The evolution of American culture and society has been examined by many authors who want to understand the causes of these trends and their main consequences. One of the themes that are examined by various writers and researchers is the discontent of many people who are not able to climb the social ladder. Moreover, these individuals believe that they cannot create a better future for their children. Finally, the analysis of literary works indicates that people become more alienated from one another. These are the main subtopics that should be discussed in this paper. Overall, the sources chosen for this paper show the existing social, economic, and cultural environment does not enable people to make breakthroughs that can make their experiences more fulfilling. This is the main thesis that should be examined in greater detail.
At first, it is important to speak about the article which is aimed at discussing the crisis of the American Dream. This essay is written by an anonymous author who argues that the upward social mobility in the United States has slowed down. To illustrate this idea, the writer provides various examples. In particular, it is argued that “Only 3% of students at top colleges come from the poorest quarter of the population” (The United States Inequality). Moreover, students, who come from poor families, do not have the necessary educational background that may enable them to make professional or academic achievement (The United States Inequality).
These statistical data show that the social mobility has decreased. This point is important for demonstrating that the existing social system does not function properly. Overall, it is possible to say that this writer is able to identify one of the most important trends in modern society that has become more globalized. Moreover, this source demonstrates that this lack of opportunities eventually undermines the progress of the community.
To some degree, this argument can be supplemented by the ideas expressed by Karen Olsson who speaks about the experiences of Wal-Mart workers. These people are not encouraged to unionize, and as a rule, they do not have a chance to improve their standards of living (Olsson). They believe that if the situation is not changed, their children will face the same difficulties (Olsson). This is one of the main details that can be identified. One can say that this source partly confirms the thesis because it shows that many people are dissatisfied with the existing social system that marginalizes them and offers no opportunity for development. This is one of the aspects that should be kept in mind.
The problem of inequality is also examined by many researchers. For example, the article published in The Economist is aimed at demonstrating that the growing rates are symptom of a serious social disease. In particular, one should speak about the “descent into angry populism” which emerges at the time when people believe that the distribution of wealth in the society is unjust (Inequality: Growing apart). Certainly, at this point, the threat is not very significant, but in the long term, it can have considerable implications for every member of the community. This is one of the main details that should be considered.
Furthermore, this argument is examined by Kevin Drum who believes that by overlooking the problem of inequality, a society can become less sustainable (Drum). The thing is that there is no outside stimulus that can boost its economic development (Drum). In the long term, this situation can lead to the stagnation of many industries (Drum). So, this discussion of economic and social trends suggest that the modern community has reached a turning point when people have to decide what kind of development strategies should be adopted. This is one of the arguments that can be put forward.
However, one should not forget about cultural environment. For example, it is possible to examine such a story as A&P written by John Updike. This writer explores the experiences of an adolescent who lives in a culture which is dominated by commercial brands such as Kingfish Fancy, Diet Delight, or Hiho crackers (Updike 7). However, he is reluctant to become a part of this culture, because it appears to him too artificial. This is why he chooses to leave this job. To a great extent, it is a kind of social protest against the culture in which the individuality of a person is disregarded. This is one of the central issues that John Updike explores in his short story.
On the whole, this discussion shows that the social, economic and cultural of the United States has been a subject of many literary and journalistic works. It is possible to argue that the selected sources highlight the idea that modern people are unwilling to accept a social system in which they have no chance for raising their status. This is the main aspect that can be identified.
Works Cited
Drum, Kevin. “Income Inequality and the Great Crash of 2008.” Mother Jones. 2012. Web.
“Inequality: Growing apart.” The Economist. 2013. Web.
Olsson, Karen. “Up Against Wal-Mart.” Mother Jones. 2013. Web.
“The United States Inequality and the American Dream.” The Economist. 2006. Web.
Updike, John. A & P: Lust in the Aisles, New York: Redpath Press, 1986. Print.