1. What is the American Dream?
The American Dream is the dream that everyone will get the same opportunities for success and achievement. It doesn't mean that everyone will be extremely rich, but it means that everyone will find spiritual happiness and be content with the state that they're in. The American Dream started with the foundation of the United States in 1776 promoting itself as a nation of liberty and prosperity and especially gained appeal to immigrants when they started to move to America in the 19th century. The American Dream was popular in the Civil Rights Movement when African-Americans were trying to get the same rights as White Americans. They emphasized on the fact that no matter the person's circumstances of birth, social class, race, gender, or ethnicity, everyone should get equal rights and the same opportunities to follow their American Dream.
2. Is the American Dream the same for all Americans?
No, the American Dream is not the same for all Americans because everyone has different goals. But when looking at the general term as everyone getting the same opportunities for success, everyone's American Dream can be similar in that way. For example, the American Dream for an Irish farmer is to find good land to farm in America while a German immigrant wants to find a good job in New York City. They both want to be able to obtain that dream, but their dreams are different.
3. Why is the idea of the American Dream so hard to define?
The idea of the American Dream is so hard to define because everyone's dream and opinion on what the American Dream means is different amongst almost everyone. Everyone wants to follow their dream and accomplish that certain goal. I don't want to be a professional soccer player and be content and happy with what I'm doing, but maybe my classmate right next to me wants to be. The American Dream can be defined as the hope that everyone gets to obtain that dream, but it cannot be specifically defined.
4. In what ways has the American Dream remained the same and how has it become different in modern times?
The ways that the American Dream has remained the same are that people are still able to find spiritual happiness and find opportunities alike to everyone else. It has changed in the past few decades by giving the African-Americans and other minorities the same rights as White Americans. It has also changed because, recently, we have been in an economic status of recession, making it hard for people to follow their dreams without knowing where it will lead them money-wise. In these times, instead of following our American Dreams, we are barely getting enough money to pay the bills.
5. With the current economic status of recession that we are experiencing, how could that affect the American Dream?
The economic status of recession could affect the American Dream by not giving everyone the opportunity of being successful. It is hard to find a job right now, and without money, a person will go into debt and not be able to attain anything. People could also be employed, but they are not in their "dream job." For example, my dad works at Nationwide, but he is a very talented actor and would love to make a good amount of money from acting. I am sure that that is his American Dream, but in these times of economic crisis, it is extremely hard for anyone to quit their job and follow their passion, not knowing where it will lead them.
6. What is your American Dream?
Hmm.. What is my American Dream? My dream is to become a successful author and musician. Maybe even do art (Painting, drawing, sculptures, etc.)... But in these times of economic struggle, that seems highly unrealistic. If I could be successful in any of my passions, that would be my American Dream. If it would have to come down to being a gymnastics coach, so be it. My American Dream is to be able to support my future family, strongly stay in touch with my brothers, father, and close relatives, be able to go to church every Sunday, and do what I love: Music, writing, art, volunteering... Will I get the opportunity?
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