Monday, September 10, 2012
What is the American Dream?
While reading each of the stories, a common thread running throughout them all was money. They all came to America for a chance at a better living. While some of the stories do mention religion, I don't think that was the main reason for them coming to America. I found that interesting since we grew up learning that immigrants migrated to achieve religious freedom and a fair government. That the land of America was for those who wanted to be free and be equals. Instead they came here looking for gold and a higher class of life. I guess my question in regards to that is do you think that schools today should focus more on that side of history? And that they should teach stories like these of immigrants who came here for money? Or is that sending a message of greed?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I compared the reading to what I had learned in history classes as well, and came up with what you did. The books had these grandiose statements about religious and social freedoms, yet not that many of the immigrants seem concerned. I think that they should definitely make economics at least a part of their explanation as to why the people were coming over. It wouldn't send a message of greed, just of the poverty the people experienced in their old countries.
ReplyDeleteI'm agree with Julie. I think, the immigrants are truly experiencing the poverty in the their countries. It's not everything about the greed. People are looking for the better life. Every family has their own history about how they ended up in the United States.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, students should learn the different reasons about why the immigrants "escaped" to this country or to the others.
I think that it should be at least mentioned in modern history but once it is mentioned, it becomes obvious. Of course people came to America for money. Money has always been the American dream. Why did was America settled? For gold! Why was slavery tolerated for so long in America? For Cash! Why immigrate to a country that will treat you like a second or third class citizen? For the dollas! This can still be seen today. Take a look at the most common theme in American Hip-Hop. Sure most rappers talk about being poor, but this can only be done as a contrast to how rich they are now. The American dream is money; stinky green cold hard money. Does this send a message of greed? Not necessarily. It does describe the nature of capitalism and how it has spread so far yet remained unchanged for so long.
ReplyDelete