Research Paper On The Pursuit Of The American Dream

The Pursuit of “The American Dream” The “American Dream” has always existed as a primary fundamental of American culture. The idea of the “American Dream” is that every US citizen has the right to receive equal opportunity to attain success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative because it is an equal opportunity offered for everyone, personal to each individual, and extremely rewarding. The pursuit of the American Dream is chased after by many individuals from numerous diverse backgrounds. Thomas Wolfe once said, "…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ….the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him." (Wolfe)
My interpretation of “The American Dream” will more than likely be different compared to most other people. My American Dream consists of three different aspects - success, independence, and pure happiness. Over the years, I have learned from my elders that success is earned, not given.There are no boundaries to what you can achieve in America and becoming successful is part of the ultimate dream. Independence is a privilege that we should all take advantage of. The ability to obtain freedom has molded the United States into the melting pot it is today and continues to attract many immigrants who have faith in the “American Dream”. In my opinion, I believe that immigrants coming to America appreciate the opportunities offered much more than US born citizens. “Statistics show that if you are born elsewhere and later acquire American citizenship, you will, on average, earn more than US native-borns, study further, marry at higher rates and divorce at lower rates, fall out of the work force less frequently and more easily dodge poverty.” (Giridharadas) These statistics motivate me to work even harder because I do not plan on wasting my opportunity to achieve my American