American Dream Outline

Introduction
Hook: Include a quote from someone who has been discriminated against.
Background: Define what the American dream represents, and include studies of the what
everyone thinks the American dream is.
Thesis: While some Americans may achieve The American Dream not all are
allowed to achieve this distant fantasy. America makes it more difficult to achieve this
dream by discrimination, immigration and unfair bias opinion.

Opposition
Statement: All Americans are able to achieve The American Dream because they have
equality, fair opinions to all races and genders, and equal opportunity.
Proof: Find example of incidents were discrimination and unequal opportunity-Fergusson trial,
Explanation: Explain how the studies show not everyone can live this American Dream
Synthesis: Therefore, US citizens should aid the changes to help everyone make this
achievable.

Position #1
Statement: Discrimination prevents us from allowing everyone to have the American Dream.
Proof: White Americans use drugs more than black Americans, but black people are
arrested for drug possession more than three times as often as whites.
Explanation: The minorities in America are targeted for the color of the skin, the way
they talk, and anything different from the social norm. How can we call ourselves
America but discriminate against people we once told that the American Dream was
accomplishable. Even though whites have the higher rates of drug use blacks are
targeted for arrest more than whites. The police force put in place to protect us and
provide safety for us are using those same powers to discriminate against minorities.
Synthesis: Therefore, while many say racism is dead and discrimination is gone, the two are still
very effective today. Minorities continuously work to achieve this American Dream and are
faced with hardships, fails and empty promises along the way.

Position #2
Statement: Unequal Opportunity prevents minorities in America from advancing as they wish.
Proof: Women earn approximately 77 cents for every dollar men earn. Minority
women fare significantly worse - black women earn 66 cents, while Hispanic women
earn 56 cents for every dollar men earn. ("Highlights of Women's Earnings in 1999,"
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2000)
Explanation: Minorities face the fact that they must work 3x harder than the average
white person just to stay on the same level. If one person is rewarded more than the
other how can minorities achieve the American Dream when they are not rewarded
for the hard work they complete. America makes it almost impossible to have equal
opportunity all across the border.
Synthesis: Synthesis #2:
Hispanic women have to work 2x as hard just to get the same pay a white man would
make, black women must work harder as well. If these races and genders must work
this hard to achieve the same thing as another person then it is not fair. The American
Dream is not attainable for everyone.

Conclusion:
Restated Thesis:
WOW: Discuss how American has continued to let these issues slide. Discuss how racism and
discrimination is still in the world we live today.