Sunday, November 23, 2014

Contemporary Positive Examples of the American Dream


This is a trailer for Captain America: The First Avenger, a film released in 2011. The film tells the story of Steve Rogers, a boy from Brooklyn in World War II America who, thanks to a scientific experiment, becomes a super-soldier.

Steve is a small, weak boy with humble beginnings, shown in the trailer by his line "I'm just a kid from Brooklyn." His evolution to super-solider is a perfect example of the American Dream and American individualism, as his courage and good heart, as opposed to any physical attributes or a wealthy background, are what puts him on the path to his new self, and indeed are the very reasons why he is chosen for the experiment.

The film, obviously, is set during the Second World War. However, it doesn't seem to portray the War as bad for society. Rather, America's war efforts are seen as a good thing, as the Nazis are demonised. The secret Nazi organisation, Hydra, is portrayed throughout the Marvel franchise as evil, and anyone associated with Hydra are seen as equally evil people, not to be sympathised with. This is an example of the American ideology of demonising the 'Other', and portraying them as pure evil, with no possible good intent.

Although Steve's patriotism isn't as loud or as obvious as one might expect it to be, it is clearly illustrated by the fact that he is the one who designs his costume.


The costume, seen here, is obviously patriotic, emphasising the red, white and blue of the American flag. Both the shield and Steve's chest bear a star, resembling the stars representing the 50 states on the flag. Additionally, an "A" is clearly emblazoned on Steve's forehead, which stands for "America".

Additionally, the tagline for the film presented in the trailer is "heroes are made in America", again emphasising the American Dream, and the idea that it is being American, and being in America, that is a key ingredient in becoming the perfect hero, and that it is Americans who epitomise the ideals of "truth, justice and liberty."

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