My answer has not wandered much since the last time I was asked about what it means to be an American in the 21st century. I still believe that there is no set identity. We are all different shades, different textures of hair, and different goals. However we all yearn for and appreciate the freedom we obtain as a citizen. I do not believe you necessary have to be a “citizen” to call yourself an American either, nor would English have to be your first language. America has allowed us to be a nation of multi culture and multi languages. I think being an American in our current time allows a lot more room of acceptability. I understand we still have issues with race and discrimination but I think we are at a better stage than we ever were and hopefully it will increase. It is also a huge moment for the virtual world. We all strive for the ipods, the iphones, and rely heavily on the internet to find us a perfect mate. I love technology but I think it has unfortunately left us with less and less emotions due to the lack of connection with people. For example, we text instead of calling. I find it a little disturbing to look at the numbers of single mothers just within people I have met or know. Women are considered LUCKY if they are still with the father of their child and they are taking care of that child.
\I do believe that every one has the opportunity to access the American Dream because every one decides what that dream is. Some may be simple due to their lifestyle and needs and others may complex and unrealistic because of their different upbringing. But these are all American Dreams. It comes down to what people have and do not have. The richer already have what the poor don’t so their dreams strive for more. The poor have yet to catch up with the wealthy so their dream may be simplistic and be something the wealthy would have taken for granted. But in the end I believe it’s a pursuit of happiness and never a destination. We will always want more. I always want more. I find things that I want and think that once I have them I will be satisfied but it only leads to another want. I will never be completely happy with the things I have, someone will always be out doing me and ill be on my constant journey to out do them.
Tiffanee, I commend yur positive and competitive outlook on life and your American dream. It's unfortunate that the discrimination exist, although getting past those type of people is how we can continue on to reach our dreams. There always seems to be someone trying to hold a dreamer back. I have found that doing something for somebody else helps me to stay focused on my dreams. You know, the realism and not the material. Just like exercising or going to an uplifting church service it makes me feel good and enables me to try harder while having more ability to perform admirably. The effort is what is important. If you fail the first time try try again until it comes together, Eventually the right plan, the desire, and following through pay off. I also agree that everybody has equal oppurtunity to the American dream. Unfortunately, many have a much harder road. Those that are subjected to abuse at home, those that are disabled, those with substance abuse issues, or those that come from a socio-economic where they are challenged. If you think about it, watching those people reach the American dream is the most satisfying.
ReplyDeleteI think that one really DOES have to be a citizen to be an American. (English speaking or otherwise) There is too much people pleasing in this country as it is. Healthcare for people just because they made it here...no social security number, no income taxes...but healthcare?!? If you want the same rights in this country as the rest of us, you need to hold on to your heritage, but become a citizen. I beleive in helping those in need in other countries, I give to Red Cross and other international orginazations, to those who have no way to get out of their situation. But for those who have the means, and the drive to make it here, just to play the broken system because we let them, is just wrong. It has nothing to do with their background, color, religion or otherwise, but if you want to be an American, you gotta pay to play. You want the American Dream, come here and get it, but it costs something for freedom. We pay it everyday, so should they.
ReplyDeleteTiffanee: I also hope that racism and discrimination will soon be non existant, but I think there will always be someone who discrimnates. People are haters and will try and cheat and lie to be on top. I also agree that there is no set identity for some, because some peoples dreams are to find out where they come from and who they truly are.
ReplyDeleteFayne: I like how you do good things for others in order to stay on track. I too help out when I can, and it does help to stay focused on what you are trying to achieve. Everyone does have equal opportunity to their dreams, but yes some have it harder than others. Its not necessarily sad, because if they reach their goals, through hard work, they will feel alot better than those who could just buy whatever to reach their goals.
Swarr: I totally Agree with you. I believe you should be an American citizen Legally! If you have to pay, so should everyone else. Granted some come here to work and send all their money home, they arent getting taxed, but still get benefits that we all have to pay for. We arent being greedy, but I dont want my money that I work hard for, to go to someone who doesn't pay anything at all.