Hook Exercise: The American Dream

Directions: Below is a cartoon which deals with an idea called the American
Dream. In pairs or groups of three, examine the cartoon and answer the questions
that follow. Use evidence from the cartoon to explain your thinking.

1. Focus on the left side of the cartoon and the box of “American Dream Helper” on the
shelf. What are the ingredients of the American Dream?
Contemporary lifestyle, house in the suburbs, 2.5 kids and a minivan, culture and recreation,
health care and security.
2. Now focus on the right side of the cartoon and the woman holding the box. What’s the
catch? In other words, what’s the fine print on the back of the box?
They just want money.
3. Does this cartoon portray the American Dream positively or negatively? Explain your
thinking.
Negatively. It shows the real point of the American dream which is to drain money from
there people for things some people don’t want.