American Dream

So what is this 'American Dream'? The person who coined the phrase, James Truslow Adam said "The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement... It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."

Mighty words. It makes me feel dignified, ambitious, capable of achieving the ultimate and deserving of the best. And the best feeling is that of empowerment, which after thinking hard enough, I realise that I haven't felt such an emotion with such magnitude, before. Not that I have encountered any discrimination or prejudice against me. Infact I have most often been rewarded, and I believe it is for my hardwork and good results! :)
But I guess there more often is a flavour of favouring probably for the wrong reasons ,present in most places like background music to lyrics. People who benefit deny it and people who suffer complain. At the same time I wonder , will they ,those very people who complain, stand up against unfairness if they themselves were being favoured. Is integrity there in us? It sure is a Right to fight for what one believes in, but isn't it equally important that he stands up for what he believes in, too!

I was reading an article on American culture and view by J. LaVelle Ingram, and understood why each american is the way he is. Their time sense is futuristic, and so, they plan. They plan everything with the idea to reap success in whatever they do. And their success is their own which describes another american quality- an individualistic attitude. Its about surviving for themselves, being self sufficient. If a son does not financially support his parents later on, its okay, he is not being heartless or selfish. His individual wishes, needs and aspirations are his priority and thats because IT IS the core system he has been brought up with. It is appropriate to move away and function independently of family or any bounding group. No obligations. And so, a college kid decides his subjects, a young daughter moves out into her own apartment. Wishes respected. No questions asked.

For americans, doing is much more logical than being. In the sense, what you do matters much more than what you are because the former leads to achievement and accomplishment. And that talks a lot about your status and good lifestyle.
In the USA, they believe that human nature is generally good and one will not deceive someone to profit himself. They believe in the good that there is, and strive to bring out the best in another. They swear by fairness and respect for others. And this is something I have witnessed and vouch for. Something very admirable. Thats probably the sole reason why the entire american society functions with such ease and miniscule chaos. And this attitude goes to say that they are very optimistic people and therefore there really is no need for enforcement of rigid laws to prevent people from doing wrong. Liberty rules because people live up to their best selves.

These aspects of USA, I have, quite clearly noticed in a few days of being here. I was quite apprehensive, sceptical and critical about America before coming here. Mostly fed in the negative by many who have had experienced a slice of it. But now I understand the principles of an american life. The author suggests "...the immigrant does not have to decide to adopt American worldviews to live in America (assimilation); nor does one have to hold rigidly to the culture of origin (rejection). Rather, it is simply a more effective living strategy to recognize the cultural differences and consciously negotiate them."
And I agree.