The American Dream Brandon King Analysis

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A dispute is brought upon through contradictory viewpoints that a group of people may share. Disagreements like these can be confronted by a writer through the usage of different components in order to produce a reasonable stance towards the readers. In the article “The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold” by Brandon King, the author is able to present his viewpoint on the prevalence of the American Dream. The author is able to successfully exhibit his position by presenting the opposing claim in a fairly manner, being able to insert references with their defining purpose in the text, and incorporating his own view in the references provided. Brandon King opens his essay by presenting the opposing sides view of why the American Dream may …show more content…
King uses a statistical reference that mentions, “more people now rent their homes instead of buying; a recent study showed a decrease in home ownership from 69% in 2005 to about 66.5% in 2010, and an increase in renter households of 1.1 million” (King 574). King uses this data to in order for the reader to induce to readers how the American Dream is present, now more modest, in society because of people’s spending decisions that aim for a modest lifestyle. King also presents two different viewpoints from two different references. He first presents the views of Bob Herbert, a columnist, stating, “his solution to solving inequality issues and achieving greater economic security” (King 576), then he presents the contrary view of the economist Cal Thomas by mentioning, “Thomas and others like him…believe they have a chance of becoming better off than there are today, then the American Dream is intact. Instead of trying to interfere…we should rely on the value of the American Dream”. King is able to present two references, connect them through the opposing views, and then allow the reader to conclude how the American Dream should still be pursuant without the action of having to impose high taxes towards the wealthy. Through the usage of references, the author allows the readers to grasp different information and then be presented with the author’s view through the piecing together of the content, which …show more content…
In the essay, he mentions that economists and politicians suggest that by supporting the wealthy then the American economy will be brought to solidity, then he states, “They claim that a sizable income gap does not necessarily prevent individuals in the lower and middle classes from achieving the American Dream. I agree” (King 575). King presents the views of the politicians and economist, and then incorporates his view allowing the reader to connect his ideas to the individuals who withhold credibility, which enhances effectiveness to the readers. In addition, King mentions the Great Recession and its effects towards the American Dream. Then he pursues this idea by mentioning different events that have led up to the American Dream of today, later mentioning opposing ideas of the American Dream that is still thriving today. King disputes, “American Dream has faced trials and tests...we have adapted the values contained within the American Dream to meet new challenges…Like laissez-faire economists and Wall Street supporters, however, I believe that it is necessary and imperative to continue supporting business mechanisms that sustain our economy” (King 577). The author is able to create effectiveness by providing reader information about different settings that have affected the meaning of the American Dream, and then giving his opinion on the issue of how the American Dream can be defined today. Overall, the
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