Today's vision of the American Dream is to live a better life than the one you have now. With the gifts of freedom and opportunity the U.S. gives to all, people have the ability to change things for the better. America is a rich and diverse country, so their citizens are exposed to more, and thus, want more. With the mind thought that anything can happen, Americans keep alive the dream that things will get better. So, a "rags to riches" story is truly American. The picture depicts a man leaving behind his rags and obtaining money. The rags symbolize previous poverty being left behind. The money is positive symbol. It stands for happiness and hope for a better life in a capitalist world. How the man instantly achieves his dream represents how Americans often seek the easy way, rather than work hard and patience. The American dream is to improve one's life effortlessly and instantly through money.
