The Essence of the American Dream - Essay Example

The American Dream What is all about the American dream and what does it entail? Following public declaration of American independence, People of America had a dream to pursue. The dream was on the basis of equality for all in the eyes of the creator as well as inalienability of human rights that are endowed to every person. Americans had made the commitment to pursue the dream in order to ensure the country achieves its full potential and that every citizen feels comfortable while living in America. The major end of this dream was to ensure people of America create a suitable environment for peaceful coexistence among themselves. In essence, there was great hunger for one nation with high tolerance for various beliefs and cultures. The achievement of such element aims at establishing sustainable grounds for political stability and economic empowerment for all citizens of America. There are several elements that several authors describe as the foundation of this great American dream. They include equality of men, regardless of their skin color, language and race among other attributes; right to life, freedom as well as pursuit of happiness. According to these authors, commitment to such elements most likely brings forth overall prosperity in any society. Since the Americans had a hunger for social justice for everyone living in the country, they had a declaration of true independence based on these virtues. These virtues determine every policy in America and form part of their culture. The people in America had a challenge to pursue this dream. Such dedication has significantly contributed to the current state of America in terms of economy as well as social welfare. Besides being an awesome dream with a lot of expectations on each citizen residing within America, it has had several challenges over the decades. In the present age, there are many who wonder whether the dream is still alive or not. Others still question the reality and accessibility of this optimistic declaration. Most Americans today express their frustrations openly concerning realization of such dream. Some artists use theatre as a platform to communicate their doubt whether the government is really committed to the dream or not. Numerous authors also question the applicability of this dream in America thus terming it a political statement which aims at arousing people’s emotions for a short period. In reality, there was section of Americans who have commitment and strong belief that the dream is achievable. Conversely, a majority believes that such ideological philosophy exists only in books of history and leaders have no intention to implement it whatsoever. People such as Martin Luther portray characters with passion and a serious commitment to realize the benefits this dream promises. He enumerates equality of all men as his key desire in life as an American. There are others, such as Reagan and JF Kennedy, who encourages the present proponents to strive toward accomplishing this particular dream. Against all odds, Luther tried to rally Americans behind the dream in many fronts. He argued that although some people were discriminated, there was hope that there would be equality and people would not be judged by their skin color but by character. Martin Luther expressed his dedication towards achieving equal opportunities for all. Is the American dream alive today? Is the dream accessible to the people of America? These questions alone talk about how people are frustrated by what is really happening compared to the dream. George Carlin, who is well known for comedy exposes the whole truth about the government’s inability to curb corruption and unwillingness to exercise good governance. According to George Carlin, the government does not provide equal opportunities to all but few thus most people are not able to exploit their full potential. He also addresses the issue of insincere practices in daily business deals where corruption thrives at a high rate. He argues that many people are not ready to pay the price of fairness and equality. There is no equality in government, private sector among other stakeholders in the society. Consequently, the American dream is long dead and not accessible at all. The recent movie ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ expresses several aspects that Americans may learn from in order to achieve the dream. It portrays America as the society of orators, but nothing is done to demonstrate what they say. In addition, the movie director expresses the need to avoid doing the same thing repeatedly. People are used to hearing these leaders talking about the dream but no deliberate action is seen, hence driving the people away from this dream. This is an aspect that annoys American people since their leaders always talk about goals they never achievable. The author also talks of different opinions of people within the society. Americans do not necessarily need to have the same opinion to work towards the same goal. Having different opinions does not imply people cannot work together. Authors of ‘Honeymooners’ and ‘The family guy’ tend to express the same concern. People ought to tolerate each other and learn to work together, even when they do not agree on some issues. Since there is no tolerance in American society, they have lost their hunger to accomplish the dream. Besides movies, there are other artworks such as USC dance that are used to express feelings about the American dream. From this dance, people of America seem to have complied with their usual lifestyle and no commitment to their dream. Currently, Americans seem not to have a common focus. Every person does as he pleases thus diverting from the dream. People are not treated equally both in the government and also in the private sector. The dream was not about flashy cars and individual riches. It aimed at creating an atmosphere where every person would feel appreciated and recognized. Access to opportunity to excel in areas everyone feel capable and getting the due reward for accomplishing the same. It also entails respect of all people where blacks and white are treated with dignity they all deserve without partiality or any other form of discrimination. It also gives value and dignity of human life and assumes that every person has an equal right to life. All these are attributes of ‘American dream’ during their declaration of independence many decades ago. As it is today, America is no longer the land of equal opportunities. Capitalism is highly regarded where few people have adequate resources and amass wealth by exploiting others. Value for human life is no more since people, murder each other almost daily. People with talents and special abilities struggle to utilize them due to lack of opportunities. All that matters to most people is using the available means for selfish gain. Such a culture has driven people away from the original dream and there is no hope of realizing it any time soon. Read More