Humble Beginnings

"Modest beginnings were no longer a somewhat embarrassing obstacle to be overcome but rather the indispensable bedrock of distinction." Cullen (68)


The concept of the "American Dream" arose in 1931 when James Truslow Adams described saying "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." Cullen renames this concept the "Dream of Upward Mobility," and it affects everything about the way American politics work. I won't pretend to be an expert, but a quick glance at America's most cherished figures will show how important it is that the common man can understand the politics and politicians of his nation. Andrew Jackson is a prime example. He was a popular because of his humble beginnings and president in spite of them. He was said to have come from the wild, raised in the woods, yet, through education and experience was able to rise above his modest start to the highest seat in American government. He perfectly illustrates American favoritism of the "underdog" that began as early as the Puritans. Although there were many flaws in their society, the Puritans were a persecuted people in Europe who searched for a certain spiritual "upward mobility"and rose above their obstacles to move to a new land where they could have the opportunity to practice their beliefs. I think this 'underdog' quality is even essential to the proceedings of our representative system because people need to feel that they related to their representatives in order to feel confident in the decisions they make on behalf of the people. Andrew Jackson was popular because people felt that they could relate to him. He was "just like them," and that gave people confidence in his political decisions.