"The American Dream" has existed since USA’s declaration of independence in 1776, but was first used as a concept in the 1920’s. An example of a novel is F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby from 1925, where the American dream is portrayed with a lot of symbolism in form of the main character trying to achieve his goals in New York.
But the idea of the concept keeps growing. We especially see this in todays society and the music industry. For many, fame is a goal or a sign of gaining succes in form of The American Dream.
Artists still keep referring to The American Dream in their songs, especially for those who started at a rocky bottom, but climbed their way up to fame.
An example of the concept used in a song and video, is Rihanna's American oxygen(2015). You can watch the music video bellow.
The video shows us small clips of historical scenes. Martin Luther King is portrayed, because he was the symbol of afroamericans gaining freedom and standing up for their rights.
The video also shows us kids with different ethnical backgrounds, witch also points at immigrants and how America is open for anyone.
She says "You can be anything at all in America"- pointing at all the possibilities that America has to offer as a country. She also refers to Americas national anthem.
However she adresses that it is difficult and challenging to work your way up, it is not just something that is given to you. We also see this poor veteran on the street, begging for money.
The video definitely uses a lot of pathos and ethos throughout the whole video. Pathos is shown in the mentioned examples. The video is not afraid to bring issues to debate- especially in form of ethos and all the historical clips. One clips shows us a policemen using violence, and therefore it appeals to our ethics and moral. What is right and what is wrong?
Just to make it more clear, here are the themes, message and symbols:
Themes:
- The American Dream - Ethical differences - Racial inequality and equality (Martin Luther king, President Barack Obama) - Society issues - Freedom - Patriotism
Message:
- That it is possible for everyone to pursue their dreams, if they just work hard for them. - At the same time the video shows us that some people still end up with an unaccomplished goal. - That there are still some things that needs to be improved in the American society.
Symbols:
- Parachute Sign of freedom and dreams. The parachute is also a sign of security, and when Rihanna is struggling to get free, she is struggling to fulfill her dreams. She wants to get out of her comfort zone, to take a step closer to succes. But it is also a tough challenge, witch you have to fight through alone to pursue happiness.
- Money Shows the profits, and benefits of the wealthy life, witch you can also gain through The American Dream.
- Light (in form of fire, fireworks etc.) Shows hope, a new beginning.
A lot of famous people are results of The American Dream. Besides Rihanna, even Barack Obama, and Drake has gotten from a lower background to being where they are today.
But the idea of the concept keeps growing. We especially see this in todays society and the music industry. For many, fame is a goal or a sign of gaining succes in form of The American Dream.
Artists still keep referring to The American Dream in their songs, especially for those who started at a rocky bottom, but climbed their way up to fame.
An example of the concept used in a song and video, is Rihanna's American oxygen (2015).
You can watch the music video bellow.
The video shows us small clips of historical scenes. Martin Luther King is portrayed, because he was the symbol of afroamericans gaining freedom and standing up for their rights.
The video also shows us kids with different ethnical backgrounds, witch also points at immigrants and how America is open for anyone.
Oh say can you see, this is the American Dream
Young girl, hustlin'
On the other side of the ocean
You can be anything at all
In America, America
Rihanna herself is from Barbados. Her childhood was deeply affected by her father's addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol. By the time she was fourteen, her parents had divorced.
She is therefore and example of a person coming from lower standards to, as a 16 year old, be traveling to the states, in hope of getting succesfull. This is described in the lyrics above.
She says "You can be anything at all in America"- pointing at all the possibilities that America has to offer as a country.
She also refers to Americas national anthem.
We sweat for a nickel and a dime
However she adresses that it is difficult and challenging to work your way up, it is not just something that is given to you. We also see this poor veteran on the street, begging for money.
The video definitely uses a lot of pathos and ethos throughout the whole video. Pathos is shown in the mentioned examples.
The video is not afraid to bring issues to debate- especially in form of ethos and all the historical clips.
One clips shows us a policemen using violence, and therefore it appeals to our ethics and moral. What is right and what is wrong?
This is the new America
We are the new America
Towards the end, Rihanna sings "This is the new America-We are the new America"- With the images shown Rihanna shows us that even though The American Dream is no achievable for everyone, and that it also has bad sides too it, America still connect everyone as "one", and welcomes all with open arms-
also based on ethical differences. At the same time, she may be questioning the state that they have become, exactly because The American Dream can not be pursued by everyone, and because there is still problems in the society.
Just to make it more clear, here are the themes, message and symbols:
Themes:
- The American Dream
- Ethical differences
- Racial inequality and equality (Martin Luther king, President Barack Obama)
- Society issues
- Freedom
- Patriotism
Message:
- That it is possible for everyone to pursue their dreams, if they just work hard for them.
- At the same time the video shows us that some people still end up with an unaccomplished goal.
- That there are still some things that needs to be improved in the American society.
Symbols:
- Parachute
Sign of freedom and dreams. The parachute is also a sign of security, and when Rihanna is struggling to get free, she is struggling to fulfill her dreams. She wants to get out of her comfort zone, to take a step closer to succes. But it is also a tough challenge, witch you have to fight through alone to pursue happiness.
- The American flag
Sign of patriotism. The colors of the flag represents purity, innocence, bravery and justice, witch is what the American dream stands for.
The stars in the flag are also a symbol of goal.
The stripes represent the light from the sun.
- Money
Shows the profits, and benefits of the wealthy life, witch you can also gain through The American Dream.
- Light (in form of fire, fireworks etc.)
Shows hope, a new beginning.
A lot of famous people are results of The American Dream. Besides Rihanna, even Barack Obama, and Drake has gotten from a lower background to being where they are today.
By Astrid and Shpatina