An American Fairytale
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." Words spoken by a famous non American who knew the dreams of many, and witnessed the American dream for himself. There is only so much that can be written and said about the American dream. It is something that must be experienced, felt, and seen to be fully understood. Even then, understanding does not bring realization and some dreams are never fulfilled. A dream is different to each imagination, but the idiosyncrasies and common ideals that built our nation from the beginning is present in each one. People from all over the world see grandeur and wealth in the American vision, obvious prosperity - but underneath that typical, shining gold standard is something much more. "A better life" is the most common definition of the American dream, but what does that mean? What must we do in order to actually live it? We want to believe that dreams come true, and that fairytales can be real. To me, the American dream is "An American Fairytale," a story containing this country's life images in colour, light, and dark.
"To the centre of the city, where all roads meet, waiting for you." In this situation, this is meant to mean that the person chasing the American dream has traveled many roads to reach a destination where they believe is the place of all their hopes and dreams. The first panel of photographs takes its title and caption from lyrics in Joy Division's "Shadowplay". The band themselves hail from the industrial English city of Manchester, in the social turmoil of the '70s and '80s, while these photos were taken in San Francisco of May 2010. Ian Curtis' lyrics are also tinged with a quiet desperation that can be felt in the photos. Despite whatever cultural difference, a number of parallels can be made with the photographs and the words they were combined with.
The first photo depicts an enter sign for an old hotel, where our American fairytale will begin. The hotel represents America with its age and the connotation behind the word. According to most people, hotels are supposed to be "fancy, luxurious" and "expensive." Like the Statue of Liberty, it is a symbol that welcomes people to a new place, and like America - it is not always what people expect it to be.
The following photo is that of a middle aged woman I passed by on the San Francisco streets, streets walked on by American dreamers all the time. Except many of these dreamers were dressed in beautiful designer clothes, with eyes looking at life through expensive Chanel eyewear. Somehow, they did not see this woman with poor and dirty clothing so different from theirs, and hunger written so plainly on a cardboard sign in front of her.
Below is a similar scene - a homeless man with his meager belongings in a box sleeping on some steps with a stunning vintage Mercedes-Benz in the foreground. The contrasting scenarios of wealth and status versus the ostracized poor shows us the harsher realities.
In between the two photos is a black and white picture of "one way only." This refers to how society views that in the American dream, we can only follow one road - the road that ends in prosperity, or the road with a dead end. It is also meant to symbolize the perseverance one must possess to reach wherever they're headed. "But I could only stare in disbelief as the crowds all left." Obviously, there is selfishness, apathy and indifference where that fabled American dream doesn't quite flourish like we imagine it to, and even where it does. The panel expresses dual meanings - the indifference we might have towards those who are living a life opposite that of the ideal, and the darker side of the American dream.
The first photo depicts an enter sign for an old hotel, where our American fairytale will begin. The hotel represents America with its age and the connotation behind the word. According to most people, hotels are supposed to be "fancy, luxurious" and "expensive." Like the Statue of Liberty, it is a symbol that welcomes people to a new place, and like America - it is not always what people expect it to be.
The following photo is that of a middle aged woman I passed by on the San Francisco streets, streets walked on by American dreamers all the time. Except many of these dreamers were dressed in beautiful designer clothes, with eyes looking at life through expensive Chanel eyewear. Somehow, they did not see this woman with poor and dirty clothing so different from theirs, and hunger written so plainly on a cardboard sign in front of her.
Below is a similar scene - a homeless man with his meager belongings in a box sleeping on some steps with a stunning vintage Mercedes-Benz in the foreground. The contrasting scenarios of wealth and status versus the ostracized poor shows us the harsher realities.
In between the two photos is a black and white picture of "one way only." This refers to how society views that in the American dream, we can only follow one road - the road that ends in prosperity, or the road with a dead end. It is also meant to symbolize the perseverance one must possess to reach wherever they're headed. "But I could only stare in disbelief as the crowds all left." Obviously, there is selfishness, apathy and indifference where that fabled American dream doesn't quite flourish like we imagine it to, and even where it does. The panel expresses dual meanings - the indifference we might have towards those who are living a life opposite that of the ideal, and the darker side of the American dream.
