The American Dream

The American Dream is quite a complex idea with many definitions, and I believe that an individual's definition derives from their place of origin.  For a person born or raised in America, I think the American Dream is really about lifestyle.  It is relaxed, but generally requires hard work to achieve.  People who are living the American Dream aren't filthy rich, but have enough money to live without worrying about money.  There is also an element of being around family and friends that contributes to the idea of the American Dream, maybe even living in a suburban neighborhood.  For someone who was raised in a country other than America, I think the American Dream is more about opportunities and personally becoming better.  People who immigrate to America to find the American Dream are seeking something they couldn't find in the country they were previously in.  It is really all about freedom to do what they want.

In terms of money, wealth is having enough money to do whatever you want.  This includes but is not limited to: having a car collection with whatever cars you want, being able to live wherever you want, vacationing when and where you want and buying SeaWorld just to shut it down (I just watched Blackfish).  Wealth isn't something that is usually acquired over one generation, but takes many generations to acquire.  Wealth is usually inherited and people who are wealthy generally  have "old money".

I think that in general Americans' have a jealous attitude towards wealth and a confused attitude towards the poor.  Wealthy Americans are envied upon all the time, especially when considering famous Americans.  I think that when you have as much money as someone like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, people envy you without despise and they think positively of your good fortune.  Oddly enough, I think that if you have a rich neighbor or friend who just bought a cool new car that you can't afford, you envy that person, but with hatred.  Personally, my attitude towards wealth is mostly based on how it was acquired.  If you worked hard to become wealthy then I approve, if it was inherited then there might be a little bit of hate.  In terms of the poor, most Americans are sympathetic, sometimes even empathetic, but aren't sure how they can help.  Usually the best way to help is by donating to reputable charities or working with nonprofit organizations like the Food Bank.  For me problems arise when I see a homeless person on the side of the road.  My first instinct is to help by giving them money, but then I think that giving money to this person isn't going to help them cause they could just blow it all something they don't need.    Usually I just try to give them food or water to avoid that problem.

Currently I consider myself in a pretty good position to have a successful life.  I've worked hard in school and in other activities and have learned many life lessons, which have helped me get into college.  I'm going to Virginia Tech next fall to study computer engineering and ultimately want to be an engineer that helps to better the world.  I'm not really sure how I'm going to do that, but I'll figure that out later.  I'd also like to retire early and open a restaurant on the beach on Marco Island, but who knows if I'll want to do that in 40 years.  I guess my American Dream is to be remembered as someone that had a positive influence on the lives of many people.