Religion has always played a big role in my life and having the freedom to have such an important thing in my life is part of my American Dream. My memories of a child and until I graduated high school, were of going to church every Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday evenings. Rain, snow or ice my parents always made sure we were in church, and for that I am thankful.
We are blessed to have the freedom to believe or worship whatever we want, whether it's Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, etc. In the United States, freedom of religion is a constitutionally guaranteed right provided in the religion clauses of the First Amendment (http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html). Other countries are not as fortunate as us where people are persecuted for their beliefs or citizens are restricted to one faith.
Whether people are atheist, go to church or simply believe but don't participate in church at least we have the freedom to choose.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Equality
I've been fortunate enough to live out another aspect of the American Dream. I am a professional in a workforce that respects me and my opinion. I believe that equality in the workplace, as well as in everyday living, is another aspect of living out the American Dream. Maybe this aspect is not as important as others or considered a vital piece of American Dream puzzle, but to me I am blessed.
The American Dream for me was getting a college degree and getting a great job, but hard work helped me gain the respect of the people I work with everyday. The respect that I am given isn't because I am a female or male, black or white, but because I was given the opportunity to show my talents as a professional. I am truly blessed to live in a country that encourages equality and allows people to show their uniqueness and individuality in the workplace no matter what they look like, what gender they are or what religious background they claim.
The Declaration of Independence's first paragraph described the rights everyone should be allowed, “…we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness (http://www.lonang.com/conlaw/7/c71c.htm#A).
The American Dream gave me a freedom to achieve a college education. The American Dream gave me the freedom to choose the career I am in today because of my motivation and determination to be great. I'm proud of what I've accomplished as an indivdiual and am excited about what the future holds for me professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to show my talents and be given the respect along the way.
The American Dream for me was getting a college degree and getting a great job, but hard work helped me gain the respect of the people I work with everyday. The respect that I am given isn't because I am a female or male, black or white, but because I was given the opportunity to show my talents as a professional. I am truly blessed to live in a country that encourages equality and allows people to show their uniqueness and individuality in the workplace no matter what they look like, what gender they are or what religious background they claim.
The Declaration of Independence's first paragraph described the rights everyone should be allowed, “…we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness (http://www.lonang.com/conlaw/7/c71c.htm#A).
The American Dream gave me a freedom to achieve a college education. The American Dream gave me the freedom to choose the career I am in today because of my motivation and determination to be great. I'm proud of what I've accomplished as an indivdiual and am excited about what the future holds for me professionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to show my talents and be given the respect along the way.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Dream Job
Recently, my husband decided to make a "huge" career change. I say "huge" because to me, I was "freaked" out about him leaving a corporate career to become an entrepreneur. When he came home and told me that he wasn't happy with his corporate job and wanted to quit, my bubble burst. The bubble of "my" American Dream of corporate benefits, a set salary and retirement my husband had with his job came crashing down.
I quickly realized that my husband wasn't happy. "I'm tired of being told how much I'm worth by what they pay me, " my husband told me. I asked him what his American Dream was, "the American Dream is about choosing what makes you happy." How can I refuse that?
Our perspective of the "dream job" has definitely changed within the last month. If people work a corporate job and are happy with it, awesome! It's not for everyone, but someone live for it. Great! Since starting his own business, my husband is now living his "dream". He is more passionate about his work, he is building personal relationships with his customers and do things he couldn't do at an office job. "The sky is the limit," he says.
This assignment has helped me "snap" back in reality. The "cushion" of a corporate job is great, but being happy at what you do is more important to my husband and I. We are blessed to live in a country that gives us the freedom of choosing happiness.
I quickly realized that my husband wasn't happy. "I'm tired of being told how much I'm worth by what they pay me, " my husband told me. I asked him what his American Dream was, "the American Dream is about choosing what makes you happy." How can I refuse that?
