Thursday, November 1, 2012
The American Dream
What exactly is the American Dream? I think that there are many different interpretations to it. My interpretation is immigrants coming to America, to live the free and amazing life they are told occurs. The immigrants usually don't have the best circumstances in their country, and want to come to America to start their life over. They want to make their lives productive, and live a life full of pleasure.
The American Dream started during the late 19th century and early 20th century. America just finished its civil war, and everyone was starting to agree with each other more. Fighting occurred much less often, and everyone loved America. During this time, there were still many countries around the world that still didn't have their freedom. The citizens would be very mad at their country, and would want to move elsewhere. America was the place they went. Also, many soldiers or indentured servants from around the world would try to escape their country and find a way to come to America. Back then, it was much easier to enter the United States then it is now. The immigrants would have to pass a simple test to just become a citizen. They would have the same right that the whites have. I find this very interesting because many blacks who have lived in America, and helped out, couldn't even get their "freedom." One would think that it would be a little harder for any random immigrant to become a citizen of America.
One main theme that I have already hinted at, that describes the American Dream, is immigration. Immigration is a major thing for a country, because when new people come, they bring new ideas, techniques and methods with them. In addition, they also bring diversity. Immigration during that time period, was very different than immigration of today's. Today, we are constantly hearing about illegal immigrants. They are usually from Mexico or somewhere else near there. This was not nearly as common then.
Overall, the American Dream is a vision that people have of America. They think it is the best place on earth, where everybody gets an equal opportunity. They think it is a place to restart your life, without anybody accusing you of your previous actions. And because of these reasons, many people wanted, want and are going to want, to come to the United States to experience this.
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ReplyDeleteHello Matt
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post! I agree with you. It is very unfare that black people didn't get freedom in America. You said immigration brings new idea and the diversity to the country, but do think there are any nagative sights?
Thank you
Sangjin
Sangjin,
DeleteYes, there are also many negatives about immigration. One example of this would be the immigrants argueing with the natives. This can lead to fighting between the two. Another negative that immigration can bring is disease. This was very common when the Europeans were just discovering America. The Europeans would have diseases that they were immune to, and bring them to the native americans.
Thanks,
Matt
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehey matt
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I was thinking the same as you were when I was reading it. I learned some new thing that was said in you post. Yes there is many different ways you can think about when you see the words American Dreams. Maney people are coming over to our country for a new life style to start over. Also to get better jobs and other good things that we have good here in America. What do you think that new people comeing over with new ideas is a good or bad thing or some of each?
Brino,
DeleteThank you for your comment. And for the question that you asked me: I think that immigrants coming to America with new ideas is a good thing. It adds some diversity and change to our American culture. However, there are definately some negatives as well. Sometimes the ideas are detrimental to our society. In these cases immigration might be perceived as a bad thing.
I can see what you mean by the "American Dream" Matt. I do agree people do come to America looking for a new life and fresh start, but there are still some that come for the wrong reasons. I think immigrants should be allowed to come here but I don't think all of them should come here. It would throw our country out of whack more than it is now.Like you said they need to bring more ideas and such to contribute to living here. Good post, way to make us stop and think.
ReplyDelete