The American Dream

The American Dream is a critical thread in this country's tapestry, woven together by political beliefs, music and culture.

Although the specific phrase means different things to different people, it has an underlying belief that hard work will pay off and that the next generation will have a better life than the previous generation.

I am a first generation American citizen in my immediate family. My parents came to this country before they got married hoping to gain a better life for themselves. Most kids whose parents have migrated from their home country have probably heard it all before, parents saying how they came "with only dollars in their pockets and the clothes on their back. Kids here in America have it so much better. We grew up living day by day." A little exaggeration was present, but it was to get their point across.

The American work culture allows people to start from the bottom and construct their way up to the top. The story of Tim Harris, a man born with Down Syndrome, is a prime example. "He shows daily how even children born with an extra chromosome can lead normal, productive lives, advancing in their communities" (Lu, Angela). At times there may be instances where people are unable to build up, but most of the time it is the laziness to get up and not do something about it.

Opportunities to succeed are present in almost all areas of work and people just have to find them, take for example the popular video site, YouTube. People get paid millions just for putting out two minute videos! We have it too good here in America. People can find almost any job they want if they go and look.

What do you think about the American dream?