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Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

By Isabelle Atencia

Welcome everyone, to the United States of America: the land of the free, home of the brave—and birthplace of the one and only American Dream. We’ve all heard of the famed ideal, where people bask in materialism, wealth, and a life of ease and luxury. But exactly where did this come from?

Now, before we get to any of the good stuff, let’s take a short trip down memory lane. The concept of the ‘American Dream’ actually came into existence way before James Truslow Adams coined the term in 1931. In fact, it first began during an expedition in 1630, where John Winthrop gave its definition as the existence of a society where everyone would have a chance to prosper, so long as they all worked together and followed Biblical teachings.

Quite a narrow road to cross, isn’t it? Right then and there, the American Dream already contradicts itself, as it doesn’t take into account the marginalized racial and ethnic minorities who aren’t actually Americans, those who believe in the same Catholic god, or simply—don’t hold any religious beliefs at all.

But wait, there’s more! More than just an impossible ideal for the majority, it also manifests itself as a simulacrum. How, you ask?

Source: Jerome Rozen

Simple: the American Dream is merely a surface resemblance of what is actually true, and disregards the truth for an unattainable notion. It is an idea that sees the world in rose-colored lenses. Sorry to break it to you, folks: but the American Dream may be one that can be envisioned by everyone, but it’s one that can only be achieved by those—ironically—privileged enough.

It makes itself presentable, reachable and relevant to the world, preaching: come to America, and life will be a breeze! As a result, people develop notions of a prototypical rags-to-riches dream, where opportunity is plentiful and equal to all. Of course, they won’t tell you anything about the ever-present unequal gender pay gap and the continual domination of patriarchy in society; and lest we not forget: a ticking time bomb in the form of Mr. Donald J. Trump.

Source: Pinterest

Here is a man who would like to make America great for everyone else, except of course: the Muslims, Mexicans, and any other ethnicity that isn’t American.

When the rose-colored lenses are removed, and we decide to see the world in more colors other than black and white; we start to understand that maybe America isn’t necessarily a land of opportunity for everyone.

The American Dream stays true to its name, then: it remains a dream, and not a reality for most.

Source: Paul Malon

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