The American Dream

I have a dream." Martin Luther King was a man with a dream, a man that would later die for that same dream. We all have dreams. No matter how small or how large, we all have them. The American dream is a well discussed topic all over the world. It is a strange concept, defined by painting of goddesses with large books and holding telegraph wires, felt in the stirrings of the heart during the national anthem. The idea that anyone- regardless of status, race, or creed- was created equal in the eyes of God and capable of becoming successful and wealthy through hard work, God-fearness and just by being on American soil. The American Dream is a severe form of nationalism, and one that has been used as a red herring fallacy in many arguments. It is also a fantasy formation of sorts; despite crumbling urban centers, racial problems, and nuclear paranoia, advertising and other popular media images still uphold the idea of America as the land of the free.
So where do we go from here? Is the American Dream all meaningless imagery and puffery symbolism? Or is it something attainable, like money and power? Does it actually exist? If so, why does it elude so many everyday people? The American Dream is basically that upward mobility in our society is possible. A man dreams of one day having the little plot to call his own, works hard and gets it. A person can do what they want, regardless of where they start from.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…" are the famous words every American hears throughout their lifetime. These words are part of America's history through the Declaration of Independence; America is the only country where the "pursuit of happiness" is actually guaranteed in writing. What exactly are the "pursuit of happiness," and the "American Dream?" As defined by most writers, such as Hemmingway, it's becoming rich young and having the opportunity and will to do what you please with your wealth. To many foreigners, the "American Dream" is just to escape poverty and retain a better life. Maybe, the "American Way" is philanthropy, making billions of dollars and giving some of it back to those who really need it. The "American Dream" is different to all people but always involves one common factor, the almighty "buck." Current times call for new techniques in gaining the "American Dream." The possibilities are endless through the World Wide Web, and the flourishing economy make it possible for anyone to make a "well to-do" living.
In America, you at least have the opportunity to do this. To me the "American Dream" is not just a dollar sign, or desk nametag, but the ability to walk into a room or a home, and know that your presence is welcomed and looked forward to. The dream is realizing that in America, we have the resources to make an honest difference. In most other countries, this is not the case. You are born into one caste or another, and there you stay for life. Japan is the perfect example. There is a very rich upper class and a very poor lower class that works itself literally to death. There is little or no mixing of the two India is the same way. And so is England, for the most part. This is why it's the AMERICAN Dream.
How does one achieve the American Dream? The answer undoubtedly depends upon one's definition of the Dream, and there are many from which to choose. Traditionally, Americans have sought to realize the American dream of success, fame and wealth through thrift and hard work. However, the industrialization of the 19th and 20th centuries began to erode the dream, replacing it with a philosophy of "get rich quick". A variety of seductive but elusive strategies have evolved, and today the three leading ways to instant wealth are large-prize television game shows, big-jackpot state lotteries and compensation lawsuits.
My American dream has been unwavering since my youth. I find it easy to think of ways to place a metaphor on the dreams of others; however, it is difficult to find one for my own. I think to me, the American Dream is like A Family tree. Feel free to branch off, and grow as an individual. Become the best branch on that tree, and bear the best fruit if you want. You can even sprout seeds and grow a larger, better tree. No matter what, your roots will always be there, in that original tree, that original root.