The "American Dream" is something that all of us as Americans have at least heard of. Merriam-Webster defines it as "an American social ideal that stresses egalitarianism and especially material prosperity". For those of us that have lived here our whole life, I think the idea of the American Dream is different then those who move here.
When you are born and raised here in the United States you grow up with many of the rights and values already provided to you versus someone who is coming from a country that may not have those things. Freedom and equality are rights that are highly valued here but elsewhere that might be something someone comes here to seek. Since we are born into that society there are more areas to the "American Dream" we focus on, things like fame and wealth. I think that our materialistic society pushes this concept of wealth being the main point of the "American Dream" now.
Is the American Dream still alive? I would say yes. For the people coming here from another country many of the hopes of opportunity, freedom, and better life stand true. Is it guaranteed for them? No, but it is at least a possibility. For citizens born here, there hope is to perhaps increase their wealth, still a possibility. Not easy perhaps, but still a definite dream.
The American Dream is alive, though maybe slightly altered.
Jessie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I think it is easy to forget the hardships that citizens of other less fortunate countries face and that for them the American dream is still very much alive. I also think that it is interesting to see the major differences of the dreams that immigrants have in moving to this country compared to what we Americans have. Our expectations of this country can sometimes be very high making dreams harder to attain, but also not impossible.
I agree with you that our society has become more materialistic than other countries. Its not that you brought to the forefront the view of immigrants. It really goes to contrast the attitude of our culture versus a less fortunate one. I think we should all be grateful for what we have instead of wanting more all the time.
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