After reading “American Dreams”, an photographic essay piece by Ian Brown, I
have come to better understand the American Dream. The American Dream is the
driving force behind so many Americans across the country. This dream is one
that takes place right before your very eyes. It does not come to you while you
sleep, but, instead, you chase it during the minutes spent awake.
The American Dream is not the same for everyone. For instance,
some dream of gun rights while others dream of a world without the fear of
being shot. Yes, these dreams are polar opposites of each other, but they both
share one core idea: both are the driving factors of two people. America is
full of unique people with completely different backgrounds. None of us are the
same. Each of us contributes something to society, no matter how big or small.
Each of our dreams are legitimate. Each of our dreams matters. Our country was
founded upon people who were vastly different than each other, yet they put
their differences aside to create this great nation.
I want to live in an America that treats
everyone as equals. I want to live in an America where everyone is given a fair
shot at their own American Dream. An America where the only limitations is their
mind. Sure, this only sounds idealistic. In reality, it is incredibly
idealistic. However, that does not mean we, as a nation, shouldn’t stop
striving each and everyday to create a peaceful nation. Just as John Lennon
once famously sang in Imagine, “You
may say I’m a dreamer / But I’m not the only one”. My American Dream may seem
impossible, but I am not the only one who dreams this way. I feel a deep sense
of hope in my soul when I hear of others who also want everyone follow their
American Dream. I am hopeful when I hear of people who dedicate their lives to
helping someone else’s dream. I am hopeful when I see people doing good deeds
out of the generosity of their own hearts. I am hopeful when the world turns
towards peace.
Obviously I am asking a lot, but I’m still
hopeful that, eventually, my American Dream will come true. I work day-in and
day-out to create an environment that promotes peace and self empowerment.
You've really captured the essence of some of the things we'll be discussing in the next few weeks. First of all, this idea of equality and a "fair shot at their own dream" is the concept of the American Dream as espoused by Lippman and Adams as well as others. And next, you have introduced the idea of controversy, the fact that in our nation, people's dreams can be completely opposite. What do we do with that?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Luke.
EF
I strongly agree with you when you say that the American Dream is different for every person in the country with it being a "driving force." Maybe a person's dream is to become a millionaire and live a life of luxury, while another is just owning a home. With such a diversity of people in the United States comes with an even greater diversity of thoughts and perspectives. Your American Dream may be idealistic, but it is far from impossible. You have a very optimistic view of the future which shows how strongly you believe in the American Dream. No surprise considering the book we just read mentioned how Americans don't tend to give up on it even during difficult times. I guess that's what makes us American, our defiant nature towards the face of defeat and our sense to get back up when we are knocked down.
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