The Pursuit Of Happyness’: The Pursuit Is Possible, Not Just Probable

True stories make movies that are captivating. Movies that focus on positive aspects of society and are based around true stories are more engaging. The Pursuit of Happyness, the film about Chris Gardner’s story, is a great example of a story that inspires and benefits many people. Chris Gardner was evicted and left homeless. He needed work to support himself and his son Christopher. Gardner persevered in spite of all odds to help his family improve their quality of life. Gardner worked hard and persevered to obtain an unpaid internship in Dean Witter. After separating himself from his rivals, Gardner became a stockbroker at the company. Later, he would go on to create his own company. The film highlights all of Gardner’s struggles including finding shelter for Christopher every day and caring for him. The Pursuit of Happiness is a cultural text that embodies the American Dream through the elements of self-reliance, equal opportunity, and other aspects. The American Dream, a major part of American culture, is a reason that many people believe the United States to be a truly free country. The American Dream is an idea that individuals can ‘pursue a personal vision of happiness’ without the interference of the government (Amadeo). Chris Gardner portrays a person who is driven to achieve happiness and whose life is better because of his hard work and determination. In the film’s first half, Chris works as a Salesman. His son hears him express the American Dream. … [If] you got a dream, you gotta protect it. People won’t tell you if you are incapable of doing something. Go get it if you really want it. The Pursuit of Happyness’ Quotes. Chris Gardner applies these words to his life. He won’t listen to anybody who doubts him. Even his wife, Christopher Gardner, who left him and Christopher to provide financial support for her. Gardner can succeed because he is self-reliant and has equal opportunity. The Declaration of Independence, which was the first document to establish the United States of America, embodies both of these ideals. Thomas Wolfe explained the statements concerning ‘the pursuit happiness’ as meaning that “anyone regardless of their origin… has the right live, work and be the person he chooses to be.” (Ren). Although some people disagree with these ideals, Chris Gardner’s actions merely validate them. Gardner’s story reveals that Gardner only relied on his ability to improve the financial situation of himself. He did not seek outside help. There is much debate in America about whether poor people should be self-sufficient to improve their financial situation or should they receive government aid. However, American culture is strongly based on self-reliance. Gardner, a father and grandfather, takes extraordinary measures every day to keep his family afloat. Gardner proves that he understands the importance of hard work and that he can make his own decisions to improve his life. This includes spending a night in an abandoned train station toilet. The film’s creators wanted to show that anyone can make their dreams come true by illustrating the story of Gardner. The Pursuit of Happiness reminds Americans that they don’t have to choose between individualism and government support. Equal opportunity is another topic that has been highly debated in America. It is a controversial topic. People who reject the idea claim that there are social and economic factors that make it difficult for minorities and the poor to have the same opportunities as the wealthy to improve their quality life. Chris Gardner believed that even though he had only twenty-five dollars at the time, he could improve his life. He believed that he was able to provide for himself and Christopher the life they had always envisioned. Gardner may have been affected by social factors such as race, education, and instability in his family. Gardner is an African American male who was not educated at college and didn’t have a father. After his mother was imprisoned twice, Gardner was placed in foster custody. These conditions would have led many to believe they were not eligible for success in America. Gardner didn’t lose heart and continued to believe in himself, despite his circumstances. His hope was built around the belief of America being a meritocracy. Dean Witter, the company that offered the internship, initially sceptical of Gardner’s appearance. He was wearing a tattered, unprofessional outfit and had hair and skin paint. They began to respect Gardner and took him seriously once he proved that he was willing work hard for their company. Gardner rose from poverty and minority to become a successful man and achieve his goals. This idea can be used to inspire Americans to work hard for their goals. Many people have similar stories to Gardner. The film can be considered a social commentary on self-reliance. The Pursuit of Happiness is a film that proves anyone can achieve their goals and dreams if they are committed enough to work hard. Gardner’s story reminds us that anyone can benefit from the opportunity offered by America. American culture is founded on the idea that people can achieve their goals and can be motivated to live their lives.