Summaries

I: “How the American Dream Turned into a Nightmare”

Author: Takis S. Pappas/ Newsweek
Genre: Article
Year of Publication: 2017

The text is an opinion article by university professor Takis S. Pappas, which was originally published on the Democratic Audit UK blog. The text was republished in the American media Newsweek, which is oriented towards the political left. The article was published the same month that Donald Trump took the oath of office and became the 45th US President. The author’s intention is to send a warning regarding Trump’s presidency, suggesting that it might have a negative impact on the American Dream.

The text includes a photo of immigrant children on Elis Island from 1908, hinting at the fact that Pappas considers immigration an important aspect of the American Dream and American society (unlike Donald Trump, who opposes many forms of immigration).

In the article, Takis S. Pappas argues that the American Dream of equal opportunity has historically brought people of different cultures and backgrounds to the US, making the country a melting pot. However, now America has changed and so have American institutions and the US President.

Pappas believes the situation has changed because of poor future possibilities, threats to group status, and a desire for bolder leadership.

Most Americans today are frustrated because they feel they are not receiving what they deserve, they fear mixing with other cultures, and they are disappointed by the false promises of politicians. Donald Trump was elected because he promised solutions to all these problems and declared that he would bring the American Dream back to life.

Years of commercial practices have increased America’s debt and when the economy slowed down it was the white working-class that was hit the hardest. This is why a Trump voter believes there is no American Dream anymore, except for bankers and lawyers. Another voter noted that when a factory closed down in her town, there were no jobs left, and that many kids there suffer from drug addiction.

Trump’s electoral campaign focused on people’s dissatisfaction with their lives and with politicians, and he promised to speak for the working class. The message also appealed to naturalised minorities, who already felt American, even though Trump promised to rid the country of illegal immigrants.

Pappas argues that many see Trump as unfit to govern and that it is hard to imagine that he will manage to bring back jobs or to reduce social polarisation in the US, as he intends to deport illegal immigrants.

The author also fears that Trump’s presidency will weaken American institutions and create political imba...