention. (William, 1999).

The reason for America growing tremendously into a superpower can be attributed to the New Frontier. However, this is not the American Dream, citizens should continue to embrace freedom and have conventions to discuss ways of improving on the gains they have made. It would be false to say that the “Great Society” thought of by Kennedy was just about freedom. It was to grow and mature in the appropriate allocation of resources to each member of society and also care for it. Medical care is still not fully affordable to everybody. The senior citizens have their challenges and the staff of care institutions is grumping with a deficit in operational budgets. Politically, America has had poor relations with the Arab world. Wars such as those in Afghanistan and recently Iraq have had citizens again lose their loved ones. Economically, there has been a recession that has hit the banking industry which has caused a regress in gains. (William, 1999)

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Conclusion

The Great Society in America can be attributed to the New Frontier that was born in the 1960s. However, the idea though brilliant should have been developed in a way that could combat challenges as they come. America as a capitalistic system of government allows for citizen innovation and development. This has worked for it but their relationship with the world is wanting. Democracy, as preached by America, can play against it if the government does not expand its foreign policy. Reaching out to other countries was the brainchild of J F Kennedy. He saw sense working in close relation with other nations for mutual benefits. This has lacked over the years in America which has led to hatred. Does America face terror because it is a rich country? No, it has to do with its foreign policy and other internal factors of human rights. It’s only when this is addressed that it can achieve “the American Dream”.

Work cited

Longman William. 2nd Edition.pp 794, 96-97. 1999.

President Lyndon B. Johnson. Remarks at the University of Michigan. 1964. Web.

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IvyPanda. 2021. "The American Dream: Defining the Great Society." December 4, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-american-dream-defining-the-great-society/.

1. IvyPanda. "The American Dream: Defining the Great Society." December 4, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-american-dream-defining-the-great-society/.


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