THE AMERICAN DREAM
Arun Keshavan, Eduardo Perdomo Sanchez, Jose Alvarez, Cesar Lopez
Illustration by Roberto Parada
THE WORLD AND ITS DREAM
Jose Alvarez
For many years, people everywhere have seen the American dream as “The belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their version of success in a society in which upward mobility is possible for everyone.” For example, the Irish people moved because of famine, and with the American dream, most of them moved to America and had better lives. Though some didn’t have the best life, it was much better than dealing with famine. For many years, the world has changed; sometimes, the changes were good, and other times, these changes were horrible. We will see if the American dream has been affected thanks to these changes that the world has dealt with or if it remains the same.
Of course, most of this couldn’t have been done without our interviewer, for he has been interviewing people and giving our editors the information they need to support their statements. Our interviewer had interviewed five people and had gotten a lot of valuable information. Most of them said that the American dream is still alive, with only one saying that it is dead and buried. Hopefully, even with a few people, our editor for the American Dream can work with it. With the information he has given, we will hopefully receive enough information for both sides and maybe we will see if the American Dream is dead or still kicking. So, without further ado, let's move on and see how the editors work with the information they have received.
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Here we have some evidence that the American dream is still alive. Most of the people who came to America had big hopes and dreams back home, and when they moved to America, sure, it was hard at first, but with enough time and dedication, they managed to have a stable life. They all have dreams at home and believe that the American dream extends beyond financial success and can be anything you want and believe in achieving.
Now we will see how the American dream is dead. First of all, when people come to America, they expect a challenge, but they don’t know that America can be a cold and unforgiving place for those who come hoping for a better life. Even when someone was rich and famous back home, when they chose to go to America, they would lose everything and be drastically lowered from whatever status they had before.
ECHOES OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
Eduardo Perdomo
Ever thought about what the American Dream means to different folks? It's a phrase that's part of the national DNA, promising opportunity, success, and a shot at a better life.
Allow me to share a little secret with you—interviews. I managed to interview some people who still believe the good old dream is alive and kicking; and some who believe this dream is dead and burrowed in the mud.
Now, would this change depending on who you ask? Yes. This is something that many people have different beliefs about, factors on how passionate they are for the Dream could also affect it. Anyways, Let's start with the first interviewee, who decided to appear anonymously, “The journey from Oman to Las Vegas was a leap of faith. Back home, I had dreams, big dreams. I yearned for the opportunity, for a chance to turn those dreams into a tangible reality. I founded a tech company with an idea fueled by my relentless passion for innovation and technology. With hard work, perseverance, and luck, the company thrived, eventually landing a major deal in Las Vegas. It was in the heart of this bustling city that the true magic happened. Our innovations found a place in the market, and success followed. The American Dream, to me, became real here, not just in the glitz and glamour of the casinos, but in the opportunities and the freedom to dream big and make it happen. My journey mirrors the quintessence of the American Dream. As an entrepreneur from Oman, I dared to dream and took the risk to make it a reality. The core of the American Dream is opportunity and the freedom to pursue those opportunities, which I found in Las Vegas. It's about carving your path regardless of where you come from, and Las Vegas provided that platform for me. One crucial decision was to persist despite initial setbacks. Landing that major deal in Las Vegas was a defining moment. It's about taking risks and persisting through challenges, which is the heart of the American Dream—believing in your vision and making it happen. Absolutely. The American Dream is not just about wealth; it's about the freedom to pursue your passions. For me, it's about technological innovation, creating something meaningful, and contributing to society. It challenges the notion that the American Dream is limited to certain individuals. It shows that the dream is achievable regardless of nationality or background through hard work, innovation, and seizing opportunities. The openness to new ideas and the drive for innovation in Las Vegas played a crucial role. This aligns perfectly with the American Dream, as it emphasizes progress, innovation, and the opportunity for anyone to succeed.”
