How would you describe the American Dream?
The American Dream is something very personal to me, because my family immigrated here in the 19th century from Germany. First of all, I think that just being able to live in The United States of America is something that some citizens take for granted, and all of the freedoms that we enjoy are all because of the sacrifices of others. I define the American Dream as the opportunity to live in a country where people with absolutely nothing can become fiscally wealthy. In the United States, wealth is obtainable with almost any characteristic, such as being intelligent, comprehension of certain systems, and simply working harder than others. One of the most important characteristics of America is the fact that we practice an economic system of capitalism. Capitalism is defined as, "An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state" (Webster). By complying within the law and using the system of capitalism, many Americans are able to obtain wealth. For instance, one of the most prominent aspects in which citizens are able to fully achieve the American Dream is by starting up a business. Business and the sale of services or products is very important in America, because customers are able to chose freely about what they purchase. Now, time to talk about how citizens use these systems within the United States to become wealthy and achieve the American Dream. The American Dream is not only an obtainable economic stance, but it is a mental ideological belief in which millions of people hold. For example, if someone has immigrated legally to the United States, they are most likely hoping to start off from scratch and achieve this 'American Dream'. The entire ideological belief of these people is enough for them to come to work everyday and work hard in hopes of advancing for the benefit of themselves and/or their family. For most adults in America, they wish for absolutely everything for their family, thus the American Dream to them is the ability to provide a stable and well deserved economic stance. In my life, the American Dream is something that I have been wishing for since I was young, and hopefully I will be able to work hard enough to obtain it. Another key attribute of the American Dream is the ability to work hard, solely for the purpose of achieving more wealth. For instance, in a free society which practices capitalism, employees are able to work harder than those around them and advance into a position which obtains more wealth. Overall, I am very proud to be an American because of the fact that the 'American Dream' is possible for me and my family.
Whats up Conor, Dad here. Haha sorry my, actual blog name isn't working for some reason but it's Graham. Anyway, I was really interested to see what you had to say about the American Dream as we just had a conversation the other day about American society and I truly think you have unique perspective and ideas. I found it very interesting that your family was originally from Germany and it just shows you how everyone has such a different and unique background. I totally agree with you about capitalism and the ideological form of the American Dream but these backgrounds I fell like point out the flaw in the American Dream as it is not open to all people within America. It's common to say that someone can work really hard to lift themselves out of poverty but often that is not possible and a large percent of Americans don't have the chance to pursue the financial and idealized American Dream. Therefore, I'd propose that there is a more moralistic American Dream which is to live a life where success is defined by being remembered by those closest to you and those you come in contact with for loving and serving well. I realize that is a large statement to make but I feel like that is a truly more fulfilling and accessible "American" Dream. I totally believe that it can happen in conjuncture with the financial and success aspect and hope that it happens fo you and myself, but I believe we have to be aware that it is truly not available to all people. I truly wish you the best in your pursuit.
ReplyDeleteDilly Dilly? What is that? Anyways.. dealing with the subject of the American Dream, you made some pretty thoughtful points. I enjoyed learning about the personal connection you made with family. Your definition of the American Dream was similar to mine, which I can deal with. I also agreed with your points made about opportunity in America and the sense of nationality you have. I think you could have added a stance on poverty across the country and a solution to connected it to the opportunity that capitalism presents. Overall great blog post man.
ReplyDeleteDilly Dilly! Nice job with your blog even though it could have been longer. Rant more. I agree: we are truly blessed to live in a society where people can go from being impoverished to wealthy in relatively little time with some hard work and dedication. I think that people start to doubt the existence of the American Dream when it doesn't work for them or someone they know, but I believe that it will always be alive so long as Americans remember that just because the American Dream exists doesn't mean that success is certain or easy; reality proves the contrary to be true.
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