The American Dream is interpreted differently by everyone, but falls along the lines of the pursuit of opportunity and satisfaction of needs and wants. In movies and television shows individuals venture out into New York City with the hope of finding this opportunity. Popular culture defines New York City by the wealth, status and success of the few individuals who achieve this. However, some individual are willing to compromise morals and ethics to reach this point of success. Through the movie Wall Street, the protagonist, Bud Fox, and antagonist, Gordon Gekko, can be seen making questionable decisions in their business transactions. Although, both characters willingly perform these action they are ultimately for different reasons. Bud Fox…show more content… He desperately wants break through to a new social status because he is embarrassed of his roots. The only way he can do this is by making money as fast as possible. This is why he choose a career as a stockbroker. The stock market is a fast paced business where someone can invest money in a company with hope they will gain more than what was invested. At first it appears as if Bud was not making money and was not successful. However, he earns a decent salary, $50,000 a year, which is enough to support a comfortable lifestyle. Yet, we can see from the conversation with his father the lifestyle he chooses to live does not correspond with his income. Bud Fox is still in debt to his student loans, which he goes on to explain that he cannot pay it off. He does not need to live in Manhattan for his work or for any reason. He decides to live in the city piled with debt just to get a small taste of the wealth and status he desperately desires. It is commonly viewed that living in Manhattan portrays a luxurious lifestyle and an individual with high paying job. Although his father wants to help Bud by letting him live at home rent free, so he can pay off his debts, Bud refuses. He is embarrassed to live in Queens and to live with his
