Thursday, November 1, 2012

The American Dream

Ever since the beginning of colonization in the United States in the early 17th century, America has represented an opportunity to start anew to obtain a better life than what you had in the past. When the English decided to colonize the northeastern part of the country, most of Europe was in a state of overpopulation and pollution. This was a great opportunity for people to get away from the problems in Europe, and start a new life in the United States where everyone was starting from scratch. Immigrants continued to pour into the U.S., especially after we gained our independence, and it wasn't up to Britain to say who could live in America and who couldn't. In the 19th century, when the potato blight occurred, a massive amount of Irish immigrants came to America, because they had the American dream to overcome the hardship in their country and go to America where anyone could make it big. The thing that separated America from other countries was that everyone was accepted, because the Great American Melting Pot was made by mixing cultures from all around the world, to form the greatest country there is. Admittedly, the American dream isn't as accessible as it used to be, now that we are starting to face problems like overpopulation and pollution. Not everyone can make enough of a living to support a family, and pay for a house off of hard work alone anymore. Hopefully, we can get back to the point where everyone in the country gets equal treatment, in terms of taxes, insurance, etc., regardless of their economic class.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Sam,

    I really enjoyed reading your post. I think, especially right now, the concept of the American Dream is under fire and people often forget about what the actual "American Dream" is. My question is, you truly believe that the "American Dream" that motivated so many people to immigrate to this country even still exists?

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  2. Great post! I think it was interesting when you said:
    "Hopefully, we can get back to the point where everyone in the country gets equal treatment, in terms of taxes, insurance, etc., regardless of their economic class."
    I think of this kind of government as socialist, and maybe that isn't such a bad thing. Do you mean equal payment as well? Also, do you think america should turn back into more of a european system? I really like the points you made and it was very well written!

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  3. I really enjoy Your Post.
    I think that people forget America was a country of immigrants. Many of the people who argue so strongly that Latinos take our jobs would only have to look back a couple generations to find their ancestors facing the same problems of discrimination.
    I also want to agree with Andrea about socialism, but also clarify something. Currently we already have a mixed system, combining the two systems of capitalism and socialism.

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