American Dream vs. Reality
Most people see the American Dream as having lots of money, a large house, and lots of friends. However everyone has their own version of their American Dream. We all see it as achievable because it happens all around us, right? That person living in the mansion MUST be living their best life. That model that made it big at 15 MUST be nothing but happy. Those characters in the movies fell in love and everything worked out perfectly, that MUST be how it is for us too...right?
Wrong.
The reality of so many issues is distorted and we believe those distortions to be the truth. For example, Disney movies. They always end with a happy ending; everyone survives, the main characters fall in love and everyone walks off into the sunset. What would happen if those characters experienced the crushing reality of the true American Dream?
Captain Hook killed Wendy and Peter died trying to save her.
Flynn Rider is executed and Rapunzel strangles Mother Gothel with her hair.
Mulan died in the avalanche on the mountain.
Simba and Scar fell off the cliff while they were fighting.
Cinderella's stepmother destroyed both glass slippers and the prince married someone else.
Though Disney movies are inspiring and entertaining they do not convey the harsh reality. Often times people believe that to be reality, seeing life through rose tinted glasses. When they eventually realize life is not like it is in the movies, it is a slap in the face. Why wouldn't it be? We grow up surrounded by lies. Magazines display models, news makes rich people sound richer, movies have characters that find their true loves right away and never struggle to live comfortably. When growing up surrounded by these stories, why wouldn't we be surprised to discover the truth of life? This is the harsh reality, life is not like it is in the movies.
Wrong.
The reality of so many issues is distorted and we believe those distortions to be the truth. For example, Disney movies. They always end with a happy ending; everyone survives, the main characters fall in love and everyone walks off into the sunset. What would happen if those characters experienced the crushing reality of the true American Dream?
Captain Hook killed Wendy and Peter died trying to save her.
Flynn Rider is executed and Rapunzel strangles Mother Gothel with her hair.
Mulan died in the avalanche on the mountain.
Simba and Scar fell off the cliff while they were fighting.
Cinderella's stepmother destroyed both glass slippers and the prince married someone else.
Though Disney movies are inspiring and entertaining they do not convey the harsh reality. Often times people believe that to be reality, seeing life through rose tinted glasses. When they eventually realize life is not like it is in the movies, it is a slap in the face. Why wouldn't it be? We grow up surrounded by lies. Magazines display models, news makes rich people sound richer, movies have characters that find their true loves right away and never struggle to live comfortably. When growing up surrounded by these stories, why wouldn't we be surprised to discover the truth of life? This is the harsh reality, life is not like it is in the movies.
I totally agree with your position on the realities of the American Dream. I never actually thought deeply about the consequences of our favorite Disney character's action, and how much it could truly effect them. Great work!!
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