What Makes The American Dream Essay

In today’s society, many move to America for more freedom and to pursuit goals and dreams that are made impossible in their home country. The American Dream is set out to be known for being accomplished and successful, these things alone may help motivate one into having prosperity in life. Depending on the standards in the classic American Dream, one may believe this is achievable by every individual of the United States; no matter what obstacles they may face such as prejudices, determination shall overcome. The American Dream can be perceived by a famous quote of the Declaration of Independance. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independance 1) which defines how every American shall live and work for. Basically
to obtain freedom with all of one’s desires can be known as the American Dream. Even if one immigrates to America with little to nothing, this can be reversed by being persistent and hammering away at work. It is not guaranteed for anyone, but is possible for everyone. Some may acquire good fortune and accomplish their goals, while others will not. Most of the American dream is related to the idea of achieving success, this is because it has grown into being the ability to function in everyday life.
An example of this would be Phillip Maung, the CEO of Hissho Sushi (dBusiness News3). Maung immigrated to America from his home country of Burma with only $13 and the dream of a new life for him and his family. In 1998 with the assistance of his wife Kristina, Philip Maung founded the Hissho Sushi company, and became a major distributor of sushi to supermarkets, restaurants, and schools all over the United States. This is a prime example of a perfect American Dream is. Maung arrived in the United States as a poor worker, but had the motivation to change his life around for the better of himself and his family. “ We had very little money, but very big dreams” said Maung, after receiving the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year regional award on June 18, 2009. Even if you come to America comprised of nothing, dedication can turn that into something and may help you succeed at achieving your personal goals. Hard work and determination are not the only components in achieving the American Dream; it’s also how prosperous one may be. Some will be very lucky and be able to achieve their dreams, while others, again, will
not. Controlling one’s own destiny is the last essential part of the American Dream. Similar to liberty, this significant part/ perk of residing in America is often disregarded as not being part of the dream, but it should be recognized because it is rare throughout the world. In most countries a person dictated to what they will become or are born into a caste system where they are stuck there till death. In America we could be born into a low-income family and proceed forward to greater fortunes, but the system also works the other way. The American Dream allows people to control their own destiny. Although the impossibilities are a great deal in today’s society.
With Americas recent unemployments, many citizens were left stranded. Helpless in such a currency dependant system, this would be a step back from the American Dream. For example, in Barbara Ehrenreich’s “Nickel and Dimed” Ehrenreich is facing financial hardships, where she is hardly scraping by in middle America. Even so with proper education and experience (Ehrenreich being so) she feels that working at a fast food chain is below her standards of work. Ehrenreich believes “how overqualified” (Ehrenreich 40) she is, and should deserve a position of more class and difficulty to derive her rightful amount of
income.

The American Dream stands for the right of equal opportunities and accomplish for all. The freedom everyone in America has to pursue with their individual hopes and dreams and to lead a life of triumph and happiness. Alike coming to America as a poor migrant, there is still an opportunity for one to dominate all on the economic ladder. The achievement of the American Dream mostly comes down to your dedication and eagerness to work towards your destiny. If one does work strenuously hard enough, you may find fortune and achieve the desires you seek in the future.