The United States with New York as the country's largest urban city passed through an immense development in the mid-19th and early-20th century. The metropolis changed in terms of urban landscapes, industrialization, pace of life and importance, which influenced people's views on the cosmopolitan city New York. It is a fact that the city's population is growing since the early 19th century continuously and becomes more and more attractive for people from the whole world. Different artists of different groups and art movements concern themselves with the metropolis New York and its advantages and possibilities. The aim of this paper is to show that the urbanization influenced the stereotypical American Dream in a negative way which has thus changed into a more realistic one. On this account this paper will show the shift of the American Dream on the basis of the metropolis New York, comparing the songs New York, New York and Empire State of Mind, in relation to urbanization within the city. The paper starts out by introducing its historical context: it points out the historical facts of cultural change of the American city in the late-19th and early-20th century, considering the industrialization, urbanization of landscapes and the integration of the urban metropolis into the American Dream. Further more the chapter focuses on the idea of the American Dream, its origin and development regarding the city's social and cultural background. The third chapter, involves the analysis of the two songs, which both pick out the metropolis New York and its opportunity as a central theme. The two songs are connected because of thematic reasons according to the depiction of New York in two different time episodes. Furthermore this chapter provides a stylistic and thematic comparison of both songs in relation to the American Dream, which existed at the time of both respective songs but differs in the late 19th century from the early 20th century. Comparing the similarities and differences of picturing the American dream, this chapter illustrates the change from then and now, giving consideration to the respective temporal circumstances. The fourth chapter contains a conclusion, which sums up all facts and gives an outlook on a possible shift of the American dream into a different direction and explains the maintenance of the American dream in a critical way.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Integration of the Urban Metropolis into the American Dream
- 2.1 Historical Context of the American City
- 2.2 New York
- 2.3 The American Dream
- 2.4 The Connection Between Urbanization and the American Dream
- 3. Song Analysis
- 3.1 New York, New York
- 3.1.1 Stylistic Analysis
- 3.1.2 Thematic Analysis
- 3.2 Empire State of Mind
- 3.2.1 Stylistic Analysis
- 3.2.2 Thematic Analysis
- 3.3 Comparative Summary of Both Songs
- 3.1 New York, New York
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to demonstrate the negative influence of urbanization on the stereotypical American Dream, illustrating its transformation into a more realistic vision. This will be achieved by examining the shift in the American Dream through the lens of New York City, comparing the songs "New York, New York" (Frank Sinatra) and "Empire State of Mind" (Jay-Z & Alicia Keys) within the context of the city's urbanization.
- The historical evolution of the American Dream and its connection to urban development.
- The impact of urbanization on the social and cultural landscape of New York City.
- A comparative analysis of two songs reflecting different eras and perspectives on the American Dream in New York.
- The changing nature of immigration patterns and their contribution to New York's growth and diversity.
- The persistent social inequalities and challenges within the context of the evolving American Dream.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper, highlighting the significant development of New York City in the mid-19th and early-20th centuries and its impact on perceptions of the American Dream. It introduces the central argument: urbanization negatively shaped the traditional American Dream, evolving it into a more pragmatic version. The paper outlines its methodology, focusing on a comparative analysis of two songs representing different periods in New York City's history to illustrate this shift.
2. The Integration of the Urban Metropolis into the American Dream: This chapter explores the intertwined relationship between American urbanization and the development of the American Dream. It examines the historical context of American cities, particularly New York's rapid growth, focusing on industrialization, landscape changes, and the integration of the urban metropolis into the broader concept of the American Dream. The chapter delves into the historical context of American city development, particularly New York City's growth from the 1820s to the early 20th century, outlining the impact of industrialization and immigration on the city's transformation. This transformation shaped the evolving American Dream, connecting economic opportunities and social changes to the ever-changing urban landscape.
2.1 Historical Context of the American City: This subchapter details the significant population growth of American cities between 1820 and 1860, focusing on the impact of westward expansion and economic developments. It highlights the influx of immigrants and the resulting changes to urban infrastructure and social dynamics. The chapter shows how economic development, particularly the expansion of transportation and manufacturing, fuelled the growth of American urban centers. This growth drew substantial immigration, shaping the cultural landscape and the concept of opportunity in the American Dream.
2.2 New York: This section provides a focused examination of New York City's development as America's largest urban center. It traces its growth and diversification, noting the construction of significant infrastructure projects and the waves of immigration that profoundly shaped the city's character. The chapter details the immense population growth of New York City from the late 19th to mid 20th century, describing infrastructure developments like the Brooklyn Bridge and the impact of these projects on the city’s physical and social structure. It further elaborates on changing demographics and the challenges of maintaining opportunity in a rapidly growing metropolis.
2.3 The American Dream: This section explores the historical origins and evolution of the American Dream, tracing its conceptual development from early colonial settlement to its interpretation in the context of urban life. It discusses how diverse groups envisioned America and shaped the aspirational aspects of the American Dream, contrasting idealizations with the realities experienced by different groups.
Keywords
American Dream, urbanization, New York City, immigration, social change, cultural transformation, song analysis, comparative analysis, historical context, economic development, social inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper examines the negative influence of urbanization on the stereotypical American Dream, showcasing its transformation into a more realistic vision. It uses New York City as a case study, comparing the songs "New York, New York" (Frank Sinatra) and "Empire State of Mind" (Jay-Z & Alicia Keys) to illustrate this shift.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the historical evolution of the American Dream and its connection to urban development, the impact of urbanization on New York City's social and cultural landscape, a comparative analysis of two songs reflecting different eras and perspectives on the American Dream in New York, changing immigration patterns and their contribution to New York's growth and diversity, and the persistent social inequalities and challenges within the context of the evolving American Dream.
What is the methodology used in this paper?
The paper uses a comparative analysis of two songs ("New York, New York" and "Empire State of Mind") to illustrate the shift in the American Dream through the lens of New York City's urbanization. It also examines the historical context of American city development, particularly New York City's growth.
Which songs are analyzed in the paper, and what aspects are considered?
The paper analyzes "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra and "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys. The analysis includes stylistic and thematic examinations of each song, followed by a comparative summary.
What is the historical context discussed in the paper?
The paper discusses the historical context of American cities, focusing on New York City's rapid growth from the mid-19th and early-20th centuries. It highlights industrialization, landscape changes, immigration, and the impact of these factors on the American Dream.
What is the paper's conclusion regarding the American Dream and urbanization?
The paper argues that urbanization negatively shaped the traditional American Dream, evolving it into a more pragmatic version. The rapid growth and changes in New York City serve as a prime example of this transformation.
What are the key chapters and their contents?
The paper includes an introduction setting the stage, a chapter on the integration of the urban metropolis into the American Dream, a chapter on song analysis (including stylistic and thematic analysis of both songs and a comparative summary), and concluding with keywords.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
American Dream, urbanization, New York City, immigration, social change, cultural transformation, song analysis, comparative analysis, historical context, economic development, social inequality.
What is the overall purpose of this paper?
The paper aims to demonstrate the negative influence of urbanization on the stereotypical American Dream by illustrating its transformation into a more realistic vision through the lens of New York City's development and the comparative analysis of two iconic songs.
Where can I find more detailed information about specific aspects of the paper, such as the historical context of New York City or the stylistic analysis of the songs?
The provided text offers chapter summaries that give a detailed overview of each section. A full version of the paper would provide a comprehensive exploration of each topic.
- Quote paper
- Lara Luisa Schöber (Author), 2016, The Stereotypical American Dream. Then and Now, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/438828
