The American Dream

What is the American dream? Probably beliefs and ideals, maybe even a fantasy. But what are these properties to Americans? What does it mean to be American? I believe that the American dream is one of opportunity, diversity and freedom.

“We are a country of immigrants,” said cubs baseball manager, Joe Maddon. We built up to the lives we have today with nothing but the clothes on our back. We, as a people, started with nothing and climbed up to the top. Because of our freedom and diversity, we are seen as a land of opportunity. Opportunity that we created for ourselves through hard work and perseverance. But, when seen as a land of opportunity, you have to expect people to want to come to this fabled land. Whether it be for a better life for them or the future generations, America is seen as a promised land.

“Focus on what unites us, not what divides us,” said Citizens University activist, Eric Liu. To me this means that although there are many things that divide us, that is not what we need to focus on, rather the things that unite us. There are many things that divide us, such as race, religion, and gender. These things have separated us since the dawn of time. People have fought for their rights that they lacked because of their differences. People have died fighting for this cause. As much negativity as there is surrounding them, our differences are one of the things that makes this world beautiful. Our differences are what make us unique. But, let’s focus more on what unites us, like beliefs, our humanity, and in general, the fact that we all have differences. The things that unite us have ended conflicts and brought people together, and are just as important as our differences.

“Freedom is the fabric of my uniform,” said marine, Tegan Griffith. This quote will have different meanings to different people, but I think it means freedom is what is being fought for. Freedom is what drives this marine. Freedom is overall thought of as a positive concept, but can it go too far? We all know that if everyone had the freedom to do absolutely whatever they want, this country would be in chaos. But, that’s not what the American dream of freedom really is. Freedom in America is being able to do what you want, believe what you want, and be who you want to be as long as it abides by the law. Freedom is a necessity. Freedom is what everyone should stand for.

Although America has its downsides, in the long run it is a land of opportunity. A land where we are free to be who we want to be. A land where what we thought divided us, can unite us in the end. The land of the free and the brave. This is America, where anything is possible.