The American Dream

I would describe the "American Dream" as the backbone to America's culture. This phrase embodies the hard work ethic the majority of Americans value. "The American Dream" means that it is up to you and how hard you work, that determines your success in life. Success can mean many things of course depending on the individual. The term success could mean quantitatively how much money you are making or in contrast, qualitatively, how you are doing what makes you happy and fulfilled. To go further, I believe that in America, your life is full of choices. Choices which determine your future. Of course their are mandated laws which you must follow and paths that are highly recommended to lead you to success but there are other ways to live. In America, the "American Dream" is flexible in the sense that you can make it be whatever you'd like it to be. 

For me, the "American Dream" means wealth. This because once I obtain the "American Dream" and have money, that means I can travel and traveling the world is my dream. Therefore my definition of wealth is the amount of money that brings you security as well as the freedom to make financial decisions that boost your happiness. For me, this would mean traveling and buying clothes. (However when I get older having financial security for my family). That is why my definition of wealth is forever changing. As I move through different stages of my life, the value of money also changes. For example, up until this year I solely wanted a career based off of the salary I would be making. Although I still keep this variable in mind, I have come to believe that the only way I will be necessarily "wealthy" is if I am happy doing what I do. 

If I had to simplify and generalize all American's conception on wealth and poverty I would say that a lot of people believe that a person's financial status is based off of their personal decisions. There are of course human factors which inhibit one's amount of wealth such as mental and/or psychical disabilities. But there are programs and ways in which they can live a comfortable lifestyle by finding companies that hire those with disabilities such as Harris Teeter. But I think that one's drive and dedication is what leads one to wealth. This conception goes hand in hand with the "American Dream" and in other words, the complete opposite of "Old Money". Americans value hard workers and those who build successful lives based on fairness and ethics. For poverty, that's where it gets a little more political however I think that it's safe to say that those who chose not to continue their education and/or get caught up in substance abuse put themselves in that situation but they are not stuck there because I do believe that there is a great amount of social mobility in America.

My personal attitude towards wealth and poverty is like I stated before, it all comes down to an individual's personal choices. I was brought up with relative wealth however I can easily find myself on the streets if I decide to become a heroine addict. Vice versa, I could work my butt off and become a successful doctor.