The Reoccuring Theme of the Land of "Milk and Honey"

Many of the immigrant stories told in “The Life Stories of Undistinguished Americans” came over to America with the impression that life would be much “greener on the other side.” The Italian BootBlack Rocco Corresca mentions America being described to him as the “far off country where everybody is rich.” The same connection can be made with the Chinese immigrants of Angel Island. The anticipation, the prize, the goal is a “better life.” The immigrants had preconcieved notions about how this country would be without really knowing what hardships laid before them. In the process of a search for a better life on the western hemisphere, treasured people and memories are lost. Many immigrants lost family members such as the Polish girl Sadie Frowne. Some are seperated from their families and can no longer return to a life they once knew. It seems as though the trade off for such pertinent life memories and important life factors such as family and tradition are traded for material things. Although life is much easier when we have resources and means, can that really make a person happier? My question is, is the American Dream of more income, finer things in life, and essentially more freedom a fair trade off with leaving loved ones behind?