American Dream

When I think about the American Dream I immediately associate it with immigrants. Since middle school, during the immigration unit in history class we learn about the aspirations of immigrants from hearing about the American Dream. This dream looks different to everybody depending on their own aspirations and goals in life. A generality of the American Dream is closely related to the business industry. The idea that every person can create and start-up their own business and grow it into a well known company. This is very hard to accomplish and most people are unable to achieve this dream; however, some do. The American Dream has an independent and opportunistic aspect to it for everybody. The idea of freedom to create and to dream is something unique to this country. The opportunities here are plentiful, which is why so many immigrants desire to move to America, "the Land of the Free."

The aspect of wealth is also closely associated to the American Dream. This concept of wealth is different for each individual based on their beliefs and philosophies. To me, wealth is defined as happiness and living a life of pure joy. Also, wealth is how much money or authority an individual has over others. This concept of wealth is displayed in The Great Gatsby. Through this idea, othering is a main factor in attaining wealth because you put yourself on a higher status than others (which is how some can attain wealth). Even though there are many definitions of wealth, there is only one main definition of poverty, which encompasses all nations. Poverty is the lack of money to be able to live a prosperous and happy life. Many Americans try to help those who are in poverty because there are so many who live below the poverty line in America. This image of America is hidden away so that other countries wont see it. Instead, America flaunts the fact that Americans fly to other countries to help there people who are in poverty.

Americans see both poverty and wealth differently in that poverty is always a misfortune while wealth can be either good or bad. People who are wealthy have the ability to make a huge impact on their community and spend their money wisely. On the other hand, some people who are wealthy with money acquire their money by saving and not spending. This frugal characteristic will not serve them well when judged by the American people.