I find it funny how we were raised
and conditioned to believe that there is an actual guaranteed pathway to
happiness as long as the necessary steps are met which is the American dream.
First of all the actual definition of the American dream is “that every US citizen has an equal
opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination,
and initiative’”. What the American dream fails to mention is that equality
does not exist in this great country. This can range from gender, race, and/or
religion. See the truth is despite the fact that America is one of the most
diversified countries ever known, and that minorities actually helped develop
one of the greatest nations in the world, ethnic minority groups will always be
treated with little to no respect. The funniest part of all of this is that
America seems to be forgetting the 100+ years of ongoing oppression against
racial minority groups, specifically the black race. On top of all of this,
America still truly believes that equality exists and success is obtainable no
matter what religion, race, and gender you are. The evidence to support these
claims that I have made are not hard to dig up. In 2016 we are still seeing the
male gender earn more money than the opposite sex. In 2016 we are still seeing
long bearded men sent off to Guantanamo bay without further question or a
proper trial. And in 2016 we are still seeing innocent lives being taken away
by an injustice system here in our beloved United States of America. The
American Dream has led us to believe that we are all going to achieve success
if we get a good education and if we try hard, but once again fails to
recognize that the white race is already a few steps ahead. White privilege is
a real term and is very much real today. Unfortunately the color of your skin
still determines between innocent and guilty, between yes and no, and finally
between accepted and rejected. This is not in any way an act to diminish white
success but a way to wake up and preach truth by analyzing such a popular term.
White privilege is a term many white people like to disagree with because they
feel that it is a way to belittle their success. This argument is completely
understandable; however does not give the right to completely abandon the term.
The truth is the darker your skin color the more intimidating you look towards
people of a different race. The American Dream has given nothing but false hope
to ethnic minority communities, because it is extremely biased towards one obvious
race. It seems almost no matter how hard a ethnic community tries the white man
will always find a way to push them back fewer steps. This piece is not here to
be a downer but to be a motivation for all ethnic groups, for all genders, and
for all religions to push through and exhibit true success. This piece is here
to show that I am a black man, I am going to college, I plan on having a
family, and I have withstood harsh racism and extremely ignorance but
nonetheless I am breaking stereotypes. This piece is here to show that The
American Dream is what you believe and that people have their own different
sets of goals. Most importantly this piece is here to show that in order to
truly make America great again we will all need to unify instead of disperse
into groups.
This is very well written and you state your argument firmly and with a very matter of fact tone which adds confidence to the piece. However you said that "ethnic minority groups will always be treated with little to no respect" but I can't agree with that because times are changing, arguably for the better, and I can't help but think that this will not always be the situation. Once again marvelous job! -Luke R.
ReplyDeleteVery well written and relateable! Good job!
ReplyDelete-Marissa Putrick
This is so incredibly important for people to understand. Good job on shining the light on the "American Dream".
ReplyDeleteNahome you did an amazing job. Not only was it eye opening and inspiring, but also heartwarming to see that at the end of the rain there is sunshine. I'm glad you are striving for your dreams and wish you luck to achieve them. - Alyssa Tandoc, Per 4
ReplyDeleteI liked your conclusion, not only does it drive home your point but is a very candid and humorous harp on today's politics. Nicely written.
ReplyDeleteA popular and very difficult topic to discuss and one who I feel opinions have changed over time. Back when immigrants where piing in by the thousands from places of extreme poverty who where now able to own a family business because of the hard work they put in believe adamantly in this idea but the current generation where you have to push through 12 years of school and extended up to 20 or more without the guarantee of success believe this idea to be bs. Still at the end of the day our situation is better than most, still the "dream" has been altered and you did a great job representing that picture.
ReplyDelete-Reymie Morris
I generally agree with the message of your passage. I also think it important to understand that there are a lot of factors that go into the racial conflict (the demographic of an area, history, etc.) and it equally important to ensure that reverse discrimination does not prolong such conflict. Yes, white privilege is definitely real. However the belief that all whites are a part of this aspect of our society is simply false, and to say minorities will always be treated with little no respect seems harsh for a school as diverse as ours.