U2 wrote "In God's Country," during their American inspired phase of music, appropriately describing the photographs in this panel. Freedom of religion is cherished dearly by millions of Americans. It is well known that the the very origins of this country came from the simple pursuit of freedom of faith. In contrast to the religious motifs essential to the American dream, the series begins with an atheistic man proclaiming his personal happiness with the lack of a religion, boldly on his chest. Although the majority of the country is Christian, other religions and atheism are strongly another part of the faith theme in America. American laws and our culture as a whole has been heavily influenced by Christianity, both beneficially and in terrible hurtful ways. The photo of candles lit in the dark paints this half and half dichotomy. Many Americans will tell you that their faith keeps them strong, and perhaps even sane, in the fast paced modern world. Others will tell you that religion confined their lives. And while our nation prides themselves on being open minded, bigots and hypocrites parade under a devotion banner. It is American Christianity that has also been stereotyped, mocked, and even commercialized - as seen in the church sign photo. The last picture is of a Buddhist monk with a look of simple serenity, illustrates the peace that religion brings to some people - despite the problems it does create. "Everyday the dreamers die, see what's on the other side." We believe what we choose to believe. We can't deny that there are Christians who think that atheist/Muslim/etc. beliefs won't last like their own, and use their side as an 'example' of what is wrong. It is just as some others do the same for Christianity. America is wonderful (and not so wonderful), and unique in their adamant support of freedom of religion - while it is not perfect, it is a fundamental part of the American dream.
"The World We Live In" is an economy focused series of photos. The American dream is not completely about money, but a large part of it is intrinsic to it. As we cultivate our finances, we become ever so closer to the car or house of our dreams. On the other hand, by doing so, we also make it easier to stereotype the American dream as a simple aspiration to 'get rich.' There is more to it than pure materialism and greed, though it can be hard to see that past the dollar signs surrounding our daily lives. The first photo depicts a busy day at the New York Stock Exchange on the newspaper - a classic American image of the moneymaker. More money equates to more success in our society, though too commonly it pushes people to acquire it through lies and deceit. The bank pictured underneath brings to mind our current economy and its crisis. It can be interpreted to mean that dreams (like banks) sometimes fail, but it can remind us that the American dream is more than just about dollars. It is the last photo that might best express the complex nature of American capitalism in the dreams of a consumer driven society. A shopping window shows us what we want, and shows us ourselves in the reflection of the glass, metaphorically and physically. We all want a rags to riches fairytale, and we want to attain meaning through it. "I feel myself get tired. I still want something real. This is the world we live in." Dreams can be nothing, simply because they are intangible. Isn't a dollar bill just a piece of paper anyway? Material things may be the most tangible form of success, but they are not the most substantial. We are all aware of this, and this awareness is present in the American dream - through the blood, sweat and tears drained from the heart of every hard working American.
"Americana" opens with Lady Gaga in black and white on a magazine cover, a current international symbol of American culture. She is well known for her individuality, but her uniqueness can be questioned. Lady Gaga, like so much of American culture, sells sex. In that way, she conforms to society, especially American society's wants and needs. She is a picture of the successful American dream - simultaneously different and marketable. None of it came easily to her, she worked for her share, the way all dreamers must. Fittingly, the theme is extended in the grocery aisle. The variety and mass quantity we see in our supermarkets is characteristic of our American culture. The common iPod was placed in the panel as a symbol of the influence our culture has globally, and shared universal traits such as musicality, creativity and ingenuity. And no matter the country or location, everyone has an aspect of the American dream in themselves because the dream is composed of qualities that can be found in everyone.
"Glamorous Indie Rock n' Roll" was inspired by the same titled song from The Killers.
The first photo is of their Hot Fuss album, where much of the lyrics mentioned come from, is actually a direct acknowledgment of their influence in this project. When one thinks of American music - they bring up Bruce Springsteen, U2, or other classic rock bands. And yet, the Killers are probably the band with the most American convictions at the moment. They come from Las Vegas, a place of everything and nothing all at once.
Following the Killers is a necklace in black and white, made of glass not diamonds, to represent how the beauty of the American dream isn't true all of the time. There will always be someone ahead of you, or wealthier than yourself, which creates tension and jealousy.
Lastly, the black and white Prada photo illustrates commercial and personal freedom. By simply being able to walk into that Prada store is an expression of the American dream - one has the freedom and money enough to do so in this country. Perhaps not purchase anything, but we can afford to walk in. The whole panel is supposed to sum up the dazzling and rebellious spirit behind the American dream. "It's like a cigarette in the mouth, or a handshake in the doorway." We dream our lives to be beautiful and glamorous, yet we simultaneously fight the things we supposedly want such as fame and capitalism. The American dream is inextricably tied to materialism, but we manage to reject that notion at the same time. In countless different ways, Americans are bourgeois punks - another contradiction, and another irony of the dream.
The first photo is of their Hot Fuss album, where much of the lyrics mentioned come from, is actually a direct acknowledgment of their influence in this project. When one thinks of American music - they bring up Bruce Springsteen, U2, or other classic rock bands. And yet, the Killers are probably the band with the most American convictions at the moment. They come from Las Vegas, a place of everything and nothing all at once.
