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The document analyzes how economic ideals, particularly the American Dream, influence individual decisions and societal behaviors, as illustrated in the film 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and the article 'Is the American Dream Becoming a Nightmare.' It highlights the struggles faced by those in lower economic positions and critiques the societal pressures that prioritize appearance and success over well-being. The conclusion emphasizes the widening gap between the rich and poor, suggesting that achieving the American Dream is increasingly difficult for those in disadvantaged circumstances.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2 views

Nate and

The document analyzes how economic ideals, particularly the American Dream, influence individual decisions and societal behaviors, as illustrated in the film 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and the article 'Is the American Dream Becoming a Nightmare.' It highlights the struggles faced by those in lower economic positions and critiques the societal pressures that prioritize appearance and success over well-being. The conclusion emphasizes the widening gap between the rich and poor, suggesting that achieving the American Dream is increasingly difficult for those in disadvantaged circumstances.

Uploaded by

leonardohassan7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

How Economic Ideals like the

American Dream Influence


Individuals' Decisions

By: Leonardo Hassan and Nathaniel Hernandez


The film The Pursuit of Happyness explores how economic ideals, especially the American Dream, influence
individuals' lives and decisions. It highlights the challenges faced by those at the lower end of the economic
spectrum and how these ideals shape their pursuit of success.
Introduction
Economic ideals like the American Dream profoundly influence individuals' decisions by promoting
the belief that success is attainable only through hard work and determination, often leading to
the sacrifice of important aspects such as family life and health. This impacts personal choices and
shapes societal behaviors globally. In "The Pursuit of Happyness," and the article, “Is the American
Dream Becoming a Nightmare” this theme is deeply exhibited and analyzed respectively.
the PURSUIT of HAPPYNESS
Orientation
Text type: Film (biographical drama based on a true story)
Date and context: Made by Steve Conrad and directed by Gabriele
Muccino, released by Columbia Pictures in 2006.
Context: The film elaborates on challenges such as economic
inequality, poverty, and financial struggles and the pursuit of the
American Dream through Chris Gardner’s life. It is based on the
true story of Chris Gardner, a man who faces immense financial
hardship while striving to provide a better life for his son. Set in
1980’s San Francisco, the film reflects the themes of poverty and
hardship.
Meaning: The film portrays economic instability and the pursuit of
financial security, depicting the barriers caused by systemic
inequality. It shows the difficulty of attaining the American Dream
for disadvantage positions on the economic spectrum.
Author’s Purpose:
The film seeks to inspire and motivate its audience by showing
how resilience and determination can help overcome economic
barriers.
Evidence #1

Di
ff
us
ed
lig
ht
Support (WHAT): In “The Pursuit of Happyness,” a pivotal scene where Chris Gardner (Will Smith)
and his son are seeking refugee in a public bathroom. The setting is very cramped and dirty, with
paint peeling on the door, toilet paper on the ground, and all their necessities. Despite this
gruesome environment Chris has his suits creating a visual paradox.

Detail (HOW): In this scene the director uses a straight, eye-level camera angle, placing the
audience in the shoes of Chris gardner and his son. This perspective allows the viewer to
understand further the confined space the characters are in fostering a deeper connection to the
claustrophobic conditions they are under. Also, the diffused light allows viewers to grasp all of the
distinct objects such as the dryer, the suit, the characters, the marks on the wall, etc. Finally, the Arrangement of scenery
arrangement of the scenery contrasts the characters against the deteriorated environment, such as
the dirty floor and marks on the wall, which reflects societal indifference.

