Schwarz to see dolls that cost more than their monthly rent. Stephen Cruz, in his speech at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville, emphasizes the increasing ambiguity of the American Dream. He argues that power and fear control society’s perception of success, benefiting only a small fraction of Americans. The American Dream, for most individuals, revolves around achieving financial stability and contentment. However, societal limitations and influences from higher powers often hinder the realization of this dream. Discrimination based on race, nationality, and social class frequently determines job opportunities in our supposedly democratic nation. Toni Cade Bambara’s story, “The Lesson,” exemplifies how lower-class citizens, particularly African Americans in New York, are held back from career prosperity. This unequal economy system in America prioritizes money and restricts career prospects based on social class distinctions. Bambara vividly portrays the harsh reality faced by economically disadvantaged children when they visit F.A.O. Schwarz and witness dolls that exceed their monthly rent.Miss Moore took the children on a field trip to Fifth Avenue, specifically to the expensive toy store “Schwarz” in New York. The purpose of this outing was to teach the children about the significant economic issues that many Americans are currently experiencing. Miss Moore’s goal is to educate the children about the high cost of items.
There is a constant disparity in financial opportunities because the wealthy focus on finding new ways to increase their wealth, while most Americans struggle to meet basic needs like housing and feeding their families. Although few achieve the ultimate American Dream, most Americans face a lifetime of financial stagnation. Comedian George Carlin once joked about how the American Dream is a fallacy, stating, “The owners in this country know the truth, it is called the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.” In reality, when our society ignores the potential for achieving the American Dream, aspirations go unfulfilled and pursuing a better life becomes an ongoing nightmare for most individuals.
