Negative, Gun Laws - On July 20th 2012 James Holmes shot and killed 12 people. He was able to commit this act due to the guns laws in America that gives citizens the right to purchase deadly weapons over the counter. After the Aurora shooting the outrage and shock over Holmes actions created a surge in gun sales in the US; there was a 48% increase in Colorado. A survey taken on the 30th of July, ten days after the shooting showed the tragic event had no impact on the American citizens view on gun laws.

Positive - At the 2010 Oscars Kathryn Bigelow received the Best Director award. This was the first time in Oscar history for a woman to win the award. Bigelow's triumph marked a refreshing change in the male dominant environment of Hollywood and showed the progression of the female role in the film industry. In winning the award Bigelow followed a tradition offered by the American dream of defeating the obstacles imposed by society to achieve her goal.