ReplyDeleteNahome I truly enjoyed how you ended your piece. It gives a good point across as a reader and i think it is something everyone should read especially in the times we find ourselves in right now
ReplyDeleteGreat job on identifying the American Dream! This is a good eye-opener to the fact that the American Dream does not apply to all and is ironically unfair. We should learn to consider all races equal for we are all human beings. Awesome Piece!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you elaborated on a sensitive subject because often times people tend to stray away from topics that make them uncomfortable. Even if those topics are truthful. I believe it's equally important to praise how far this country is striving to make progress and end these forms of prejudices.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I don't think the issue of racism in America is going to die anytime soon; but it's great to know people of all ages are trying their best to rise above all of the stereotypes and negativity of our country. Wishing you nothing but the best, man
ReplyDeleteLove your view on what the American Dream actually is! It's important to understand that. Great piece and extremely well written.
ReplyDelete~ Gregory Gomez
Now in modern times people have their own version of what the American dream is. I like your work and your point of view on this subject.
ReplyDeleteAwesome job Nahome! I agree with a lot that you are saying about uniting instead of dispersing and standing firm in our dreams and beliefs. I think it's very important for others to take this point into consideration, especially us as seniors as we are going foward with our future and the direction we want to take our lives. -Aileen Munoz
ReplyDeleteThis is such an well elaborated idea. The truth is that many are never set to success but shows that through the hard work and dedication you can rise above the lowered standards that these different groups are facing. We see such depressing slurs and punchlines against our races,genders,groups on the news but are shown how "perfect" the majority male is and that we make excuses to not even having a fair chance but exactly what you said that we need to push to break these boundaries, is what will make this term a reality for all different people with different backrounds.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the message of this piece. It was very well written and really put things into perspective. I especially liked the ending and how you talk about breaking stereotypes and achieving your goals. Nice job!
ReplyDelete-Kathlyn Juarez
Tackling this topic is difficult you sis it in a eloquent way. Thank you for your submission
ReplyDeletePreach it girl! I couldn't agree with you more. What you wrote is 100% true. We, as Americans, continue to talk on and on about how great and equal we are but yet we often discriminate against races. I love this piece.
ReplyDelete-karyna G
i can totally relate to this! wonderful job
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely important to analyze and in essence make sense of concepts and ideologies that have somewhat become skewed. As someone who moved to the United States when I was younger, the prospect of the "American Dream" was something that my family and I believed in and even depended on for a better life. Now that I'm a little older, it's easy to see the difference between the fantasy that is the American Dream and the reality of race that still exists today. Your piece brought up some important concepts that are not easy to discuss or even write about and you did so with much skill and eloquence. Well done!
ReplyDelete-Pavia Omolewa
THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.I truly agree with your ideas that although the United states is painted as a perfect country, the reality is minorities endure so much to be able to reach that american dream,and i can also say that I am a witness to that. Keep on with your aspirations, I know for a fact you will go far!
ReplyDeleteThis was such a wonderful piece, the form in which you correlated the never ending problem with the American Dream really emphasized a great point to those who struggle in reaching that dream or have greater obstacles because of their ethnicity or gender.
ReplyDeleteGreat job that was a really nice piece I really like it
ReplyDeleteDarrell Mcdowell
I like how you worded a very sensitive subject while still being very direct in what you wanted the overall message to be for the piece. The beginning and certain parts reminded me of something Huxkley would have written in Brave New World.
ReplyDelete-Sienna Carbajal
This was great Nahome. Wonderful job on explaining how America is a land of opportunity, but not equal opportunity.
ReplyDeletenice piece, a lot of the information is good, but it is completely one-sided and fails to mention the pursuit of happiness and how that correlates to the american dream. not to mention that each person has their own pursuit and depending on their background, some may be harder than others.