Interpretation (WHY): The stark contrast between Chris’s fancy suit and the filthy bathroom
underlines the disparity between his aspirations and reality. This visual juxtaposition symbolizes
how economic ideals such as the American Dream can drive the actions of individuals. Chris’s le
a ng
choice to focus on his appearance rather than the overall welfare of his family shows how these ra
me
l ca
economic ideals highlight the proud impact of societal norms on personal decisions. Even when ve
e
facing homelessness the ideals of the American Dream drive the actions of Chris maintaining his el
Ey
professional appearance instead of the overall well-being of his son and himself. These actions
accentuate the global issue regarding philosophies such as these that drive individuals into
economic circumstances such as Chris having to divert his income to buying a suit instead of
feeding his family. Ultimately, it invites the viewer to reflect on the fairness of a society and its
economic ideals where the pursuit of success demands significant personal sacrifice without
guaranteeing a reward.
Evidence #2
Support (What): In "The Pursuit of Happyness," the intentional misspelling of "happiness" shown in one of Pr
of
the scenes and the title is a recurring element in the narrative. This misspelled word located outside of Chris an
ity
Gardner's son's daycare reads “Happyness” in black against a backdrop of colorful drawings with Chris
directly pointing at the word “Happyness” on the wall. Chris noticed this misspelled word when leaving the
daycare after dropping off his son.

Detail (How): The director employs a close-up shot while placing the incorrect spelling in the background of
Chris to focus the audience's attention on the misspelled word "Happyness" painted on the daycare wall.
This visual repetition in the title and scene ensures the viewer can recognize its importance within the film.
Additionally, the color mural shows contrasts sharply with the harsh environment and background, where it
clearly states, “F*ck”, highlighting the daycare as a beacon of hope and innocence in an otherwise harsh and Incorrect
malevolence. The camera encapsulates Chris's facial expression of concern as he scrutinizes the misspelling, is spelling
hr
of a government worker cleaning the street, using a medium shot that conveys his articulation without fC
oto -up
words. The cinematography and set design work together to make the misspelling a touching symbol within sh Close
dium
the film. Me

Interpretation (Why): The misspelling of "Happyness" in the film symbolizes the flawed and elusive nature
of achieving the American Dream, particularly for those facing socioeconomic challenges. It reflects the
systemic obstacles and challenges that inhibit individuals from achieving their aspirations in light of their
efforts. The visual backdrop of profanity while containing the word “Happyness” nearby allows the
incorrect word to highlight issues such as inadequate education and social neglect in underprivileged
communities. Furthermore, Chris’s reaction to the misspelling and his immediate desire for correctness ing
pell
mirrors his pursuit of a superior life for himself and his son. The misspelling shows how a journey toward ts
c
re
happiness and success is filled with errors and imperfections. The misspelled "Happyness" becomes a or
Inc
metaphor for the imperfect journey toward fulfillment, underscoring the profound impact of economic
ideals on personal choices and the sacrifices made in their pursuit.
Pr

He
Evidence #3

of

ig
es

ht
si

of
on

bu
al

i
ld
in
g
Support (What): In "The Pursuit of Happyness," a crucial scene depicts Chris Gardner arriving for an internship interview at the
prestigious brokerage firm, Dean Witter. In addition, the firm seems to be located at the very top of a business-oriented building. After
spending the previous night in jail due to unpaid parking tickets and thus lacking time to change, Chris appears sloppy and
unprofessional, wearing paint-stained clothes from working on his apartment. He enters the meeting standing before a board of
well-dressed interviewers in utter contrast to his unkempt appearance. Despite his unprofessionalism, this interview represents a
pivotal moment and opportunity for Chris to secure a better future he's been working for himself and his son.

Detail (How): Utilizing visual and auditory elements, such as costume design creates a stark contrast in the clothing between chris’s
unprofessional and dirty attire and the board's extremely professional and heightened attire visually emphasizing the disparity
between his current socioeconomic status and the professional world he aspires to join. The use of close-up shots captures Chris's
anxious yet determined facial expressions, conveying his vulnerability and sincerity. As well, the use of shot-reverse-shot editing during
the dialogue coupled with the bright, natural lighting of the office setting, highlights the interaction and shifting power dynamics
Click On The Image To Watch
between Chris and the interviewers, as well as contrasts with the darkness of Chris's recent experiences. Finally, dialogue plays a crucial
ng
role in the film. With Chris’s honest and quick thinking to navigate the challenging situation his responses and the interviewers' hti
Lig
reactions are even more expressed through carefully timed cuts and camera angles, enhancing the emotional impact of the moment.

