The American Dream

After reading American Dreams by Kevin Jennings, I realized that his points were actually true. In fact, we do have to change the meaning of the American Dream in order for it to be somewhat attainable. He talked about how growing up, he was determined to have the life of success, fulfilling to the "dream" that was idolized by many. He was going to work hard and make his mom proud. However, as he got older, he started to realize that he was hiding who he really was because if not, he would have no chance in life to live up to the "dream." Realizing this, he even tried to kill himself thinking that it was impossible and there was no point for him to live. He makes a really good point- if you're different from what you are expected to be, then you are nothing and will be nothing. There is no American Dream for you to live up to because the definition that it is given is completely absurd. If we keep thinking this given definition is correct, then of course it will be forever impossible to achieve by many. But if we redefined it into a much broader and realistic sense, then it might be possible. Plus, who ever said that it only had to be about having a nice big family, a large house, expensive car, and other luxurious items? Perhaps it's suppose to be less than that, but better. For everyone to have an equal chance in life, or as Kevin Jennings said, to find freedom and be exactly who you are. Maybe that's all it really is, to live the life you want without being judged and give back to the world. Not to have to hide anything from yourself or society- who are you trying to impress when you're the one living and only die as yourself? You were given a life to live, why live as someone else who is already alive? The world doesn't need two of the same people, only one.