The American Dream: How Can It Be Fulfilled?

George Carlin, a popular American comedian, philosopher, and social critic, once stated:“The reason they call it the American Dream is because you have to be asleep to believe it”. Carlin's poignant observation raises the unique question: "What exactly is the American Dream?"Many individuals immigrate to the United States to fulfill the “American Dream.’”Some experts such as Lewyn (full name?) believe the American Dream began during the Great Depression in 1931 (Lewyn). According to historian James Truslow Adams, the American Dream referred to “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement” There are several perspectives as to what individuals believe the American Dream is. Some individuals believe the American Dream is based on opportunities provided to them in the free enterprise, while others believe it depicts the rights that American individuals are promised. After all, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States declare rights that every American possesses (or should possess). The American Dream embodiesthe liberties of America and what immigrants dream of when immigrating to the United States. For example, many individuals who are in college aspire to achieve the American Dream and move into a career where they can earn a substantial amount to sustain themselves and begin a family. Every American has his or her own personal aspirations; however, to me, the American Dream is obtained when individuals retain: government protection and freedom, equality and protection from racist slurs, and a stable occupation and right to education.

Ever since the American Revolution ended in 1776, and America gained its independence against Great Britain, freedom and liberty are guaranteed when individuals immigrate to the United States, according to the Declaration of Independence. Thus, government protection is offered as part of the American Dream. America has a military, law enforcement, and paramedics who protect civilians every day. For me, if law enforcement and government protection are not guaranteed, the American Dream cannot be fulfilled. In addition, many individuals in America lack adequate housing, which indicates a sign of poverty, and many individuals are not able to eat daily, nutritionalmeals. Homeless people are left starving on the streets with no shelter and no companionship. There can be several aspects to the American Dream which individuals seek; however, in reality, the American Dream is often challenging to obtain due to obstacles like lack of housing, income, and food. However, Americans have the power to access those basic necessities because Americans have the right to be free and retain liberty. For example, America is a democratic country where individuals have the right to vote and have the liberty to do as they wish with grit and perseverance. Overall, individuals must have the right to freedom and liberty and government protection in order to attain the American Dream.

In addition, one crucial aspect of the American Dream is thatindividuals should be free from racist slurs and should not be discriminated against in any field such as: gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, and disability. Throughout the mid-1900s, African American individuals were segregated in the United States and persecuted because of their skin color. There were several Supreme Court cases such as: Plessy v Ferguson and Brown v Board of Education, which sought justice for African Americans. Many individuals at that time-period settled down in America to fulfill the American Dream and not be vulnerable to racial slurs. However, the opposite occurred for African American individuals as they were the recipients of a great deal of racism and discrimination. Among such chaos, there were several advocates who emerged, fighting for the rights of African Americans and seeking justice. For example, Ruby Bridges was a young African American girl who advocated for the right of equal education, and she was successful. Her actions embodied the American Dream because she fought for what she believed in, and she created a difference not only in America but she also influenced the entire world. Ruby Bridges is an example of the critical facet of the American Dream which is for individuals to create a difference in the world and to advocate for what one believes. Ideally, there should be no American individuals who are discriminated against for any reason, whether it be skin color, handicap, or sexuality. All in all, when individuals in America are free from all racial discrimination and are considered equal, the American Dream may be fulfilled.

Also, once individuals have the right to an education and a stable occupation, the American Dream may be obtained. Not receiving a quality education is an abysmal notion because everyone has the right to be educated in order to achieve his/her own personal American Dream. Also, everyone’s caliber and potential should be recognized. I have great admiration for the teachers who make the world a better place. They are the core builders of society, and they educate everyone on how to live the life they desire and expect. One may have an innovative idea; however, without the platform and right to obtain a good education, oneemay not obtain his/her full potential. Additionally, one must have a stable occupation, so one can provide for one’s family. The right to education leads to distributive occupations so one can choose the path he or she wishes to pursue. A stable profession is an ultimate goal for most individuals when pursuing the American Dream. Overall, the final facet of the American Dream is the right for distributive education and a stable occupation.

In conclusion, although many individuals aspire to seek the American Dream, it can bedifficult to obtain. American citizens must receive government protection and have the right to freedom. Many individuals immigrate to the United States and believe the American Dream can be easily fulfilled and that America is autopia. However, it is challenging to obtain the American Dream, and several aspects occur in America and are not part of the American Dream. Many people come to America to live a better and life in which equality is tantamount to the pursuit of happiness. One facet of this American Dream is for everyone to be equal and free from racist slurs. Also, individuals must have the right to education and maintain a stable occupation to sustain themselves. Although George Carlin once said:, “You have to be asleep to believe it,” I believe it is time for America to wake up from its slumber and face the reality of the American Dream that is desired by so many deserving American citizens.