The American
dream
is one which is both unique, yet very ordinary at the
same time. As a result of the rights and privileges we
enjoy in this country, the dreams of Americans are often
heavily influenced by these rights, rights which while
promising in nature, do not guarantee a fulfillment of
ones' goals.
Most
Americans consider
the material gains of living in such a country as most
beneficial. The acquiring of a house, a fancy car and
luxurious furnishings for the home are usually top
priorities in most everyone' 'life. As a result, the
focus of education, selecting a career and molding one's
individual personality are often tailored to fit what
people think will best achieve these goals for them.
This often requires the sacrificing of individuality for
the sake of material gain and prosperity becomes the most
sought after element in the American dream. Since the
1940's, Americans have been afflicted with the
"materialistic complex" and it has held great
consequences for the nation as a whole.
Americans, I feel,
have failed to realize the extreme benefits of living in
a country which guarantees and realizes personal liberty
above all else.
We as a
nation, have chosen
to channel our talents and energies into pursuing the
economic aspect of the American dream. Consequently,
people are finding more and more difficulty in achieving
what they see as the path to a truly successful and
rewarding life. When we stop and consider the privileges
that we enjoy and compare them to other countries which
profess to be practicing "democracies", we
should realize just how well off we are.
We
often fail, however,
to take full advantage of the opportunities which our
freedom offers us. Because of our economic outlook on
life, we do not realize the potential that can be gained
by increasing our own individuality and forming our own
opinion about issues which affect us as well as the world
at large.
The American
dream
can best be described as one which relies heavily on
tradition in addition to varying morals and viewpoints to
shape the goals of each generation. The basic motivation
of such aspirations, however, still lies firmly
entrenched in the universal goals of home ownership, job
security and freedom in both political and social
thought.
As
each group of Americans
struggles
to fulfill these goals and live out their own version of
the American dream, new and varied approaches to
achieving happiness and living out one's dreams will
emerge. It is this trait which makes the American
experience so unique and also what separates it from
others.
Through
the continual application
of individual methods and the formulation of individual
goals, the American dream will remain a reality for all
those who wish to pursue it because America is the
synthesis of diversity. As Americans, we have a multitude
of possibilities awaiting our exploration and it is up to
us to make the choice between them. It is because of this
that the American dream, while often seemingly elusive,
will remain a reality to all those who pursue after it.
|