Our perspective of the "dream job" has definitely changed within the last month. If people work a corporate job and are happy with it, awesome! It's not for everyone, but someone live for it. Great! Since starting his own business, my husband is now living his "dream". He is more passionate about his work, he is building personal relationships with his customers and do things he couldn't do at an office job. "The sky is the limit," he says.
This assignment has helped me "snap" back in reality. The "cushion" of a corporate job is great, but being happy at what you do is more important to my husband and I. We are blessed to live in a country that gives us the freedom of choosing happiness.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Is the American Dream still alive?
Is the American Dream still alive? I started out this quest by sitting down with a friend of mine, when asked about her dream she simply stated, "I don't have an American Dream."
How can someone not have a dream? After speaking with her, I realized she had "wishes and wants", but she just doesn't believe in the "dream" like she used to.
I don't want to seem extra negative this week, but these are real thoughts coming from a real person. I read an article out of The Christian Science Monitor at www.printthis.clickability.com, and found a quote from Jeremy Rifkin, author of "The End of Work", "what million of Americans are really embracing is not the American dream so much as the American daydream. We have become, say the critics, a people who have grown fat, lazy, and sedentary, who spend much of our time wishing for success but are willing to 'pay our dues' with the kind of personal commitment required to make something out of our live." I hate to admit this, but I agree with his statement. I'm usually not a negative person, but it's hard not to be in times such as this.
It's hard to focus on the American Dream the way the economy is now. I found another article out of U.S. News at www.usnews.com that six in 10 find it hard to pay for gasoline; and five in 10 say they can't afford health care. More than a quarter say they have trouble even affording food. More people are going back to work, taking out more loans and building credit card debt to make ends meet. Where is the American Dream?
The American Dream has changed over the years. When my great grandparents came to American from Germany they knew that by just being in America life would be better. My parents knew that with hard work and dedication their American Dream of having good jobs, family and a home would be accomplished. Now, it seems it's hard to accomplished that. It's much harder to get loans for homes or vehicles. People are putting everything on credit cards because they don't have the money to pay for food, gas or bills.
I'm worried that down the road, there won't be an American Dream to obtain.
Don't get me wrong, I am one lucky person to live where I live and I wouldn't change it for the world, but I am worried about the next generation. What will they be able to hope for?
How can someone not have a dream? After speaking with her, I realized she had "wishes and wants", but she just doesn't believe in the "dream" like she used to.
I don't want to seem extra negative this week, but these are real thoughts coming from a real person. I read an article out of The Christian Science Monitor at www.printthis.clickability.com, and found a quote from Jeremy Rifkin, author of "The End of Work", "what million of Americans are really embracing is not the American dream so much as the American daydream. We have become, say the critics, a people who have grown fat, lazy, and sedentary, who spend much of our time wishing for success but are willing to 'pay our dues' with the kind of personal commitment required to make something out of our live." I hate to admit this, but I agree with his statement. I'm usually not a negative person, but it's hard not to be in times such as this.
It's hard to focus on the American Dream the way the economy is now. I found another article out of U.S. News at www.usnews.com that six in 10 find it hard to pay for gasoline; and five in 10 say they can't afford health care. More than a quarter say they have trouble even affording food. More people are going back to work, taking out more loans and building credit card debt to make ends meet. Where is the American Dream?
The American Dream has changed over the years. When my great grandparents came to American from Germany they knew that by just being in America life would be better. My parents knew that with hard work and dedication their American Dream of having good jobs, family and a home would be accomplished. Now, it seems it's hard to accomplished that. It's much harder to get loans for homes or vehicles. People are putting everything on credit cards because they don't have the money to pay for food, gas or bills.
I'm worried that down the road, there won't be an American Dream to obtain.
Don't get me wrong, I am one lucky person to live where I live and I wouldn't change it for the world, but I am worried about the next generation. What will they be able to hope for?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The "Good Life"
Is the American Dream more about having the "good life?"
