Living the American Dream

Throughout my high school career, I have discussed the theme of The American Dream in many of my classes. The American Dream is known to be the thought of prosperity in a new land and a different life - America is known to be the land of hope. Many pieces of literature contain this theme when the characters are struggling to survive or they are in search of a better life in America. For example, the very famous Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck is about struggling family of sharecroppers who journey across America to California in hopes of creating a better life for themselves. Similarly, The Tortilla Curtain features a Mexican couple who cross the Mexican/American border in hopes of finding a steady work so they can provide for their unborn baby. This theme is prevalent throughout both novels and is even important in our present day society. There are increasing amounts of illegal Mexicans who enter America searching for a job, an education, and a home. But the amount of immigrants has become astronomical - millions of people are unemployed to begin with - having millions more is ridiculous and poor for our economy.

I have researched the American dream and came across interesting stories about immigrants who have been cheated out of obtaining the American dream. The following link is to a video which contains a touching story of a woman who just wanted to provide for her children; she wanted to buy a home, but she was deceived by her boyfriend and a friend in the mortgage industry and is now in debt. All Isabel Frias wanted to do was provide a home for her children - instead her American Dream became an American Nightmare. Another video I have found on the CNN website outlines the views of the American people concerning the American Dream and its ties to the Bush Administration. The majority of the people in America believe the American dream is a lost cause; there is a slim chance one will achieve it. This video on real truth about the American Dream contains percentages of people and seems to be very accurate.

I personally think the American Dream is attainable to a certain degree. There is a scale of success fullness and what benefits one can reap from obtaining that status. For example, for me the American Dream is "reaching the top of the mountain" and being nothing short of successful [having a high income and being able to afford the constant luxuries life has to offer]. If I can obtain that status I will have captured the American Dream. For others such as Isabel Frias, the American Dream is much simpler: all she wants is to be able to afford a home for her children to grow up in, not to mention a steady, well paying job. For some, the American Dream may be to be able to live off the streets. There are many degrees and that is where the breakdown of possibility comes into play.