Now, moving to the next interviewee who also decided to appear anonymously, "My journey to success in the United States embodies the essence of the American Dream. As someone from Taiwan, I saw the U.S. as a land of opportunities where hard work and perseverance could lead to success. The American Dream, for me, represented the chance to achieve personal and professional aspirations, irrespective of one's origins. One pivotal decision was establishing a tech startup focused on innovation and collaboration. This decision aligned with the American Dream's narrative of entrepreneurship and innovation, where one can create something impactful from scratch and contribute positively to society. Yes. The American Dream encompasses more than just financial success; it embodies the pursuit of individual passions and aspirations. For me, it was about embracing the freedom to innovate, create, and contribute meaningfully to society. My success challenges the perception that the American Dream is exclusive or limited to certain groups. It emphasizes that the American Dream is achievable by anyone who is determined, regardless of nationality or background, through dedication and seizing opportunities. The encouragement of innovation and a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship in the United States played crucial roles. These factors align perfectly with the core principles of the American Dream, emphasizing innovation, opportunity, and the ability to create a better future.”
Now, moving on to another interviewee who also decided to stay anonymous said: “My journey from Jordan to America was filled with determination and hope. Coming from a place where opportunities were limited, I always believed in the power of hard work. Establishing a business in the States was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The American Dream, to me, embodies the chance to strive for your aspirations without limitations. It's about the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and inclusivity. The journey wasn't easy, but it reinforced my belief that the American Dream is achievable through dedication and resilience.”
Moving to the next interviewee who also decided to stay anonymous, he said: “My Journey from Argentina to the United States was a big leap into the unknown. In my motherland, the American dream seemed like a distant thing. Nevertheless, driven by ambition, I ventured to the USA, having dreams of building something extraordinary. Start a business in a country that has gratifying challenges. For me, the American Dream goes beyond borders. It embodies the spirit of resilience, opportunity, and the chance to turn aspirations into reality. Despite the obstacles along the way, the freedom and openness in America allowed me to thrive and build my success.”
Moving to the last the interviewee, who decided to stay anonymous, said: “Let me be clear—my journey from Ukraine to the United States wasn’t about chasing some antiquated dream but about showcasing my unparalleled talents. The so-called American Dream? Dead and buried. Back home, I was already at the top of the game, excelling academically and outshining my peers effortlessly. Coming here, I expected a challenge, but I found disappointment in this outdated dream that no longer aligns with reality. My success doesn’t hinge on some elusive dream; it's about my inherent skills and the unwavering belief in my abilities. The American Dream may be a fantasy for some, but for me, it's all about my achievements and nothing else.”
THE DREAM...
Arun Keshavan
Despite the challenges one may face, the American dream is still achievable. Working to achieve the American dream might be a weary, tiring process, but it is ultimately worth it. Many lives are a clear testament to this. No matter a person's race or economic background, it is possible. For those who don't know, the "American Dream" is a phrase that refers to achieving a goal of having a certain level of wealth, fame, and overall happiness. Although it is not for everyone, as it can be challenging, some have tried to reach great economic heights and failed. Still, the greater majority have hit the happiness that they are looking for in the American Dream because it can be noted that everyone's dream is different. The point is that the criteria of the American Dream depend on the person, and their sole purpose is to achieve it along the side of others and bring each other up.
According to research, the geographical area in the US that the child lives in affects their chances of achieving the American Dream. According to the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), "there are 420 counties where the American Dream is alive and well." the site goes on to describe what that might look like, representing these counties as "places that are both prosperous and conducive to upwards economic mobility." They concluded their research by stating that although other factors can affect the data, the "vital signs" of the American Dream vary depending on the county that the child is from because some are more suitable for "fostering upward mobility" (basically just means that it brings the child up to fit the whole American Dream criteria and can pass it on). In contrast, other countries might not do the same.