Following the Killers is a necklace in black and white, made of glass not diamonds, to represent how the beauty of the American dream isn't true all of the time. There will always be someone ahead of you, or wealthier than yourself, which creates tension and jealousy.
Lastly, the black and white Prada photo illustrates commercial and personal freedom. By simply being able to walk into that Prada store is an expression of the American dream - one has the freedom and money enough to do so in this country. Perhaps not purchase anything, but we can afford to walk in. The whole panel is supposed to sum up the dazzling and rebellious spirit behind the American dream. "It's like a cigarette in the mouth, or a handshake in the doorway." We dream our lives to be beautiful and glamorous, yet we simultaneously fight the things we supposedly want such as fame and capitalism. The American dream is inextricably tied to materialism, but we manage to reject that notion at the same time. In countless different ways, Americans are bourgeois punks - another contradiction, and another irony of the dream.
"Perestroika" refers to the political and economical changes in the Soviet Union before the fall of Communism.....All through the difficult changes and transitions of the last decade, and the last, the country never let the American dream go. It is one of the few things in our nation that has actually remained immortal and for the most part, unchanged, in our constantly changing world of views and opinions...... Anyone...can have influence in our nation, and are fully capable of making a difference. "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier." There is the obvious war in Iraq, and then there is the one that is always being fought at home - the fight for change and social issues.
"Under the Gun" targets current controversial issues that connect to the American dream. Immediately after the title is a homeless man asleep on a bench with the famous Obama campaign poster behind him.It goes to show that shattered dreams are as much an American reality as the dream itself. American dreams may have different origins, but they all amount to about the same thing - a better future. The topic of immigration seen in the third photo portrays the concept of how every single one of us is an immigrant. We go through our American life searching for ways to make our dreams real. It also provokes the thought that this land is "our land", yet it doesn't belong to us.....We might live in modern times, and convince ourselves that our society is equal, but it is not. The American dream's foundation is built on equality, but we still don't have that. "Panic on the streets of London. Panic on the streets of Birmingham. I wonder to myself will life ever be sane again?" It seems that whatever progress we make, as years go by and the American dream ages, part of society still doesn't move along with it.
"Everything Will Be Alright" is the last track on Hot Fuss, and lends its name to the final panel of pictures. It begins with two photos of students passing through class. They are the youth who go through each day carrying tomorrow in their minds and imaginations. Their aspirations, dreams and desires are the sames ones for tomorrow, but it is all lived in the present. As this quote on tumblr puts it, "Seize the day and put the least possible trust in tomorrow. FUCK THE FUTURE." (Very reminiscent of 70's UK punk's "There's no future.") And everyone goes through everyday routine,private trials and tribulations- despite whatever crisis the world is going through. The single most important trait in the American dream is simply hope. In every dream and every fairytale, there is belief that the world will be better because losing hope means losing your dreams. When there is nothing else, there is still hope to hold on to, to create and continue any meaning in a vision or a goal. It is for these reasons that the American dream has survived generation to generation.
The final two captures on the San Francisco streets complete the collection. One is looking straight ahead, across a street illuminated by sunlight, the view unclear but bright. The very last image is at a street corner of an unseen name, with the perspective looking up into a brilliant blue sky. Nothing is certain, not even in dreams, though the changes are up to us.
The final two captures on the San Francisco streets complete the collection. One is looking straight ahead, across a street illuminated by sunlight, the view unclear but bright. The very last image is at a street corner of an unseen name, with the perspective looking up into a brilliant blue sky. Nothing is certain, not even in dreams, though the changes are up to us.
San Francisco, the Killers, and the odd British band or two, all combined, are not usually what comes into people's thoughts when you mention the American dream. However, I used them to represent the nuances and less often seen side of the American dream that cannot be fully expressed in an essay. The themes and ideas behind the American dream can be experienced in this small dimension for a few minutes through these people and that city, through images and choice words. In every fairytale, there is good and bad, battles are won and lost, and the anticipated ending is supposed to be what matters most. Was the dream accomplished, or crushed? Did they all live happily ever after? "An American Fairytale," is a theme that is supposed to portray the themes within the American dream, because of the congruency in their morals and ironies. It contains cynicism, as people can easily associate that with both these things. I realized more than ever that the American dream is a story composed of of all this - desperation, faith, blind greed, rise to power and rags to riches, glitter and dust, war, and good old fashioned values. It is part fairytale, part cliche, it remains to be truth and lies - and yet it couldn't be truer than it's own existence.
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