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Lying The American Dream: A Critical Analysis of Hollywood and Wall Street's Portrayal and Impact

Jonathan Franzen

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Published in Ruse: Lying The American Dream From Hollywood To Wall Street

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The American Dream, a tantalizing ideal of upward mobility, economic prosperity, and societal success, has long been a cornerstone of the nation's identity. However, a closer examination of the roles played by influential institutions like Hollywood and Wall Street reveals a disturbing trend: the systemic perpetuation of a lie. This article delves into the ways in which these entities present a distorted and unattainable vision of the American Dream, thereby exacerbating social inequalities and undermining the nation's collective well-being.

Hollywood's Embellishments:

The silver screen has the power to shape our perceptions and aspirations, and Hollywood has masterfully crafted a cinematic narrative that glorifies the American Dream. From rags-to-riches tales like "The Pursuit of Happyness" to superhero blockbusters where ordinary individuals overcome extraordinary odds, movies paint an idyllic picture of a nation where anything is possible for those who dare to dream.

Ruse: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street

by Robert Kerbeck

4.7 out of 5

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These narratives, however, are often far removed from reality. In their pursuit of entertainment and profit, Hollywood studios embellish stories, exaggerate success, and downplay the actual challenges faced by the vast majority of Americans. The resulting cinematic utopia creates an illusion that encourages people to believe that with hard work and determination, they too can achieve extraordinary success.

This illusion has several negative consequences. Firstly, it creates false expectations. When individuals compare their own lives to the fabricated realities portrayed on screen, they may experience feelings of inadequacy and frustration. This can lead to a sense of disillusionment with the American Dream itself. Moreover, by reinforcing a belief that individual effort alone is sufficient for success, Hollywood ignores the systemic barriers and inequalities that prevent many people from achieving their full potential.

Wall Street's Deception:

The financial sector has also played a significant role in perpetuating the lie of the American Dream. Wall Street institutions have marketed complex financial products and investment strategies with the promise of high returns and financial freedom. These products, however, often came with hidden risks and complexities that were not fully disclosed to investors.

The subprime mortgage crisis of 2008 serves as a prime example of how Wall Street's deceptive practices can undermine the American Dream. Subprime mortgages were marketed to low-income and first-time homebuyers as a pathway to homeownership. However, these loans carried high interest rates and risky terms, making them unsustainable for many borrowers. When the housing market crashed, millions of Americans lost their homes, savings, and dreams of homeownership.

The financial industry's lack of transparency and accountability allowed for widespread fraud and abuse, leading to a loss of trust among ordinary Americans. The consequences of this betrayal continue to reverberate today, with many people questioning the validity of the American Dream and the institutions that have historically been associated with its promise.

Systemic Reinforcement of Inequality:

The combined efforts of Hollywood and Wall Street have reinforced a narrow and unattainable vision of the American Dream, which privileges the wealthy and powerful while marginalizing the most vulnerable members of society. By promoting the illusion of easy success and downplaying the structural barriers to economic advancement, these institutions have exacerbated existing inequalities and made it even more difficult for people to achieve meaningful upward mobility.

The glorification of wealth and status further perpetuates the idea that financial success is the ultimate measure of worthiness. This creates a toxic environment where people are judged and valued based on their material possessions rather than their contributions to society. It also undermines the importance of social mobility and equal opportunity for all.

The Illusion of Self-Reliance

The Illusion Of Self Reliance Ruse: Lying The American Dream From Hollywood To Wall Street

Hollywood and Wall Street have also perpetuated the illusion of self-reliance and individual responsibility. Their narratives often emphasize the importance of hard work and determination, but they fail to acknowledge the role of systemic factors like race, gender, education, and socioeconomic status in shaping people's life outcomes.

This illusion of self-reliance places the burden of responsibility solely on individuals, absolving society and its institutions from any obligation to address systemic inequalities. It ignores the fact that many people face insurmountable obstacles that make it impossible for them to achieve economic success regardless of their effort or determination.

The Corrosion of Social Cohesion:

The promotion of a distorted and unattainable American Dream has also eroded social cohesion and empathy. When people perceive the system as unfair and stacked against them, they are less likely to believe that they have a stake in society's success. This can lead to feelings of isolation, resentment, and a diminished sense of collective responsibility.

Moreover, the focus on individual achievement and wealth accumulation has created a culture of greed and selfishness. People become more preoccupied with their own material gain than with the well-being of others, leading to a decline in social solidarity and a weakening of the bonds that hold society together.

The Need for a Reimagining:

The systemic propagation of a false American Dream by Hollywood and Wall Street has had devastating consequences for American society. To move forward and build a more just and equitable nation, it is imperative to reimagine and redefine this cherished ideal.

This reimagining must begin with an acknowledgement of the systemic barriers that prevent many people from achieving economic success. It must recognize the importance of social mobility, equal opportunity, and a strong social safety net.

It is also essential to promote a more realistic and inclusive vision of success. Success should not be measured solely by wealth or status, but also by contributions to society, personal growth, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The Role of Education and Media:

Education and the media have a crucial role to play in shaping a more truthful and equitable understanding of the American Dream. Educational institutions must provide students with a critical understanding of the systemic inequalities that exist in society and the role that institutions like Hollywood and Wall Street play in perpetuating these inequalities.

The media, including Hollywood itself, must also assume responsibility for the narratives it produces. It must strive to create more realistic and diverse portrayals of American life that reflect the challenges and aspirations of the vast majority of people. By ng so, the media can help to dispel the illusion of the American Dream and promote a more just and equitable society.

:

The American Dream, as portrayed by Hollywood and Wall Street, is a lie that has been systematically propagated to reinforce existing inequalities and undermine social cohesion. This lie has had devastating consequences for individuals and society as a whole, fostering false expectations, disillusionment, and a sense of hopelessness.

It is time to reimagine the American Dream and embrace a vision of success that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. By acknowledging the systemic barriers that exist, promoting a more realistic understanding of success, and holding institutions accountable for their narratives, we can create a nation where the American Dream is truly accessible to all.

Ruse: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street

by Robert Kerbeck

4.7 out of 5