The American Dream And The Reality Of The American Dream

America, land of dreams, is home to the world’s largest immigrant population. Why do so many want to come to America? It may be because of the employment opportunities, or reunification with family members, or the many rights and freedoms that Americans have. But a large part of immigration to America is due to the American Dream, the belief that every US citizen has an equal opportunity to achieve success through hard work and determination. The concept of the American Dream was recognized as early as the 18th and 19th centuries, and the phrase was popularized in the 20th century by James Truslow Adams in his book Epic of America, in which he states, â€Å"there has been also the American dream, that dream of a land in which life should be†¦show more content†¦This divide causes the lower-income people to become doubtful about the veracity of the American Dream, or even believe the dream to be dead. I believe the American Dream is alive today. As times have changed, so has the dream, and some may not be able to find it in the same way as in the past. However, its essence still exists. The manifestation of the American Dream is given by Barack Obama in a speech on November 7, 2007, when he says, â€Å"Americans share a faith in simple dreams. A job with wages that can support a family. Health care that we can count on and afford. A retirement that is dignified and secure. Education and opportunity for our kids.† These values are a prime example of some of the dreams of not only Americans, but so many around the world, including my parents. When I was four years old, my family and I came to America, my parents barely being able to speak English and only knowing Korean culture, language, land, and everything else. Whenever I used to ask why we left Korea for America, my parents always said it was for my sister’s and my education, because they believed that there was a better education system and opportunity here. Though they had steady jobs and a comfortable lifestyle in Korea, my parents came to a completely unfamiliar country just for their dreams for me and my sister. They worked incredibly hard to get our family to a comfortable position, where my sister and I could get a reliable education and go on to college.Show MoreRelatedThe American Dream And The Black American Reality908 Words   |  4 Pagesideals of the American Dream through her characters: Walter, who embodies the quest for an opportunity for prosperity, Beneatha who wants the freedom to be herself and embrace her African heritage, and Lena (Mama) who buys a home in a white neighborhood pushing the boundaries of social mobility during that time. The Youngers are in a state of poverty, because of this as suggested by Lloyd Brown â€Å"their deprivations expose the gap between the American Dream and the Black American reality† (241). 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As we will see with the help of three different authors, regardless of age, race, sexuality, religion, or social status, we could possibly agree on the idea of the American Dream falling short and being a false sense of reality for manyRead MoreLangston Hughes : The American Dream And Southern Migration With The Reality Of Prejudice2931 Words   |  12 Pagesone of the greatest writers in American Literature to this day. This achievement is due to his thought provoking use of certain styles and techniques to portray his main themes and ideas. Many of Langston Hughes’ themes originated from his personal feelings and experiences. Hughes thus centers his themes around the ups and downs of African Americans living in America during his time. Langston Hughes contrasts the American Dream and northern migration with the reality of prejudice against Negroes