The American dream

I believe people should embraces who they are. They should know what they want, who they want to be without judgement. We should all have equal opportunities to achieve great things.

My mother's grandmother came here from Scotland, and just like many others, she was looking for a better life. She met my great grandfather here, in America, and they had kids of their own. Both found work and now here I am. Writing this essay.

People ask themselves, what does it really mean to be an American? If you are not from America, you still have a purpose, you are free and you still have a chance to do what you want to do. We are here for a reason because our ancestors wanted a new opportunity and a better life. It’s the American dream.

The idea of the “American Dream” is that each U.S. citizen should be given equal opportunity to achieve and be successful through hard work. It is what attracts so many people to our country. Our country was built on the hard work of the people that immigrated to the U.S., hoping to achieve in America. The diversity of our nation truly is what makes our country so unique compared to others. But unfortunately, racism exists in a country that was founded on the diversity of its citizens.

People are judged for simple things like race, or religion. Throughout history, people set out for the Americas seeking a fresh start. America has welcomed any and everyone, no matter race or religion. Rihanna is a singer and was born here. In the music industry people judge her because of her race. This is her perspective-- “When I started to experience the difference – or even have my race be highlighted – it was mostly when I would do business deals… That never ends, by the way. It’s still a thing. And it’s the thing that makes me want to prove people wrong. It almost excites me; I know what they’re expecting and I can’t wait to show them that I’m here to exceed those expectations.” she wants to prove to everyone that her race doesn’t define her, that she is more than that. There are so many other celebrities that deal with this problem.

Recently my grandfather, on my dads side, passed away but when he was alive he would make racist remarks because he was raised a certain way. He would often make remarks about our past president, Barack Obama. He would comment on his skin color and because of his race he wasn’t fit to be our president. This made me feel disappointed in my grandfather because Mr. Obama worked hard, saved his money, his family supported him through thick and thin, and he got elected to be our president. He earned his way to the top. But the world has changed very much from when people of color were disgraced. Today we accept everyone for who they are. They all deserve to be here, just like you.