Nike (Football)

Nike is a brand that has many aspects that can be seen to be comparable to many American principles. One of which being the American dream. The reason for this is that the makers of the brand got the brand started by only dealing with shoes and only grossing $8,000 in it's first year. To go from these humble beginnings to becoming one of the biggest and most recognisable brands in the world is a perfect example of the American dream. This is very much replicated in its advertisement. It's been disputed by some, but it's rumoured that the first pair of trainers used in the Olympics helped Otis Davis win 2 gold medals, who was coached by one of the founders of the brands Bill Bowerman. It's both lucky and a credit to his product.

  In this advert for Nike football, it's clear to see that the idea of being able to achieve your goals from from humble roots is very present. The footballer starts in what looks like very shabby surroundings and then ends up playing for Arsenal and Holland. He gets this through hard work and plenty of training. Also gains fame and fortune because he uses a Nike product as well as hard work. It also promotes the idea of luck playing a role, as the right people were there to scout him. So, in as sense, is saying you need luck, as well as hard work to achieve your goals. So shares some ideologies with the book Ragged Dick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZA-57h64kE

Apple iPhone 5

Apple has become one of, if not the biggest, leading brand for technology recently, boasting products such as the iPhone, the iPod and the iPad as well as the Mac.
Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Woznaik and Ronald Wayne and was called Apple Computer Inc. The word 'Computer' was removed from the company name in 2007 as the company started to work on the idea of the iPhone. Since, Apple have also extended into software such as safari and iTunes and the iTunes store.
This advertisement is a minute long montage of images of people using their iPhone's to take pictures. These people range in age, gender, and in their locations and what they are doing. This aims to show the versatility of the iPhone, and how it can be used by virtually anyone. This links to the key American idea of freedom, as the iPhone allows the consumer to use it and take pictures however and wherever they chose to do so. Therefore, the advert aims not just to sell the product, but the idea that by owning this product you can do whatever you like or be whoever you want to be, allowing yourself to start anew and improve yourself.

Chrysler

Clint Eastwood Chrysler Superbowl Commercial 

This particular commercial featuring American legend, Clint Eastwood, explores the strength of American values and beliefs. I think that the fact that Clint Eastwood is the primary subject in this advert, appeals to more people as he is a public figure that people will look up to, and in hand, promoting these products whilst making this message inspirational.  

I think that when Eastwood, talks about being stronger and fighting and the idea that America is coming back for round 2, suggests that, that is a significant factor in American values. The strength and belief, that the people have in their country. A belief that, obviously, through this video is held exceptionally dear to the Americans. 

This ad, is said to have caused controversy politically, as it is subtly echoing some of the president's major reelection campaign themes.

G I Joe

G.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. This US commercial for the Action Figure G I Joe, symbolizes the culture in the US. This action figure was a huge success in the US in the 80s and 90s and is still popular today.

They were meant to represent the military in the US, with the action figure covering all the different aspects such as: Foot Soldiers, Navy Sailors, Pilots… etc. The amount the US spends on its military budget is 48% of the world’s military spending and is the size of the next 7 countries after them forces combined together. Many people in US want to support the US Army, more so than here in the UK, as supporting their military seems to fall into the category of being very patriotic. Also with the camera angle looking up at the action figures it shows there power and dominance - in this sense of the US military not just the action figures as it is know that the US military is world leading and dominate in: size power and technology

The Advert is centred around the historical event that was Pearl Harbour, a major event in the US Military history, and is remembered today. With the US Flag constant in the background, it allows anyone around the world to know that no matter what language they are listening the advert in, they will all know that it is supporting America and it is part of the US Culture.

Levi's

It is an advertisement for Levi's jeans, which originated in America and has now become very popular and common to wear. The advert displays American values, such as equality and freedom, which it can be suggested that's what jeans represent as all social classes and genders/ races wear jeans and so they are equal. It also hints at the Revolution (fireworks/ 4th of July/freedom).

The idea of the American Dream is that anyone has the opportunity to make themselves successful in life. These ideas are embodied in Ragged Dick as he is a poor street boy who with determination and hard work managed to turn himself into a clerk.

A contemporary example of this is The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) - which in relation to 'ragged dick' he is homeless and in order to be successful he works as an intern at a brokerage, he works very hard and eventually gets employed and becomes rich (rags to riches). And so it relates to the idea that if you work hard and are determined you can achieve the American dream.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xcZTtlGweQ

Contemporary statement of the American Dream

The American Dream is the idea that anyone can achieve the best opportunities, through the notion of hard work. Ragged Dick as a text deals with this notion with the portrayal of a young boy who goes from working and living on the streets to achieving his dream of owning his own space and having a good job. Dick has much luck along the way, which helps him to gain his happy outcome eventually, which can be seen as a challenge to the American Dream, indicating that it is perhaps it is lucky circumstances and being in the right place at the right time which is the key to achieving the American Dream. Nevertheless Ragged Dick is a useful text which suggests that the American Dream can really be achieved by even those it seems hopeless and likely for.

One contemporary example of the American Dream is the film Legally Blonde (2001) which stars Reece Witherspoon.

Legally Blonde is about a girl whose boyfriend breaks up with her, so to get him back she works really hard to get into Harvard Law School. This film shows the American Dream, as Elle, the lead character gets into one of the most prestigious schools in the country and becomes an outstanding lawyer, despite being unlikely to. She achieves this through hard work and determination, proving that anyone can really achieve anything if they put their mind to it. This relates to the ideas portrayed in Ragged Dick, as both lead characters are advocates of the unlikely success story, proving that the American Dream is accessible to all who wish to seek it, all you need is the believe in yourself and from others to earn it.