Ryan Walton
11/09/14
English 101 EA
Lamkin
Definition Essay
The American Dream Today's millions immigrate to the United States looking for the American Dream; the equal opportunity to achieve success through hard work, determination and initiative. But people from around the world still travel to the US because of this idea that you can be anything you want to be if you put in the work. I believe one of the reasons Americans think the "dream" of a better life is dead is that we were born in the US and we usually got what we wanted quickly. The people who immigrate here is because they want to improve their lives and they can't do it from where they come from. The American Dream is a reality; every citizen of the United States of America has the opportunity of achieving something better no matter what prejudices they may face, but it also depends on their perseverance and luck. The term “The American Dream” has a many interpretations, but one of the most popular is from the Declaration of Independence. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. In simpler terms, The American Dream is the opportunity of the pursuit of freedom, and satisfaction of needs and wants. As Thomas Wolfe said, “ ...to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity ...the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him”. This quote explains how everyone in the U.S. as the right to the American Dream: to function as a member of society and to pursue their hopes and dreams. If you come to America underprivileged or poor, then you have the chance to turn that around through hard work and determination; also if they get lucky. In other words, some people will be able to work hard and achieve their dreams, while others will work hard and not end up being fortunate enough to complete their goals.