Years ago, the United States of America was the prime example of prosperity and opportunity. In recent years, in the worst recession since the Great Depression, unemployment and interest rates have skyrocketed. The “American Dream” is an idea that was once a commonly accepted ideology in this country. It has since become just a mistake. The “American Dream” is no longer a viable idea, just a fantasy. The “American dream” is not a true dream that will ever be equally attainable by everyone. The American Dream is the general belief that all American citizens have an equal opportunity to succeed socially and economically, regardless of any prior circumstances. This idea has been accepted as possible by the majority of citizens of this country. This "dream" cannot be true, since in this country there is multiple discrimination, which makes it impossible for everyone to have the same chance of success. Biases against racial minorities, women, and lower class citizens are just some of the reasons why not everyone has the same chance to succeed in our current economic and social system in America, resulting in unequal chances of achieving “the American dream." .”One of the main factors that decides how successful someone will be is determined by race. Although discrimination due to race is illegal by law, this does not completely discourage racial discrimination. This is especially true when it comes to the American dream, as it shows that the chances of success are not the same for everyone. Studs Turkel records Stephen Cruz's oral retelling of his history of discrimination. Stephen Cruz is a Mexican-American who was discriminated against for this reason. Even if he receives a well-paying job, he knows that he has only received t... half of an article... texts for critical thinking and writing. 8th edition. Ed. Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen and Bonnie Lisle. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. 304-319. Print.Pretty, Dan. The American Dream: Stories from the Heart of a Nation. New York: Harper Collins, 2002. Print.Stoops, Nicole. “Educational Attainment in the United States: 2003.” Current population reports. United States Census Bureau. Economic and statistical administration. U.S. Department of Commerce, June 2004. Web. October 25, 2011.Terkel, Borchie. “Stefano Cruz.” Rereading America: Cultural contexts for critical thinking and writing. 8th edition. Ed. Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen and Bonnie Lisle. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. 366-71. Press.United States. United States Census Bureau. Public Information Office. Income, poverty, and health insurance coverage in the United States: 2010. September 13, 2011. October 20. 2011.