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.
1 comment:
I really liked your thought about having so much freedom living the dream, that people take it for granted. My grandparents were born in this country; their parents immigrated here. No one ever told me what it was like in other countries. I always thought of life in America as the norm.
Many generations now don’t have relatives explaining to them why this country is so great. Several don’t even think this country is great and they take freedoms for granted. My high school students argue that they are oppressed because they have to do homework. They take for granted they have the opportunity for education. Losing their cell phone for a day is catastrophic, they don’t even realize that they are fed, clothed, and given an opportunity to pursue happiness.
I think more people should step back and take a few minutes to reflect. To have the "choice" really is being a part of the American Dream. Thanks for your thoughts.
~Bethany
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