Each Of Us Has To Define Our Own American Dream

The American Dream doesn’t have a singular definition anymore. Today, it resembles a painting of diverse opinions.

Through my parents, I have seen the relationship that most immigrants face with the American Dream. 

My dad, who immigrated from Cuba in 1978, tells me that he saw the United States full of hope and opportunity for anyone to better their life. He dreamed of gaining freedom and attending school to become a successful attorney.

When he arrived, that dream began to fade as he had to put it aside to survive the harsh reality of living here. His idea of the American Dream quickly became “with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve success.” 

Though it is an inspiring notion to live by, it doesn’t apply to everyone.

For lower class people in the United States, the dream is to break through poverty and to live a better life. 

I have seen family and friends who have worked tirelessly to develop their dream life, only to run into massive barriers. Many have come to realize that with minimal college education, they are limited to the job opportunities they qualify for.

People of color have faced historical injustices, such as slavery and segregation, which has created a significant inequality as they strive to achieve prosperity in their lives. 

For women, the American Dream represents success in their professional lives or financial independence; however, they also face societal expectations and gender inequality. As a result, many women end up having to put their careers on the back burner. 

Those obstacles, big or small, can hold anyone back and make it difficult for them to achieve the American Dream. 

The media also plays a crucial role in how people are developing their perspectives. 

Whether it is through television or TikTok, public perceptions of unrealistic lifestyles are being  displayed through perfect appearances, relationships and finances. 

An example of this can be seen through Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of one of my favorite shows, Sex and the City. Somehow she is able to afford a $700,000 apartment in the Upper East Side of New York City with a $50,000 salary. That creates unrealistic expectations for viewers and has some people questioning, “Why can’t I live in a fancy home while making the same salary as her?”

The media continues to create fictional expectations and cloud the reality of how we each can achieve the American Dream.

However, it’s up to every person to make their own definition of the American Dream and power through it.