Interpretation (Why): This scene powerfully exemplifies how economic ideals like the American Dream influence individual decisions
and actions. Chris's choice to attend the interview despite his unprofessionalism and alarming appearance demonstrates his
commitment to capturing his only opportunity for financial freedom. Although he ultimately gets the job, this shows how economic Cl
os
pressures force individuals to take unimaginable and harmful risks. Instead of being forced to rush to the interview risking his life e-
up
running through the busy streets of New York due to his economic circumstances and the pressure of economic ideals focused on
economic perseverance Chris could have achieved the same result with far less risk. Ultimately It reflects on the broader implications of
how economic ideals shape personal choices and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve a better life for themselves and s
he
their families. Furthermore, the visual imbalance between his attire and that of the interviewers critiques societal emphasis on clot
er
appearance, further asking the question of whether success should be judged by external factors, such as appearance or merit. His op
pr
ability to engage the interviewers with intelligence and charisma challenges their preconceived notions, suggesting that Im
determination and capability can go beyond socioeconomic barriers. The scene underscores the systemic obstacles faced by those in
poverty, illustrating how individuals must often overcome not only financial hardships but also societal prejudices in their pursuit of
economic success.
Evidence #4
Support (WHAT): In "The Pursuit of Happyness," Chris Gardner shares a taxi with Jay Twistle, a
director at Dean Witter. When Chris notices Jay struggling with a Rubik's Cube, Chris confidently
ce
offers to solve it. Despite the time pressure, he completes the puzzle before they reach their d spa
n e
destination, thus leaving Jay impressed. This eventually leads to Jay opening the door to a nfi
Co
potential job opportunity.

Detail (HOW): The director's choice of close-up frames and imagining of Chris’s hand and finger
movements allow the viewer to understand his skill and determination to complete the task.
Compressed framing within the taxi creates an enclosed atmosphere, showing the importance Cl
os
and anxiety of this interaction, focusing on the two characters and the tasks they must complete. e-u
p
Quick shifts between Chris solving the cube and Jay's reactions build tension, while natural
lighting and ambient city sounds create further tension in the scene. The confined setting in the
taxi symbolizes the urgency and the limited opportunities Chris must seize.
Click On The Image To Watch
Interpretation (WHY): This vital scene illustrates how economic ideals such as the American
Dream influence individual decisions by compelling Chris to seize the unexpected opportunity to
solve the Rubik's cube of an important director of the firm. However, it also shows the pressure
on Chris to solve the Rubik's cube, just to gain basic recognition. This reflects the unfair
expectations placed on those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The need of Chris's need to
impress by solving the Rubik's cube under stressful scenarios exemplifies how economic ideals
such as the American Dream can force individuals into risky situations. In this case, Chris taking
a taxi to an unknown location with no idea how to get back home just to grasp a deeper
connection with a director. This shows how these economic ideals cause the relentless pursuit
of success that can lead to undue stress and inequality.
Is the American dream
becoming a nightmare?
Today, we are going to be investigating the article “Is the
American dream becoming a nightmare” to delve into
the approach and details the author uses to convey the
message listed above.
● With the growing stigma of the “American Dream”
a global issue such as this has been plaguing the
minds of individuals all along the world including
outside of America.
● The author, Phillipa Villalobos wrote this article
with the intention of targeting a global audience
of everyone to be economically aware of how the
middle class is being destroyed across not only
America, but all countries. This article was written
in 2017, so it is possible the intended audience has
altered to societal economic changes in the last 7
years.
Evidence #1
Support (WHAT):The article begins with the title and then follows
with a short paragraph before any of the information written in the
article all the way at the top.
Detail (HOW): As seen in the text shown, the article begins with the
question “Is the American dream becoming a nightmare?”. The title
is bolded representing emphasis on the question. The paragraph is
also listed at the top to be read before any information provided.
Interpretation (WHY): The author emphasized the question in bold
to show its importance to the rest of the article. The american
dream that was so long sought out for has now turn against what it
used to be based on economic norms. This is also highlighted in the
important paragraph following the title explaining how the gap
between high and low socioeconomics is growing, deteriorating the
idea of the middle class and having a stable income.
Evidence #2
Support (WHAT):The article “Is the American Dream becoming
a nightmare” provides a photo as a visual interpretation of the
current state of the american dream falling apart.
Detail (HOW): In the photo shown, the illustrator shows a path
of people all different ages walking down a path that appears
to be crumbling like it's on the verge of breaking. Also, there
appears to be a sign named “AMERICAN DREAM” all capitals to
show emphasis that the path is the way that the people are
walking.
Interpretation (WHY): The illustrator, shows the path to
represent the american dream. That is also shown with the
sign representing american nationalism with the colors and
american flag below it. The american dream, the idea of
economic stability is breaking and on the verge of almost
completely collapsing. This is show with the crumbling above.
The different ages are also shown to target all different people
Evidence #3
Support (WHAT):The article “Is the American Dream becoming
a nightmare” provides textual evidence on the issue, with an
example of herself and also her own interpretation on the issue
Detail (HOW): In the text, the author provides a personal
example, stating that if she had grown up in a low-income
household, many opportunities that allowed her to grow
would not have been available. This serves as her personal
evidence of how socioeconomic circumstances impact access
to opportunities and equality. Also her interpretation at the
bottom explains how due to these issues people main focus is
centered around money missing the other important aspects of
life like marriage.
Interpretation (WHY): The author presents her personal
experience and broader observations to help the reader
understand the decline of the American Dream in a more
relatable and tangible way. Also she provides her own
interpretation to give light to other consequences of this
growing global issue.
Evidence #4
Support (WHAT):The article “Is the American Dream becoming
a nightmare” provides a textual evidence with a, hopeful,
ambitious tone saying “we” can fix the issue.
Detail (HOW): In the description shown, the author writes
about how our country wrongfully idolizes the dream not
realizing that majority of economic stability is rooted from our
country and many others. She also makes a call to action saying
“we need to recognize”.
Interpretation (WHY): The author writes in a hopeful,
ambitious tone to inspire the reader and encourage collective
action. By using phrases like "we need to recognize," she
emphasizes that change is possible, but it requires awareness
and effort from everyone. This tone suggests that while the
American Dream may be faltering, there is still hope for
revitalizing it through unity and reform.
Conclusion/Final Evaluation
To conclude, through examining 2 pieces of
text, one a movie and the other a article we’ve come
to interpret how different authors address the global
issue of the american dream. Due to large economic
growing gaps between the rich and poor it is almost
impossible for someone whos in a poor situation to
make it in the world due to their lack of opportunity.
This problem is explored in the “Pursuit of
happyness” by exploring the issue through the lens of
someone who is experiencing poverty. On the other
hand, the article addresses it from someone who did
not experience economic hardship, but talked about
her opportunities not being the same if she
hypothetically was in that situation. These texts bring
light to the growing issue and provide examples of
what those who experience this issue go through.
NAME
Criteria