ReplyDeleteI loved your article! I am of the utmost belief that the American Dream is not only dead, but is used as justification for people who do not succeed in America. We have fallen into the belief system that since "anyone can make it here" that if you do not, then you are lazy, dumb or undeserving thereby neglecting to consider socioeconomics, mental and physical health, race, etc.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very great piece, you did a very good job on explaining yourself, but at the same time maybe you shouldn't have been so bias on the topic. Overall the piece was well written with a great argument to what you believe. -Aylin Veloz
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the issue you brought to light here. Your argument brings out the realities of how "The American Dream" does not exist for the majority of people with different backgrounds and how there is not equal opportunity for everybody. It's important to strive to make our own dreams reality.
ReplyDeleteYour piece was amazing, and all the information that you used was perfect. I agree that the American dream is different for everyone it all just depends on what that person wants. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYou could feel the passion come out in this piece, I love how you stated the American Dream is basically what you make it. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThis is the best piece i've read so far, it's well written and relatable. Good Job Nahome.
ReplyDeleteThat's the hard truth that many don't acknowledge. Great writing and I liked how the ending goes against what you say the issue is. Again good job
ReplyDeleteYour piece definitely brought up several important aspects of what it means to live as a minority in a society that is hugely focused on the majority opinion. I like that you discussed white privilege and other strong topics fearlessly. I agree that America often needs to be called out for it's hypocrisy but unfortunately we as human beings find it hard to turn a critical eye on ourselves. Great read.
ReplyDeleteNahome thankyou for sharing these truths with us. We need more people through quality literature to express a palpable enlightening message such as this one
ReplyDeleteI love the piece and I like how you argued it, I may not agree that American dream is completely dead and we aren't what we paint ourselves to be but I'll admit that the dream is not what it used to be
ReplyDeleteA raw insight on the reality of this country and the so called "American Dream" that is portrayed by the elites. Nahome keep preaching bro!
ReplyDeleteThis was very informative and relatable having the topic of the American Dream and how put it together well written but it shouldn't have been such one sided perspective but other then that good job
ReplyDeleteNothing better before graduation then pointing out the American Dream is what you make it. Great write
ReplyDeleteThat last one was Bobby^
ReplyDeleteWhat an important piece.. The "American Dream" is something many of us chase but can never achieve due to the inequalities we face. We have to focus on resolving the issues in our culture rather than attacking the individuals who are involuntarily affected by it. Much respect for this.
ReplyDeleteWow. Honestly had me thinking you were talking about a girl.. But I guess not. The relationship a man has with his car is equally as important though. Hope your's lasts forever.
ReplyDeleteGreat job it was very well written.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Lowman
People always say if you work hard then you can achieve, but some people have to work harder than others. I love how your piece touched on the fact that certain people have privileges because of their race. Great job!
ReplyDeletei enjoyed how you talked about a controversial topic with ease at getting your point across to the audience. great work!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you presented your view on what the American Dream is and how it has been used lately. You explained yourself and your ideas very eloquently.
ReplyDelete-Jeremiah Eugenio
LOVE THIS. This is a very sensitive subject but i feel that you completely hit it on the head.
ReplyDeleteI love your work, the title it self is alluring your explanation brings it all togeather.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't completely agree with your viewpoint, this piece was written very well. Good job
ReplyDeleteGreat job. I really enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteThis is a very serious topic that has sadly been around for centuries! Great job on highlighting your view point and speaking your mind.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion and perspective on this topic very much, as "glamorous" and "free" the American way of living appears to be to foreigners, it is almost a sad exaggeration and is actually very difficult to achieve, as most people come from little to nothing and have to struggle to "make it in America."
ReplyDeleteI like the view on the american dream. The conclusion is also well made. keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteVery well written; I don't believe in the American Dream honestly..I believe this "dreamm" is actually ALL of our dreams. We do not all aspire for the same goals. We each have a path we want, and an ending we desire.
ReplyDeletethis is spot on. i loved it. everything you said was completely accurate. loved it, great work.
ReplyDeleteThis was is true and makes sense, but like what another person said about the respect for ethnic minority groups, we are entering a new age of respect for other races. Good jb
ReplyDelete