Jennifer F. answered 03/04/20
English Teacher with 21 Years of Teaching Experience
The idea of the American Dream has been elusive for some. "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," has been brutally denied to Native Americans, African Americans, and women. Native Americans were taken from their lands many times by force and relocated to the most desolate of environments. The Trail of Tears is an example of pain placed upon American Indians. Even today, their sacred lands are taken away. Economic, political, and environmental issues keep Native Americans from attaining the American Dream.
African Americans have been treated with disrespect and cruelty. After the Civil War black Americans had to suffer the indignity of the Jim Crow laws. Black Americans were disenfranchised and looked upon as chattel. Segregation is a dark period in our history. Black Americans had to fight for the right to have their children educated in schools. Educational, economic and political issues have prevented black Americans from attaining the American Dream.
Women have fought an uphill battle the first day Europeans set foot on American soil. Women were also seen as chattel and were unable to own property, make decisions regarding their lives, or vote. Women have made great strides, but still take a back seat to men in the work force and in government.
Explanation:
Many issues have provided setbacks and roadblocks for Native Americans, Black Americans, and women. Education, politics, and economic status play strong roles in helping all people achieve their dreams. Today there is a new segment of society that is being denied the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Immigrants have lived and worked in this country yet their rights are being taken away.