Vastness of the Dream (blog #2

A well known play-writer, David Henry Hwang once said "there is something very unique in the American iconography about this notion of the pursuit of happiness."


The American dream is no different than the pursuit of happiness, in fact many would argue that it is just a different terminology. The most sacred document in our country, the constitution clearly declared  pursuit of happiness for every citizen which gave path for the American Dream to be born in the heart of every human.

However, the question remains, what is it that makes it unique? .....is it Opportunity? can it be prosperity? or perhaps genuine happiness?
Hanson and White write many interesting points in their introduction. One of them being that the American dream is "elusive and therefore disappoints us....a never ending pursuit." They argue to show that the american dream in the 21st century has stumbled, people have lost hope and it is not perceived as before.

The uncertainty of the dream in the 21st century relates to another fact pointed out by Hanson and White, which is that in the 19th and 20th century the american dream consisted of economic prosperity and ownership. However, in the 21st century it has drastically changed to also include social reforms, personal well being and quality of life.

That is exactly what makes the American dream unique.The fact that is has changed. It has adapted to a new era in the timeline of the United States. For many decades the average citizen chased happiness in material ownership such as houses, income, and cars. As the decades went by they still could not find fulfillment or genuine happiness which they thought to find once the dream was achieved. However  happiness will not be found in  materialistic prosperity, at least not for very long.It will be found in a united society of equality and opportunity for all.No man can be happy with economic wealth when the country is constantly struggling with racial issues....dividing society by race and social hierarchy.

It makes sense that the past generation aspired wealth as their American dream, they lived in a time period of depression, world wars, and the rise of our powerful country.It is unfair to blame them or demoralize them for wanting prosperity.It is exactly what they needed at the time. However, the new generation aren't satisfied.They want to finalize the long lasting fight for social justice and civil rights to reach  well rounded happiness.

I am personally disturbed and saddened  by the immense division in our society. Black lives matter. Blue lives matter. Neo-Nazis. Immigration policies.Homelessness.Terrorism. Shootings. Discrimination. Many social issues that we have experienced in the past decade.None of these issues can just be ignored and replaced by the pursuit of personal wealth to be happy.I am proud and inspired that the American dream is not just about prosperity anymore,because it can not be, it was necessary for it to change and it should be now and always for the justice and advancement of society.

There is something very unique in American iconography about this notion of the pursuit of happiness. David Henry Hwang
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pursuit_of_happiness.html

Selfless Dream

            The article "American Dreams" by Ian Brown shows 15 people with different backgrounds to illustrate that the American Dream has a different meaning and vision for each individual. The variety of stories show that for some people the dream is unity, equality for blacks, health, gun rights, immigration policies , and advocacy among others.It is important that the author uses different cultural backgrounds to understand that it is a unique vision for each individual that is shaped by their past tragedies It is clearly shown exactly how the past experience shaped these people vision of American dream. For example,the first story is from Lisa Weah, an African American pastor in Baltimore,who observed the police brutality and death of Freddie Grey in her own community. It is not surprise that her Dream is to live in a country where people of color are not discriminated and racially profiled but are treated equally. In another story,Hector Salamanca is a a dreamer at Drake University who wants to run for office . Once again his struggle to obtain DACA has allowed him  to appreciate the opportunity and help is community through government policies.Finally,Rick Ector is an experienced firearm instructor passionate for the 2nd amendment ; right to bear arms. His close to death experience when being assaulted at gunpoin had him terriefied of guns until it led him to dream of a America where everyone may carry a weapon for security without government intervention.It is impressing how every story and almost every American Dream is selfless, although each individual seeks to accomplish a personal vision of this country, it is one that the majority gets to enjoy and live with. Once again, the author demonstrates that the American dream is not a general set goal but rather it is what we define it.

            I personally think that the American dream of my myself, my family and including the people in Ian Browns article is dream that the future generations that follow will live, the future generations will live off the accomplished American dreams of today generation.My parents moving to the United States for the beloved American Dream is an ongoing process that will pay off to us, their kids. Unfortunately  it is not a dream that they will be able to first hand experience.The same applies to ever story in Browns article,( the gun rights, health, farming, advocacy, immigration) they have a goal which they aspire to accomplish in hopes that the generation that proceeds is able to enjoy that dream.I would also like to add that it is interesting how most people have a misconception that the American dream is a characteristic of immigrants, foreigners, and poor people. However , the Dream is of every citizen in the United States who wants to see a better future in this country.

            My american dream is one where foreigners are welcome into the United States, where skin color, gender or religion aren't condemned, and where the government really cares over the interest of the people.