American education is often framed as the path toward achieving the American Dream, and this creates a false narrative that marginalized people are capable of accessing social and economic mobility through the pursuit of education. The American Dream is a powerful force that provides hope; hope for better circumstances. The American Dream means different things to different people, but a common conception for many marginalized people is that the way to achieve their American Dream, whatever it may mean to them, is through the pursuit of education. Education is perceived as the tool that places American citizens on a common ground on the path to success. This thesis shows that the idea of the American Dream is a strong force in keeping marginalized people complacent within their positions in society because if they believe one day they will be able to mobilize, then they remain stagnant within the inequitable societal structures that shape the nation. Education was never meant to provide equal opportunity for those who seek it, and scapegoating educational institutions ignores social structures rooted in racism, xenophobia, classism, and sexism which prevent marginalized people from mobilizing in their social positions. The United States is not built on values of equality. America is not a state of meritocracy. Marginalized people are constantly working hard every day of their lives, and only some are able to truly mobilize themselves socially and economically, but this often occurs out of sheer luck, connections, and insight into a system that was not created for them.
"},{"label":"Degree","value":["Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors"]},{"label":"Author-supplied Keywords","value":["American dream","Education","Demystify"]},{"label":"Administrative Note","value":"Drupal Node ID: 23863