A vital factor of the American Dream is to have the drive and real push to want it. No person who has achieved the American Dream has ever said they want to achieve something big and do nothing/lazy around. Danielle Kurtzleben states, "Hard work can boost a person's chances of attaining the American Dream, but some people have to pull much harder on their bootstraps." Danielle is restating the age-old claim that hard work CAN help move you up the ladder, but there is one more essential factor, and that is intelligence. Gaining human capital is critical to achieving the American Dream. Human capital is simply putting a value on a person based on their skills, education, health, and experience along with other personal factors, and this can affect employers who are employing for good paying jobs, for example, a person with a Master's Degree and 15 years of experience is going to get significantly higher pay than a person who has a Bachelor's Degree and five years of experience for the same job.
Now, although there is lots of evidence pointing to the fact that the American Dream is dead, there are a few words to be said about this. If that is true, why are people still immigrating to the US? They believe that as a country, we hold something that theirs didn't. And that would be the freedom to try without persecution, and some rights are given that other nations are picking up on. To this day, they all strive to live the American Dream. As the saying goes, if they can do it, so can I. It is not a phrase that can be given up on. The American Dream must live on.
A DREAM SHATTERED
Cesar Lopez
Image provided by Carolyn Kaster
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It was little more than a century ago when the first wave of what we refer to as the Great American Melting Pot began to mix, as millions of political refugees, opportunists, and poor families made their way to the nearest vessel heading for an American port, crowded onto it by the bushel and sailed across the Atlantic to find a home undeterred by war, famine, and political repression. In the early 20th century, America was the shining jewel of the world, a place where anybody who could make it to the land could make it in the market. Economic mobility, political freedoms, a home, a litter of kids, a car, and a halfway decent job to make money was the promise the world made to us.
That was what drew my parents and grandparents to this country. That is what drew the countless interviewees to this country, albeit they are not the typical example of the poor and repressed that usually flee to the United States. But something has gone… wrong with this nation. Mobility across the classes slowly faded as the middle class grew stagnant and unable to climb. Political freedom has become more and more eroded as the tension between the government and its citizens reaches a boiling point. Entry into the country itself has become more restricted and a hotly contested topic, where immigrants looking for ways out cannot find refuge in the stars and stripes. The fact of the matter is the American dream has died. I cannot tell you when nor can I tell you how.
But it is dead. That much I know.
Let’s start with the biggest selling point of the dream. If there is one part of the dream that sold the United States to every single person in Latin America looking for an escape, it’s what Frank Sinatra said famously about NYC: “If I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere!” The United States was the pinnacle of economic mobility, where any man could pull himself up by his bootstraps and become someone new!
As of 2023, that is simply a lie.
The opposite has become true. According to a study conducted by the Brookings Institution, “wealth status is quite static and becomes more so during the key working age years.” The study goes on to show that wealth is most accumulated within the early 20s and slowly solidifies social class until the 30s and 40s when wealth becomes impossible to accrue. Adding to this fact is the depressing fact that 62% of Americans, likely due to this static status, have been living paycheck to paycheck as members of the poor and middle classes of America according to a survey by CNBC. This inability to save has severely drained Americans’ savings accounts, as 49% say their savings are either nonexistent or depleted from years past. There is no opportunity to get that house and 2 cars that Americans have been desperate for. There isn’t even an opportunity for a wife and kids, as 72% of Americans cited increased stress due to their financial situation, which is presumably not helping stable relationships. The American Dream’s promise of economic stability and mobility is gone with the wind, and the chance of it returning to grace us is near 0.
If one had to define the single biggest reason asylum seekers use to seek refuge in the United States it is “political asylum”. Whether it be governmental or extra-governmental, the melting pot has been stirred by violence, oppression, and revolution in other underdeveloped countries. To these refugees, America is a haven for the oppressed, where the meek inherit the Earth and rise from their inability to control their fate. However, there are two massive issues with this claim. First of all, we’re not even the only country that has freedom anymore. There is the entirety of Western Europe, a decent chunk of Asia, all of Oceania, and Canada according to the Freedom House, a nonprofit association dedicated to rating the democratic health of nations globally. All of the regions and nations above not only have excellent scores, but they have higher scores than the United States in key areas such as election integrity, political violence, and rights violations. We’re teetering on the edge with a 76/100, with a 70/100 being a healthy democratic grade. With recent developments such as widespread alleged voter fraud(where it's somehow still debated whether it was fraudulent), a lack of faith in American journalists due to widespread political attacks, and a complete lack of trust in government, largely motivated by said rights violations by national security agencies according to the Pew Research Center. If you’re looking for political freedom, you should only look to the United States as a last resort.
