I’ve been hearing a harrowing sentiment from some of my friends who come from a lineage of American born ancestry. They say the American dream is dead, and it’s never coming back.
Although I respect their opinion, I believe their generations of disconnect with their countries of heritage have made them lose sight of what’s in front of their eyes.
The American dream isn’t dead; it’s just not being sought after hard enough anymore. The instructions and tools are right there, for anyone to use to their favor, but nobody wants to read the manual or get their hands dirty anymore.
I’m a first generation American, born to legal immigrating parents who were only able to catch bits and pieces of what the American dream was like on their televisions and newspapers. And with only that limited view, they saw the opportunity this great land had to offer them.
When they got here they understood it wouldn’t be as easy for them as it would be for a native born American citizen, and they understood that. They were going to have to earn it.
My parents committed themselves to the way of the life, adopting the culture and adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle.
It’s now only my mother here today, and she is as American as anyone. When she hears people say the American dream is dead, her eyes widen in disbelief.
“They’ve forgotten their history. They forget why their ancestors fought for this place and what it stands for,” she always tells me. “Don’t forget, men and women died to make this all possible. They died for the freedom to be able to control one’s destiny. They gave everything to create a country where everyone can earn their way equally.”
And that is what the American dream is.
But people seem to have skipped the earning part, and they jump right to the luxury as if it should be handed to them upon birth or arrival.
The American dream isn’t about selfishly living in effortless luxury, it’s about every single countryman putting their minds and bodies to good use for the betterment of the country.
The Marine Corps War Memorial is a statue embodying exactly that, a team working together to erect the American flag.
We all have the opportunity to make our way in this country — we just have to do our part and give back for the freedoms that we are granted.
This Independence Day, remember that the American dream is alive and well. Remember what was given to keep that dream alive. Remember why and how this land became the United States of America, land of the free and home of the brave.