I believe there is a consensus that the American Dream is more about the pursuit of material wealth. The pursuit of working 60-70 hours a week, making the most money, having the bigger, faster car or making sure you have the best house on the street are what some people view as the American Dream.
My family and I used to vacation in Florida for a few weeks in the winter and we always stayed with my grandparents in a retired mobile home park. One of their neighbors owned a huge, top-of-the-line motor home and other "materialistic toys." And on the front of his motor home window he had a slogan stamped on his windshield that read, "He who ends up with the most toys wins!" Upon meeting this individual, it was obvious that he truly felt this way. In my opinion there's more to life than fancy cars or clothes, but some consider this a way of defining themselves and living the American Dream.
I sat with my dad and asked him what his idea of living the American Dream was and he simply said, "I just want to be happy." He went on to say that some people dream for the million-dollar lifestyle, but he was content with him and his family just being happy. He believed that his view of living the "good life" was installed by his parents and that motivated him to continue the family legacy. He believes in establishing personal goals and working hard to accomplish those goals.
Overall, the American Dream can be whatever you want...the big car, the money or living the simple life. It's about finding your "good life."
I believe there is a consensus that the American Dream is more about the pursuit of material wealth. The pursuit of working 60-70 hours a week, making the most money, having the bigger, faster car or making sure you have the best house on the street are what some people view as the American Dream.
My family and I used to vacation in Florida for a few weeks in the winter and we always stayed with my grandparents in a retired mobile home park. One of their neighbors owned a huge, top-of-the-line motor home and other "materialistic toys." And on the front of his motor home window he had a slogan stamped on his windshield that read, "He who ends up with the most toys wins!" Upon meeting this individual, it was obvious that he truly felt this way. In my opinion there's more to life than fancy cars or clothes, but some consider this a way of defining themselves and living the American Dream.
I sat with my dad and asked him what his idea of living the American Dream was and he simply said, "I just want to be happy." He went on to say that some people dream for the million-dollar lifestyle, but he was content with him and his family just being happy. He believed that his view of living the "good life" was installed by his parents and that motivated him to continue the family legacy. He believes in establishing personal goals and working hard to accomplish those goals.
Overall, the American Dream can be whatever you want...the big car, the money or living the simple life. It's about finding your "good life."
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The American Dream
What is the American Dream? It's sad to say, but I've grown so used to having the freedom of "living the dream" that I find myself taking it for granted. This assignment has made me stop by busy life for just a few mintues and reflect.
My grandparents were fortunate enough to come to America as kids. They were never ashamed of where they came from, but they always wanted me to know how blessed we were to be living in America.
One aspect of the American Dream for me is having the right to pursue happiness in life and having the freedom to do whatever it takes to achieve that happiness. Over the years what I've pursued has changed. In college, I was able to live the "American Dream" by getting into a great college, pursuing a degree and finding a job that I loved. Now that I have the degree and the good job, my "dream" is to continue the happiness within my marriage and starting a family soon.
All of these things seem so basic, but I think I tend to forget that some people in this world don't have those choices. The choices of getting an education, a job to support themselves or their families, marrying whoever they want or even how many children they will have. To have the "choice" is being a part of the American Dream.
My grandparents were fortunate enough to come to America as kids. They were never ashamed of where they came from, but they always wanted me to know how blessed we were to be living in America.
One aspect of the American Dream for me is having the right to pursue happiness in life and having the freedom to do whatever it takes to achieve that happiness. Over the years what I've pursued has changed. In college, I was able to live the "American Dream" by getting into a great college, pursuing a degree and finding a job that I loved. Now that I have the degree and the good job, my "dream" is to continue the happiness within my marriage and starting a family soon.
All of these things seem so basic, but I think I tend to forget that some people in this world don't have those choices. The choices of getting an education, a job to support themselves or their families, marrying whoever they want or even how many children they will have. To have the "choice" is being a part of the American Dream.
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