blog 2-American Dream

According to Kendall, the American Dream enables each generation to economically achieve more than their parents and increase their standard of living. Kendall also states that the American Dream is composed of “the belief that all people- regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or religion-should have an equal opportunity for success” (27). Immigrants, dating back from the first migration of 1845, originally viewed America’s “golden door” as a place of hope and glory. Due to agricultural famines, many fled their homelands of Ireland, Italy, and Germany in hopes to begin a new life. Many envisioned gold, opportunities, wealth, and freedom. Instead, all America brought them was discrimination, disease, poverty, hard labor, and death. Their dreams were crushed and their hopes were diminished. But it was not the nation of America who impeded on their American Dream; it was individuals within the society. America did and still does stand for freedom and opportunity. But this liberty is often hindered by powerful individuals or groups. I believe that the idea of the American Dream still lives within society, but I do not think everyone receives a fair advantage of attaining it. Race, color, sex, sexual orientation, and religion play a vital role in one’s level of opportunity in America. For example, African Americans, Hispanics, and women are often not offered an equal opportunity to live the dream. I think the American Dream is often over exaggerated, promising things it is not capable of controlling. The government does try to manage the basis of an American Dream, but relies too much on society to carry it out. Although many individuals are not offered equal opportunities to live the American Dream, I think they can live any dream they wish with the right motivation and dedication.