The American Dream Essay, Research Paper

January 27, 2001

The American Dream

The American Dream can be defined with many different aspects. It is unique to each individual, family, group, race and class. The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence say it all. Americans have the right to live in perfect union, domestically tranquil and without fear of war. In addition to the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Since the discovery of the Americas, people from all over the world have come to the United States in search of a better way of life. For some it can mean a well paying job, while for others it can be the difference between life and death and for all freedom. Freedom that we as American citizens take for granted.

Today, any person who enters or lives in the United States is free. Free to speak their mind, practice any religion, become educated, to be secure in homes that they own and in their lives. In America you can work hard at any occupation you choose and hopefully you will become rich.

For many people social status and fame can be their dream. Many attempt to be something they are not. Struggling to be part of a higher class of people can lead to failure. A person’s self confidence can be shattered in the process.

In 1776, the Colonial Men wanted to be free and independent from British rule. They were tired of the injustices imposed upon them and created the Declaration of Independence. From that point on white men have strived to become rich (gold rush, bootlegging, stock market) and educated.

In the 1800 s the dream for Negroes was to be free from slavery. To own land, marry and have a family living within the same home, to eat in public areas and use a public restroom. To have the same rights as any White man. In 1865, they won the fight to be free but were still not considered equal. In 1870, Black Americans won the right to vote, but their fight to be equal was far from over. From then to the 1950 s they then fought for desegregation, the right for proper schooling. They won equal rights in 1964. Today, there are still African-Americans that feel they are being oppressed and treated unequal. They will continue to fight for their freedom and they have the rights to do so.

For women in the late 1800 s to the early 1900 s the dream was to have the right to vote and to be treated equal to men. In order to vote you had to be a landowner, which few women were. In addition, women were not considered to have the ability to reason as well as men, therefore they could not vote. Eventually, women proved they could reason as well as men and won the right to vote in 1920. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was a long, hard and treacherous fight for the key members of the movement, but they worked hard and never gave up.

There are people who where born and raised in the United States who do not realize that our freedom and rights are wonderful privileges. Privileges that has cost a lot of blood, sweat and tears for our ancestors. Our immigrant ancestors who came to the United States from all areas of the world, chasing their American dream.