Not Quite Conformity

The other day in class, we discussed the American dream and how it shows a sense of conformity. Almost everyone in the US seems to try to follow the American dream. However, when we each voiced our idea of the American dream at least ten different ideas were discussed. Many had the same idea but unique twists to them. The most popular one that I've heard many times, is that "anyone can make it with hard work and a little luck" or "rags to riches". However, what is the meaning behind "making it"? Most Americans each have a different view of what it is to "make it". As with the American dream each person puts a unique twist to their life goal. For example, one student in my class said that "making it" was to achieve prosperity and happiness, while another said it was to achieve the "white picket fence" which entails an upper middle class living with a quaint house and happy family. Each of these examples deal with happiness and living richly, however one is more specific towards what kind of happiness and just how rich. That discussion on the American dream showed that if a person simply glanced at the American culture, it would appear a conformist society, despite that if one looked closely into American society, they could see the distinct qualities that tint each individual.

When thinking this over, I realized that this individuality can also be seen in fashion. There are different styles, yet fashion allows the wearer to add a personal touch to his or her own style. From this new styles arise and more people add their personal touch to the new fashion. Each year people high in the fashion world decide what will be "in" this season and as it reaches the people, the styles either become more absurd or more understated depending on the wearer and his or her own distinct qualities. These examples of hints of individuality that lie underneath the conformist appearance are what make the American dream.