I have always had conflicting emotions surrounding the concept of the “American Dream.” I think of the American dream as the belief that individuals, no matter their starting circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed in America. Though I think this is true to an extent, I still find the concept to be problematic, as it does not accurately capture the different degrees to which different individuals and demographics must work harder to achieve what others have.
I have never personally sought the American dream, but I was born into it. I know so well that the “American dream” is not truly about hard work because I witness others working hard every day for the things I was born with unlimited access to. My credit score is far higher than most people’s will ever be, and I promise that is not from my hard work.
Social Mobility has been evident in my family, as both of my parents did not come from wealth. My mother was raised with a huge emphasis on education, so her social capital was plentiful, but my dad grew up ignorant and poor. He saved up for college, went through law school, and worked very hard to create a generational shift. I am endlessly grateful for everything my dad provides me with and will not negate his hard work in any way, but I also do not know if his progress would have been possible or if he would have been allowed the same respect if his skin tone or gender were different.
However, my best friend is a medical student from Rwanda, and her experience shows me the “American Dream” in a positive light. In receiving a medical education from the US, she plans to bring medical technology back to help people from her home country with limited access. In coming to America, she takes pride in her single mother, who escaped the Rwandan genocide and worked enough to send her and her siblings to school. Her American degree represents that and will help better her life and community.
