Two Sides to Every Story

     It is extremely difficult to compress the American Dream, in its entirety, to one simple definition. Every American has a different perspective of the American Dream, and therefore expects to achieve something different through pursuing it, than what their neighbor, cousin, or parent may hope to achieve. However, USC professor Walter Fisher claims that there is indeed not one single myth of the American Dream, but two differing myths. The "materialistic myth of individual success" and the "egalitarian myth of brotherhood" (114) were embodied respectively in the 1972 presidential election by Richard Nixon and George McGovern. Fisher further elaborates on such myths, describing the materialistic myth as "compassionless and self-centered" and the moralistic myth as "tolerant, charitable, and compassionate" (114). Fisher incorporates the two different myths throughout his academic journal to disclose the way presidential candidates, like Nixon and McGovern, must appeal to their specific audiences in order to gain their needed support. For example, the candidate who believes in the materialistic aspect must encourage Americans to desire something bigger and better than what they currently have, ultimately galvanizing them to work for what they want in life. The candidate preaching the moralistic myth of the American Dream forces Americans to rethink their actions, to make a change that is equally beneficial for all citizens of the nation. 

     We like to imagine that the American nation is thriving as we enter new decades and develop significantly, but are we really? I felt that I could easily replace the names Nixon and McGovern with Trump and Clinton, and Fisher's writing would elicit the same message. I believe that the coexistence of the two myths is certainly positive; however, the manner in which the presidential candidates deliver these myths often divides the nation as citizens feel they must choose a side and express disapproval of the opposing side. Fisher's claim that two American Dreams existed in 1972 is vividly seen today, in 2017. The American nation has become increasingly divided, and the recent presidential election was no help in alleviating the tension. Just as Nixon embodied the materialistic myth and McGovern represented the moralistic myth, Donald Trump preached individualism and Hillary Clinton demanded equality. For example, Clinton proposed equal pay, paid family leave, earned sick days, an increase in minimum wage, a tax increase for the wealthy, and a stricter assault weapons ban. Clinton's proposals, if enacted, would create a more harmonious nation as citizens' opportunities would increase and the overall quality of life would improve.

     People often ask, "how did Donald Trump get elected?". Fisher notes that because McGovern preached moralistic ideas that evoked citizens with a sense of guilt, people instead voted for Nixon as "their vote would signify loyalty and patriotism..."(115). I believe that this may be the same reasoning behind Donald Trump's election as the President of the United States. Rather than acknowledge that significant issues exist as detriments to the country's well-being, it was easier for Americans to imagine that everything was okay, joining the fight to "Make America Great Again!". They knew that under such slogan they would most likely be able to continue acting freely, as they desired, even though others (immigrants, lower class, etc.) might not garner those same opportunities.

     Overall, through examining the 1972 and 2017 presidential elections, one can view that there are two sides to every story. In this case, there are two sides two the story of the American Dream- the materialistic myth and the moralistic myth. Although neither side is necessarily right or wrong, individuals find it quite simple to negate the ideas that oppose their own, which allows for the division that is widespread throughout America today.