However, I know that this is not the case for all immigrants. Sadly enough, many are not given equal opportunities or do not receive the fair and equal treatment that they deserve. In an ideal world, all individuals would be able to have the same shot at success - if one works hard, he/she achieves the goals they set out to reach. The fact that this is not a reality has to do with Americans' attitudes. There are many Americans that simply do not possess open mindedness or have a mindset that is all-encompassing of various perspectives, cultures, and races. Many of these Americans are the same individuals that have very strong opinions about wealth, and poverty. There is a very widespread perception held by many in America that being wealthy (money-wise, in this case) is synonymous with being happy, and that if one is rich, he/she has achieved the ultimate goal. Because of this, many believe that those who immigrate to the United States from other countries do so as a result of a desire to take opportunities, money, and wealth away from the citizens that already live in America. Most of the time, at least in my opinion, this is a misconception and cannot be rationally argued. Nonetheless, it is the stance of many in this country.
I am personally of the opinion that all should be given equal rights, opportunities, and the same ability to succeed. I think that my beliefs are derived greatly from my personal context - being an immigrant from Argentina. I have experienced firsthand what it is like to work hard, in another country, and not be recognized or rewarded for it. What is so great about the United States, or at least the potential that it has, is that if one works hard here, he/she can succeed and receive the accolades they deserve. This is a very large factor, from my background, that influences my hardworking nature. As a result, my personal definition of wealth does not revolve so much around money, but more so just abundance or profusion of anything. Wealth to me is synonymous with plentifulness, happiness, and achievement, but not necessarily associated with money. In my opinion, money cannot buy happiness. The American Dream is about being successful as defined by an INDIVIDUAL's definition of success and achievement. Success means different things for different people and that is okay. What is not okay is denying others the right to be successful.
Hey Ana!
ReplyDeleteI liked reading your blog post because it was very insightful! I especially like how you wrote that "There is a very widespread perception held by many in America that being wealthy (money-wise, in this case) is synonymous with being happy, and that if one is rich, he/she has achieved the ultimate goal." I agree that, sadly, many have the misconception that if a person is rich, he/she will be happy. I think this is because in the United States we learn to value materialistic items and money. I think this was a really interesting point you brought up because happiness is one of the reasons people want to be rich and successful.
I also agree that "all should be given equal rights, opportunities, and the same ability to succeed." Specifically, I like how you drew from personal experience being that you emigrated from Argentina as a child. It is great that you were able to receive a great education and have the potential to be successful, because I know you work super hard! Overall, I think this was a great post and I really liked hearing your opinion on the topic as an embodiment of the American Dream.
I think that you defined The American Dream very well. I agree that the definition is for anyone in the United States to be successful if they work hard. I also know that this is not the case, but I wish that everyone was given an equal opportunity to do so. I also believe that wealth corresponds to happiness and I would define it as an abundance of something that makes you happy. I like how you stated that many Americans believe that money makes one happy and I agree with this statement. In my opinion, the ultimate goal should not be to be rich, but to be happy. I think that you did a very good job of explaining this. Your statement at the end is also something that I agree with. Each individual has their own image of success and others should not put them down for what makes them happy.
ReplyDeleteI loved your different perspective on this blog post. Being an American born here I have a different experience of the American dream but I heavily agree with your opinion. I think that money does not equal happiness and that people should try to achieve whatever they think is prosperous in order to succeed. In my opinion, the American dream is misconceptualized in that people think making money is the goal while I think it contains social aspects as well and the ability to be able to succeed.
ReplyDeleteCool post Ana Iglesias!! My parents were immigrants too and I think they still don't do their taxes correctly... I agree with how the outlook for immigrants is in America. I think they should be given opportunities too. With being an immigrant to the US and believing there are these misconceptions, why do you think America is still the place for achieving success? These misconceptions certainly couldn't be solely in America (or could they be?) so why is it only America that is cited with this stigma?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post because it cool to read about a immigrants perspective on the American Dream. I like your perspective on how if someone works hard in the United States they often receive benefits from their hard work. Sadly I think this is not always the case for citizens because I feel like a lot of people work hard and do not always receive positive outcomes and benefits from the hard work they put in.
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