In my years of education, I've learned about the so-called "American Dream". My ancestors moved to this country in pursuit of this beautiful idea. They fled persecution and anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe. They came in pursuit of economic and religious opportunity. They came to improve their lives after living through generations of hate and prejudice. Years later, the emigration from Europe proves successful. My family has thrived in the proceeding generations since my great-great-grandparents' move.
During the Gilded Age, a man named Horatio Alger wrote numerous novels depicting what contemporary critics may term "The American Dream". His stories centered upon a hardworking teenager who with grit, and a some luck, encountered a wealthy patron who assisted him in future wealth and success in the boy's life. After the Civil War, the United States entered a great period of economic disparity. The stories by Alger provided a glimmer of hope for the future. It reminded Americans of the Dream desired so long ago by the Pilgrims who fled England for Plymouth Rock and by each person currently who yearns for a new life.
Is the American Dream still alive today? For me, some aspects of the Dream still exist. Our country continues to pride itself on the importance of education. We push ourselves to attain acceptances to the top schools. No moment perfectly exemplifies my American Dream than the opening of an acceptance letter or email. You think, "Wow, I've made it. I've really made it in America". The world becomes a mere oyster. Any goal seems reachable. Yet, for many this acceptance appears seemingly impossible. Because of a variety of economic factors, the wealthy hold a significant advantage in the college process. For a first generation student, the path appears more difficult and unfair. In this case, the American Dream falters.
Additionally, the tremendous discrimination that many face hinders progress and fulfillment of the American Dream. After years of an influx of immigrants from the Americas, Republican candidates seek to severely curtail those who immigrate "illegally". Some even call for ending birthright citizenship. Other candidates wish to create a wall around Mexico, prohibiting further immigration. For those currently in the states, they face immense persecution and struggle to create their lives. They have to constantly dread the authorities learning of their presence, and sending them back to their native countries. The countries they fled. Immigrants move to our country in pursuit of the famous "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness". By preventing them from exercising these rights, we, as a result, end their American Dreams. People move to this country not to take our jobs and our homes but to start over. To begin their lives in a new place, with new people. Essentially, they hope to start a difficult but ultimately beneficial new life. Harsh immigration policies prevent these immigrants from accomplishing their set intentions of living in the states.
Americans wish to exercise their right to vote. For my ancestors, the ability to vote was just that: a dream. Yet in America, they fulfilled this long desired wish every two to four years. Now, voting remains a struggle. After the Supreme Court invalidated parts of the Voting Rights Act, governments currently enact restrictions hampering minorities from voting. With the failure to vote, the American Dream becomes, in the words of Langston Hughes, "A Dream Deferred". Voting leads to new changes in government and the world. The disenfranchisement of these people prevents them from making these changes and following their dreams.
Earlier I spoke of the thrill of college acceptances. After an intellectually and socially stimulating four years in the university, however, the job search begins. For Hispanics and Blacks, even a college degree fails to match the earnings of Whites and Asians. In some cases, Hispanics and Blacks face worse economic conditions. Why should these people still believe in the American Dream? The discrimination, prejudice, segregation, and overall intolerance, leads to this continued economic disparity. Even college, which theoretically allows those who will the American Dream the ability to achieve it, currently fails one of its important missions.
There once existed an American Dream. The idea that college education lifts someone to new heights. The idea that America allowed immigrants escaping their troubled homelands a place to start anew. The idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to voice their opinion politically. This American Dream rarely prevails. Nonetheless the spirit of the Dream remains. The optimism. The joy you express when opening that big envelope from dream college. The pride of living in "the land of the free and the home of the brave". The warmth felt during a 4th of July BBQ with Friends and Family. The persistence, dedication, and grit still remain. The personal qualities of the American Dream carry on, while the overall actions and policies to assist the realization of the Dream continue to fade.