The American Dream in Whitman’s, Hughes’, Oates’, Gambino’s and Rihanna’s Lyrics Essay

Introduction

The American dream is an idea that has determined the country’s culture since its founding. The ideology was developed during the colonial era when European immigrants flocked to the USA to leverage the opportunity to make money because of the vast pieces of fertile land. The ideology underscores that every American citizen has the right to dream and be facilitated for the dream to come true. The ideology has, however, metamorphosed, and people understand it differently.

American artists have expressed their perspectives on the dream and the challenges people face in the quest. Walt Whitman’s poem “I Hear American Singing” underscores diversity in achieving the dream. Joyce Carol Oates’ “Dreaming America“ explains how people from disadvantaged social status may not achieve their dreams. Langston Hughes’ “I, Too, Sing America,“ Childish Gambino’s “This Is America”, and Rihanna’s “American Oxygen“ explain how racism and discrimination jeopardize the ideology and make the blacks unable to achieve their dreams. Although the ideology has gained massive popularity, it is jeopardized by factors such as inequality, racism, and discrimination, and the marginalized and minorities have slim chances of attaining their dreams.

“I Hear America Singing“ by Walt Whitman

The poem is organized as free verse to portray workers singing harmoniously to develop the country. It shows workers in the US singing together in harmony. The major theme of the poem is unity and how it helps a country prosper (Whitman 1). Whitman suggests that the American dream does not favor a particular group, as all communities have a collective responsibility. The success of a family is achieved by “the delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing“ (Whitman 1). The theme of unity is expanded further in the family by having all the members take part in improving the home.

“I, Too, Sing America“ by Langston Hughes

The poem by Hughes ends with a confirmation that a persona, too, is a citizen with rights and responsibilities to help the country achieve its dream. Citizenship is affirmed by stating, “I, too, am America“ (Hughes 1). It shares the history of an African American who is segregated as a second-class citizen and forced to eat in the kitchen (Hughes 1). Hughes confirms racial disparity but asserts that everyone has the right to dream and make it come true. Despite being left to live in the kitchen, the protagonist believes that one day, he will have an opportunity to sit at the table of equality.

“Dreaming America“ by Joyce Carol Oates

Dreaming America by Joyce Carol Oates is a poem showing that the American dream is perceived differently between generations, and the struggle for liberty may take different trajectories. However, the spirit always remains the same and brings boundless joy when achieved. The poem’s persona dreams of being one of the actors. However, the lack of support from family members and other relevant people makes her believe that the American dream remains a mirage for disadvantaged people (Joyce 1). The poem indicates that some people in society are disadvantaged and may not achieve their dreams if they are not supported.

“This Is America“ by Childish Gambino

The music recorded as a video is an important comment on the reality of the American dream. It focuses on people of color and how they are treated in the country. The combination of the visuals and scenes criticizes how American society is hypocritical and that some people are not allowed to dream (Glover 3:01). However, the music shares a sense of hope and optimism through the dancing and celebration, which shows the ability to overcome all challenges and achieve it. As he dances, he is surrounded by black American children, meaning that the future depends on the children, who must be allowed to dream.

“American Oxygen“ by Rihanna

Rihanna’s song presents an observation about the true nature of the American dream and the challenges that come along with it. The music video focuses on the theme of the American dream and how it can come true only through freedom, hope, and equal opportunity for all people. However, the visuals show how different people are treated in the country and clarify that the dream has changed and can only be achieved through people fighting for equal opportunities. The different scenes of protests and people shouting for their rights show that people must not keep quiet when they face discrimination and other forms of marginalization (Rihanna 1:51). She underscores the struggles that America has undergone to achieve the current status and encourages people to fight for their dreams regardless of their social status in the society.

Interpretation of the American Dream in the Different Works

I Hear America Singing

Whitman uses the tone of optimism and celebration to convey the belief in the American dream. Through the joys and songs each person celebrates, the authors underscore that the American dream is a course worth pursuing. Joy and vitality are observed in the author’s language using words such as “delicious”, “blithe”, and “strong”, which shows that the ideal gives happiness when it is pursued (Whitman 1). The author uses symbolism to show how different professions represent diversity in American society. The free verse language helps the readers follow and understand the poem easily.

I, Too, Sing America

In the poem “I, Too, Sing America,“ Hughes uses tone, language, and symbolism to represent the ideology of the American dream. The person uses direct language and emphasizes that he is also American by using the words “I, too“ (Hughes 1). The term “eating“ also shows that the American dream is worth pursuing. Further, the persona uses the tone of hope and fearlessness to claim the rightful place.

The confirmation of the race that ‘I am your darker brother“ shows that the persona understands his racial origin but does not hesitate to fight for his rights. The poem, therefore, means that all people have a chance to fight for their prosperity regardless of their race (Hughes 1). The kitchen is a symbol in the poem, showing how the black man was secluded as others discussed economic and development agendas.

