The American Dream is a concept essentially older than the United States, dating back to the seventeenth century. It was then that people began to have hopes and aspirations for the newly discovered and unexplored continent. The “American Dream” is essentially the idea that proposes the idea that all people can succeed through hard work, that all people have the right to the pursuit of happiness and success. The definition of the American Dream has been expanded and redefined over time. The concept of the American dream has always been debated and criticized. Many believe that the structure of American society belies the idealistic goal of the American Dream. It highlights examples of deeply entrenched inequality based on class, race and ethnicity. This idea is the basis that calls into question the viability of the American dream for all. Generation after generation, people firmly believe that with the right mix of grit, courage and character, they can achieve new levels of success for themselves and their families. Implicit in this fusion are the concepts of hard work and determination to overcome adversity. This, in my opinion, is the definition of the American dream; with enough effort and a strong backbone, you can take advantage of whatever natural strengths you have and manipulate them to achieve success. As Americans we have always believed that there was a place to move, something to overcome, to improve our lot in life and lift ourselves up. According to Issues and Controversies' "Economic Recession" article, a group of economists determined that the United States was in recession from December 2007 to June 2009, making it the longest recession... middle of paper. among those around you. It is what makes us grow and keeps us going; which is exactly what the American dream is about. Works cited the “economic recession.” Problems and controversies. Facts On File News Services, February 17, 2011. Web. November 18, 2011. .Thomma, Steven. “For many, the 'American dream is struggling'.” Detroit Free Press. 27 March 2011: A.18. SIRS Problem Researcher. Network. November 21, 2011."Economic recession." Problems and controversies. Facts On File News Services, February 17, 2011. Web. November 18, 2011. .Thomma, Steven. “For many, the 'American dream is struggling'.” Detroit Free Press. 27 March 2011: A.18. SIRS Problem Researcher. Network. November 21, 2011. "The American Dream: Redefined for a Family | A Life of a King." A Life of a King: Enjoying Family Travel Adventures. Network. November 21. 2011.