The American Dream seems to be an ongoing controversial topic in today’s society. The question of whether or not it is realistic is influenced by each of our personal experiences and struggles which in turn, makes it different for everyone. I myself am still pondering the idea of it all. I am your average hard working Mexican-American low-income student with the vision of pursuing an education and a better life. Sometimes I am hopeful. Sometimes I am realistic. I have not formed a definitive answer but I look for different perspectives in what I read. This takes me out of the narrow perspective one can easily get into and opens understanding for new outlooks. The Marxist lens in particular has been very helpful. I sympathize with Karl Marx’s perspective because of my background. I recognize the oppressive conditions the lower class minorities may be placed in. Societal structure is unfortunate and should be focused on, questioned and challenged.
In 1987, “Beloved” by Toni Morrison won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Even today it is still one of the most discussed books. I plan to analyze the book Beloved through the Marxist lens in hopes of gaining a better point of view on the American Dream. By the end of the book, I hope to have formed an informative decision on the famous questioned “American Dream”. This book will allow me to do so because of ts focus on social classes and power.
I find it fascinating that you related your personal experiences to that of a book; it was interesting to see that you took a personal story, and used it to choose your lens. One question I have is: does the American Dream fully define social class? Is it an accurate indicator of economical and socioeconomical comfort?
ReplyDeleteI love your voice throughout your post. It allows me to understand why you personally chose the Marxist lens.
ReplyDeleteI am interested to hear your answer at the end! :) #QueenV
I am very interested in seeing how you tie the social traditions under the American Dream to the historical time period of slavery in America.. Comparing what all races had to face to reach their dreams and how they fit within the social classes of America would be engaging to hear with a comparison of your American Dream.
ReplyDeleteYour perspective on this is really interesting and I definitely agree that the American Dream is based on everyone's personal experiences. During Beloved's time period, a white man/slaveowner could claim that the american dream was alive but if you weren't a white male then it probably did not exist.
ReplyDeleteWOW Viviana I love your tone in the passage I can tell you are really into Marxist lens. We live in a society where we are labeled constantly because of our race. For example just because you Mexican your known as low income student who is not as smart as the other white students. #OhHellNo!
ReplyDeleteI love how your personal experiences have driven the passion behind your decision to analyze Toni Morrison's Beloves using the Marxist lens. Like Abby previously mentioned, the tone in this entry is lovely. I cannot wait to see where this book takes you in terms of your interpretation of the American Dream. Best of luck in your process! #AllHailQueenV
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to examine which parts of the American Dream Sethe has access to, and which ones still evade her.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post and how passionate you are of the idea of the American Dream. I like how you brought up your personal story and you believes. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post and how passionate you are of the idea of the American Dream. I like how you brought up your personal story and you believes. Keep it up!
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