Dreaming America

In the third poem, Oates shows that different generations have different dreams and require different support systems to achieve their dreams. In most cases, the teenagers ask questions such as “Where did the country go?“ and cry as they soar (Joyce 1). The author states that despite the desperation that may appear in pursuing the dream, people must never give up.

The language creates a sense of longing and desperation, stating that there are times when dreams may not come true, and people need support. When the support system fades, the people may need more support. The tone is melancholic, meaning there is a difference between the dream and reality. The persona’s dream and longing are symbolic, as they show the American dream and how people long to achieve it. The dream is a longing, and people need different systems to achieve it.

This Is America

Gambino believes that the concept of race is consequential and affects people as they pursue the ideology of the American dream. He states that the blacks have not been allowed to dream. In some scenes, police brutality is shown, meaning people are exposed to discrimination and overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. When there is no equality, the American dream will not be achieved by the people (Glover 1:24).

The use of visuals, tones, and language delivers the author’s belief and point of view on the American dream. The use of demeaning words, “no proper life to a dog,” means that the rampant racial discrimination witnessed in the USA does not support the rights of people to dream (Glover 2:13). The singer believes that eliminating racial discrimination would help minorities access equal opportunities to attain their dreams.

American Oxygen

Rihanna’s song shares a different perspective from other authors that struggles are inevitable for people to attain their dreams. She depicts the American dream as a journey marred with challenges and sacrifices that every individual may experience. People must, therefore, not give up in their quest for their dreams because the USA has exhibited resilience to achieve the current successes (Rihanna 2:32). The use of visuals of suffering and discrimination shows that marginalization should not discourage people from fighting for their rights.

The Author’s Definition of Race, Class, and Gender

I Hear America Singing

Whitman’s poem was composed when the patriarchal ideology was at its peak. However, the author underscored the need for unity in diversity by ensuring that all professionals come together to attain their dreams. The patriarch’s gender roles are visible in the poem as men are expected to work hard in the fields while the women stay home and conduct the household chores. The poet underscored that all people, regardless of gender, can play a role in developing a country. Despite the challenges associated with gender and social class, every person has a chance to prosper.

I, Too, Sing America

In the poem “I, Too, Sing America,“ the American dream has been diluted by some social and economic factors that jeopardize the ability of people from marginalized communities to achieve self-determination. The fact that the persona is left in the kitchen when the company comes means that the nation harbors racial discrimination and unequal distribution of economic opportunities. The author believes that the American dream is impacted by racial discrimination. However, the persona’s resilience shows that every person can dream and make them come true.

Dreaming America

“Dreaming America“ by Joyce Oates does not openly share gender roles and social classification. However, the persona depicts sex and age differences as a hindrance to achieving a person’s dream. The protagonist is a working-class girl from a disadvantaged community who fails in her quest because of the lack of support (Joyce 1).

The initial ideology guiding the American dream was that every person could achieve their dream as long as they worked hard. The original ideology has been altered because the place of origin and race determine a person’s tendency to succeed. Social classes, therefore, play a significant role in a person’s ability to dream and make dreams come true in the long run. The author defines gender and social class as important considerations for a person’s ability to achieve their dreams in life.

This Is America

Childish Gambino’s music video underscores the importance of race and social class in the USA. Blacks are disadvantaged and not given the chance to dream and lead a better life. Police brutality, exposure to discrimination, and poverty hinder blacks from pursuing their goals (Glover 2:41). It is the role of the government to pass laws and implement affirmative action to ensure that blacks are protected so that they can dream and make their dreams come true. Social classes are also mentioned as factors that jeopardize achieving dreams.

American Oxygen

In Rihanna’s music video, race determines individuals’ capacity to envision dreams and achieve them. People from the marginalized society are less likely to attain their goals because they are deprived of the basic requirements. The visuals show the blacks protesting injustice as they work towards a secure America.

The class also plays a major role in ensuring that people get justice in their various areas of jurisdiction (Rihanna 3:2). Therefore, the people’s role is to understand that the dream is a struggle. Despite the social and economic changes in the country, people must never stop dreaming and struggling to achieve their dreams. Rihanna further states that racial discrimination has jeopardized the American dream.

Conclusion

The American Dream is a comprehensive ideology that gives every citizen the right to work hard and prosper regardless of race, gender, and age. However, the dream is interpreted differently and keeps changing. As a result of the change, some social and economic factors have made people vulnerable in their ability to dream.

The presentations by the different poets and artists show that social issues such as gender discrimination jeopardize other people’s ability to dream and, therefore, jeopardize their goals. The American dream is, therefore, dynamic and keeps changing due to economic and social turbulence. People must, however, keep going and use all the resources at their disposal to make the dream come true.

Works Cited

“American Oxygen.” YouTube, uploaded by Rihanna. 2015. Web.

“This is America-Official Video.” YouTube, uploaded by Donald Glover. 2019. Web.

Hughes, Langston. I, Too, Sing America. Little Bee Books, 2021.

Oates, Joyce. Dreaming America & Other Poems (NY) Aloe Editions, 1973.

Whitman, Walt. I hear America singing. Philomel Books, 1991.