America’s Sales

America is a country that makes its profit by selling and buying products and is how most businesses are created. When Charley told Willy that “the only thing you got in this world is what you can sell” (1256) he meant exactly that in the 1940’s most working class men were salesman it was the prominent  job back in that generation if you couldn’t sell your product you couldn’t bring home the bacon. Today’s generation is not really that different in sales and it is still a prominent job available to people though it does differ in how we get paid. In the 1940’s, it was mostly based on commission where as in this time we have a base pay and depending on the company they will include a commission along with a base pay. People today are doing a little better than in the 1940s. Since the pay in this day in age is base and not commission only. There are still struggles with how much a person gets paid and work issues just like in the 1940s. Although, the method of sales have changed the underlying principle is the same. Just like Willy, people come to old age and have issues which some people overcome and others might not. Now, people have a backup plan like the 104k and retirement plans, while back then they probably did not have any backup plan of that nature; thus, leading to more hardship and finical issues. Looking back at the 1940’s, when I think of salesman I think of a door to door representative, where as in this day and age most people in sales are referred to as a sales associate working for companies like Wal-Mart or Kroger. So in the 1940’s Charley was right “the only thing you got in this world is what you can sell.”

What is the “American Dream?”

What is the “American Dream” to you? Have you ever thought about that question in the
back of your mind? There are many ways people view and achieve their ideas of the
“American Dream.” Some view the “American Dream” as living in happiness and prospering.
In addition, others may think it is about achieving your dreams and inspiring others to
do the same. However, it seems to be the combination of all, as well as, working hard.
            Everything in the end, leads to having an excellent educational background and being
involved with everyday life, for instance, keeping up with politics and the news.
Knowing yourself is also a pure benefit. I am a pure believer not everyone needs to go
to college and because at the end of the day they could be making as much money as a regular
middle class person or more. It is all what the person wants in life and did they
accomplish their dream at the end of their life. Working hard, getting an education to
have the upper advantage, making money, and accomplishing ideas is the backbone of the
“American Dream.” Of course, money is not everything and cannot buy everything; however,
in the times we live in today money talks very loudly.

Most people would wish for money and fame. I see myself on the border line between the two. Yes, money helps me to achieve my “American Dream”, but it does not give me the peace and tranquility I seek though some would argue that. I find that in this life I value the people and the environment around me more than the money required to attain it. The saying money is not everything fits me well in varies ways. In the end I believe my ideal American dream is to live comfortable surrounded by the people I hold dear to me.