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The American Dream

 

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             From the earliest days of this nation, Americans have argued that what set our society apart, what made it distinct from and superior to everywhere else, is the opportunity that has been provided for each individual. No matter what his or her origin may be, we all have the opportunity to achieve success, and we are capable of realizing what our full potential is. .
             In Europe, some people would argue that each individual's economic, social, and political destiny is largely determined at birth. Their rigid class structure makes it extremely unlikely that individual effort and a high status can overcome the liability of those originating in lower-class societies. In America, however, people grow to be what they make of themselves. The national self-image portrays an open society whose stages are determined by ability alone. From the immigrant slums to what may seem like a millionaire palace. From log cabins to the White House: this is the American Dream that was, and continues to take place.
             This idealistic dream has always had a substantial material base. Concepts such as equality, freedom, and individual dignity were significant in themselves, but they took on deliberate meaning for most people in certain, often materialistic, ways. If every average American was promised to live a life in which he or she could strive for success, then a substantial improvement in his or her economic condition is what may end up being the best way to measure success. Immigrants come to America for many reasons, but the most important reason to most them was the hope to move from rags to riches. And, if they do not necessarily make it from rags to riches, then they would have hopes of moving from rags to respectability, at least.
             I would have to say that it is almost impossible to live a week in the United States and not hear anything about the American Dream.


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