Finally, there is the American Dream’s fundamental belief that people can get inside the country to live it. Originally, when the concept of the dream was created, it was as easy as Sinatra said it would be: getting on the boat and entering Ellis Island to become an American resident. However, due to a massive anti-immigrant movement dedicated to restricting the flow of immigrants, the situation has drastically changed. Green cards are worth their weight in gold, as the only way to get one is to be a close family member of a citizen, get a work visa, or get humanitarian authorization. Now, that wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the filing fees being exorbitant, the fact that there are caps placed on each green card type, and only certain countries are selected via lottery, which leaves the vast majority of potential immigrants with no way to get into the United States. To receive American residency, let alone American citizenship, is an arduous and painful process that has left many Americans stuck on the border without any assistance. Of course, this has resulted in a large number of immigrants getting sick of the situation and simply hopping the border in the hope of a better life, but American politics has now moved against this method. Good luck to our brothers, sisters, and others on the border, for they may wait months to receive a court case for residency, and more for any hope of actually getting a green card.
It was all those years ago that the United States was supposed to be the pinnacle of all civilization, where we took in the tired and poor of the world and created a land of opportunity where anyone could make it if they had tried hard enough. In theory, anyway. In practice, the year 2023 has brought about a dark age for immigrants, as economic mobility has stooped to an all-time low, political freedom has darkened in the face of continual political discontent and government mistrust, and the actual process of immigration has become a bureaucratic nightmare that stalls immigrants out of the system and forces them to wait years on the Texan border in the hopes that someone will listen to them. If there is any loser of the 21st century, it is those of the tired and poor who hoped that Lady Liberty would lift them up as she had promised all those years ago.
SOURCES (Cesar)
“Stuck on the Ladder: Wealth Mobility Is Low and Decreases with Age.” Brookings, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/stuck-on-the-ladder-wealth-mobility-is-low-and-decreases-with-age/ Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.
Dickler, Jessica. “62% of Americans Are Still Living Paycheck to Paycheck, Making It ‘the Main Financial Lifestyle,’ Report Finds.” CNBC, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/31/62percent-of-americans-still-live-paycheck-to-paycheck-amid-inflation.html.
Center, Pew Research. “Public Trust in Government: 1958-2023.” Pew Research Center - U.S. Politics & Policy, 19 Sept. 2023,
“Why Don’t Immigrants Apply for Citizenship?” American Immigration Council, 1 Oct. 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/09/19/public-trust-in-government-1958-2023/
freedomhouse.org
SOURCES (Arun)
Forbes, 2 March 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/11/11/the-american-dream-is-still-alive-and-well-us-started-record-setting-number-of-businesses-during-the-pandemic/?sh=72879c827b78. Accessed 15 December 2023.
Abrams, Samuel J. “Opinion | The American Dream Is Alive and Well (Published 2019).” The New York Times, 5 February 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/05/opinion/american-dream.html. Accessed 15 December 2023.
Engle, Jeremy. “Do You Think the American Dream Is Real? (Published 2019).” The New York Times, 12 February 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/12/learning/do-you-think-the-american-dream-is-real.html. Accessed 15 December 2023.
“Is The American Dream Still Alive Today?” Minutehack, 6 April 2021, https://minutehack.com/news/is-the-american-dream-still-alive-today. Accessed 15 December 2023.
Kesler, Patrick. “Is the American Dream Alive or Dead? It Depends on Where You Look.” Economic Innovation Group, 18 April 2022, https://eig.org/distressed-communities/dcieop/. Accessed 15 December 2023.
Kurtzleben, Danielle. “It takes more than hard work to achieve the American dream.” Vox, 28 April 2014, https://www.vox.com/2014/4/28/5644938/the-american-dream-in-one-diagram. Accessed 15 December 2023.
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