Social Class and the American Dream

The video explores the reasons people migrated to America, seeking to escape European aristocracy and find equal opportunity. It discusses the American Dream, where hard work could lead to success, and how this dream was initially realized by many. However, over time, social classes became entrenched, as depicted in 'The Great Gatsby', where old money and new money created divisions. The American Dream became corrupted, with wealth and social status largely determined by birth rather than effort.

Why did many people initially migrate to America?

• To explore new lands

• To find new job opportunities

• To join the American Civil War

• To escape the aristocracy in Europe

What is the fundamental basis of the American Dream?

• Inheriting wealth

• Equal opportunity through hard work

• Joining the elite class

• Owning land

How did the American Civil War affect social classes?

• It caused economic decline

• It created new job opportunities

• It led to the formation of an elite class

• It eliminated social classes

What distinguished 'old money' from 'new money' in Gatsby's era?

• Old money was associated with elite status

• New money was inherited

• New money was considered more prestigious

• Old money was earned through hard work

How did Gatsby acquire his wealth?

• Through questionable means but with effort

• By winning the lottery

• Through inheritance

• By working hard in an honest way

What was the perception of Gatsby's wealth compared to Tom's?

• Gatsby's wealth was more respected

• Tom's wealth was considered more legitimate

• Both were seen as equal

• Gatsby's wealth was seen as superior

What does the term 'old money' refer to?

• Wealth earned through hard work

• Wealth inherited from previous generations

• Wealth from foreign investments

• Money earned from new businesses

How was the American Dream corrupted over time?

• It became more accessible to everyone

• It encouraged more people to work hard

• It was limited by the class one was born into

• It led to economic prosperity for all

What determined social status in Gatsby's time?

• The level of education achieved

• The class one was born into

• The amount of money one had

• The number of properties owned

What was the impact of being born into a certain class?

• It had no impact on one's future

• It largely determined one's social mobility

• It was irrelevant to the American Dream

• It guaranteed success