Guest Op-Ed: American Dream

Students were asked what the American Dream meant to them. One student’s essay was chosen to be featured

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Jaedyn Antle, Guest Contributor

The American Dream is possible for anyone if they are willing to work for it.

The American Dream is within reach for everyone because people have different definitions of the American dream. We know that people have different perspectives on what the American Dream is, a survey done by the Pew Research Center asked people about their definition of the American Dream. According to the survey, 77% of those who participated in the survey said that freedom of choice in how to live is essential to the American Dream, 70% said having a good family life is essential to achieving the American Dream, and 60% said that retiring comfortably is essential to the American Dream. The survey shows that people have many different opinions on what is essential to achieving the American Dream. If the American dream has different definitions for contrasting people, it is attainable for everyone if they are willing to work and if it’s realistic.

The American Dream is achievable for everyone because the circumstances of someone’s birth does not determine their future. According to an article called What Is The American Dream? It states that “Important: The American Dream also offers the promise that the circumstances of someone’s birth– including whether they were born American citizens or immigrants– do not completely determine their future.”Primarily, the article is saying that if you are born in not the best conditions it doesn’t mean your whole life will be like that.

The American dream is possible for everyone because the American Dream is about having a better life. The article What Is The American Dream? Says “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.” That quote means that the American dream is a life that is superior to everyone. You can improve your life if you work hard enough.

The American Dream is not accessible to everyone because it requires political and economic freedom. An article called What Is The American Dream? Says “ Achieving the American Dream requires political and economic freedom, as well as rules of law and private property rights.” That quote is saying that economic and political freedom is crucial to achieving the American Dream but, a writer who coined the term, James Truslow Adams described the American Dream as “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.” The author who coined the term probably has the best idea of what the American Dream is.