Blog #8: Fisher's Myths of the American Dream
In
his political research paper titled “Reaffirmation and Subversion of the
American Dream,” USC professor Walter Fisher examines the two sides of the
American Dream. Looking through the lens of the 1972 presidential election between
incumbent President Richard Nixon and Senator George McGovern, Fisher illuminates
how the two candidates strongly sided with one of the two myths behind the
American Dream.
Fisher
says that one of the myths of the American Dream is the materialistic myth.
This aspect of the American Dream embodies values of “effort, persistence, ‘playing
the game,’ initiative, self-reliance, achievement, and success” (161). The
materialistic myth behind the American Dream supports the idea that citizens
have to prove their self worth and define their place in society by working
hard and achieving success. These values support individuals striving for achievement
in a nation that is supposedly full of opportunity; only thinking of their own
interests in this competitive pursuit. Although, Fisher claims that, “[i]n
naked form, the materialistic myth is compassionless and self-centered; it
encourages manipulation and leads to exploitation” (161). Despite the fact that
this materialist myth has been a part of the American Dream for decades, it is
widely accepted even though it is greedy and corrupt. As Fisher explains the
myth, it is easy to agree and see how it is apart of American society. But, it
is just as easy to see how “compassionless and self-centered” it is as well.
Especially in today’s society, reaching success has become an increasingly
competitive pursuit. Simply in terms of education, peers chose not to help one
another in order to lower the curve or make sure that they get the higher
grade. As standards rise, the sense of competitiveness is heightened and people
are forced to adopt a selfishness that is seemingly essential to reaching
individual success.
Although,
the opposing side of the American Dream, the moralistic myth, supports “values
of tolerance, charity, compassion, and true regard for dignity and worth of
each and every individual” (161). The moralistic myth appeals to Americans’ innocent
morals that, as citizens of one united nation, we should work together towards
the improvement of the group rather than the individual. Despite the fact that
the two myths of the American Dream are practically opposites, Fisher states
that, although “a person may exemplify or strongly prefer one over the other,
it is important to recognize that no American can escape the whole dream”
(163). The “whole dream,” consisting of the materialistic and moralistic myths,
is believed by every citizen. Whether they identify with one more than the
other to whatever degree, Fisher claims that every American believes in this “whole
dream” that is composed of two contrasting myths. You can see how Fisher’s claim is true in 2017 through
famous humanitarians. Actors and actresses, who to dedicate their lives to
their arguably self-centered careers, often play large roles in humanitarian
efforts. Despite being members of the film industry, and spending much of their
lives working towards their own benefit, many actors and actresses decide to
donate thousands of dollars to humanitarian efforts; they use their fame as a
platform to advocate for different problems. They obviously chase after the
materialistic myth of the American Dream, by choosing such a competitive and
selfish profession, but they also believe in the moralistic myth as seen
through their choice to use their wealth and fame for worthy causes.
Fisher
makes a number of claims in his piece, two of them being: (1) the materialistic
myth of the American Dream is selfish and promotes corruption and (2) every
American believes in the whole American Dream, meaning that they believe in
both the materialistic and moralistic myth. These claims, made in 1972, can
still be applied to today’s society. Whether he realized it or not, Fisher’s
statements about America during the seventies would remain applicable to society
for the next forty plus years.
I enjoy how you broadened the scope of your analysis when looking at materialistic and moralistic myths. Reflecting on materialistic competition in our nation is easy; there's a wide range of examples, and I like yours about education, something we all know very well. We're taught to be individualistic and only really care for ourselves and our own success, and be willing to do anything to achieve it. However, we still have an obsession with morals, and that's how the moralistic myth comes into play. Your example of celebrities fits perfectly, as they do pursue financial gain, but often choose to do so in ways that benefit others as well. We all walk a fine line between both of these components to the American Dream, combining them to achieve success for ourselves but also for others.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you were able to elaborate on Fisher's claims, connecting them to occurrences seen in our society today. It almost seems that it is easier for us to act individually, following the materialistic myth, rather than for us to act collectively. It would make sense for individuals to gain their strength through the reciprocal support and success of those around them; however, it is almost as though one's strength develops through others' failures. Let's face it, we fell content when we can visually see ourselves rising above others, as we succeed and they face difficulty. Additionally, I liked how you discussed Fisher's claim that "every American believes in the whole dream". Your example of actors/actresses epitomized that claim and made it simple to understand Fisher's message.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your explanation of Fisher's quotes. You provided strong analysis of each of the two myths and differentiated them from one another. I like how you tied them to examples from our society today, such as when you connected the materialistic myth to the idea of reaching success through education and how it is so competitive and greedy as of today. I agree with you that Fisher's ides are still prominent in today's society. As you pointed out, Fisher may have not realized that his claims in this article will still be of relevance in American society today, but indeed they are.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you elaborated on Fisher's materialistic dream, I agree with how our society has become more and more competitive and this aspect only adds to the selfishness and self-centeredness of individuals. I also agree with how we can't escape the "whole dream," of both materialism and moralistic values as both contribute to the dream, people need to be both self-oriented and compassionate to be successful in this world. Your use of famous humanitarians as an example was an interesting side to to both the dreams as they do accurately represent both materialistic and moralistic values due to their desire to maintain a selfish lifestyle yet benefit the lifestyle of others.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting how you are able to clearly express its function in 2017.That explanation of the of the actors is interesting because any one can argue that actors are selfish and self-centered , even when doing acts of kindness but it s true that they are ultimately following that moralistic American dream.On the other hand discussing the materialistic myth I think out capitalist economy has shaped the competitiveness and individualizes.There is nothing wrong with capitalism just that Americans have made it egoistic and back to the concept of "survival of the fittest."
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about your analysis on how these two dreams can co-exist at once -- your example of actors who work hard for themselves, yet give back, is really strong and fascinating to think about! I think that for a lot of people, they perceive the American dream to be one or another: for themselves or for the benefit of the general population. It's important to recognize that people can do both, and that people aren't solely selfish or solely humanitarian.
ReplyDeleteThis blog post was very well done, Cara. I must ask the question that why must those two coincide with one another? Why can't there be a single American dream instead of a "whole" one? Anyways, The claims you elaborated on show how eloquently you could describe the research paper to your fellow colleagues. I find it mind-boggling that we cannot always get what we want for we sacrifice it to other's needs. There is no in between but to have a mind set that is both selfish and selfless, which I think is impossible unless you have a multiple personalities disorder. I am not trying to manipulate society as such, I am just trying to convey my opinion that living in 2017 with the dreams put into place by Nixon and Mcgovern were not changed in the last 40 years. Is this really what the ideal American dream should be, or is this what leaders of the world want us to think?
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