Knowledge, understanding and interpretation


Presentation shows clear knowledge and understanding of the GI and interpretation of the example texts.

Strategy for improvement

Analysis and evaluation of the texts in light of the global issue are relevant and insightful. There is a thorough
and nuanced understanding of how authorial choices are used to present the global issue.

Strategy for improvement

Focus and organization


Ideas are focused on the texts in light of the global issue and organized in a clear, logical manner with a strong
Introduction, body and conclusion.

Strategy for improvement


NAME
Criteria

Knowledge, understanding and interpretation


Presentation shows clear knowledge and understanding of the GI and interpretation of the example texts.

Strategy for improvement

Analysis and evaluation of the texts in light of the global issue are relevant and insightful. There is a thorough
and nuanced understanding of how authorial choices are used to present the global issue.

Strategy for improvement

Focus and organization


Ideas are focused on the texts in light of the global issue and organized in a clear, logical manner with a strong
Introduction, body and conclusion.

Strategy for improvement


NAME
Criteria

Knowledge, understanding and interpretation


Presentation shows clear knowledge and understanding of the GI and interpretation of the example texts.

Strategy for improvement

Analysis and evaluation of the texts in light of the global issue are relevant and insightful. There is a thorough
and nuanced understanding of how authorial choices are used to present the global issue.

Strategy for improvement

Focus and organization


Ideas are focused on the texts in light of the global issue and organized in a clear, logical manner with a strong
Introduction, body and conclusion.

Strategy for improvement

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