Meaning: The quote "Hollywood... was the place where the United States perpetrated itself as a universal dream and put the dream into mass production" by Angela Carter, a prominent novelist, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the influence and impact of Hollywood on American culture and beyond.

In this quote, Angela Carter is suggesting that Hollywood served as the epicenter for the manifestation and dissemination of the American dream on a global scale. The American dream, a concept rooted in the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and success, has long been associated with the United States and has been a central theme in American literature, art, and popular culture. Carter's assertion that Hollywood "perpetrated itself" as a universal dream implies that the film industry played a significant role in perpetuating and promoting the American dream as a universally desirable and attainable ideal.

Furthermore, Carter's use of the phrase "put the dream into mass production" underscores the idea that Hollywood, through the mass production and distribution of films, not only popularized the American dream but also commodified it for global consumption. The notion of mass production suggests a systematic and efficient dissemination of the American dream through the medium of cinema, thereby solidifying its status as a widely accessible and influential cultural product.

Hollywood's role in shaping and disseminating the American dream can be traced back to the early 20th century when the film industry began to flourish in the United States. Through its portrayal of glamorous lifestyles, rags-to-riches stories, and tales of triumph over adversity, Hollywood crafted a compelling narrative of the American dream that captivated audiences worldwide. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood's stars, combined with the aspirational stories depicted on the silver screen, helped to perpetuate the image of the United States as a land of boundless opportunity and success.

Moreover, Hollywood's global reach allowed the American dream to transcend national boundaries and resonate with audiences across diverse cultures and societies. The universal appeal of Hollywood films enabled the American dream to be embraced as a symbol of hope and possibility, not only within the United States but also on a global scale. As a result, Hollywood's portrayal of the American dream contributed to its elevation as a pervasive and enduring cultural ideal that transcended geographic and linguistic barriers.

It is essential to recognize that while Hollywood played a significant role in disseminating the American dream, its portrayal was often idealized and selective, presenting a sanitized version of reality that omitted the complexities and inequalities inherent in American society. The American dream, as depicted in Hollywood films, often glossed over issues of race, class, and gender, promoting a homogenized and aspirational narrative that did not always reflect the lived experiences of all Americans.

In conclusion, Angela Carter's quote sheds light on the profound influence of Hollywood in perpetuating and mass-producing the American dream as a universal cultural phenomenon. By portraying the United States as the embodiment of this dream and disseminating it on a global scale, Hollywood played a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of American ideals and values. However, it is important to critically examine the ways in which Hollywood's portrayal of the American dream may have oversimplified or distorted the complexities of American society, thus prompting a deeper exploration of the realities behind the universal dream perpetuated by the film industry.