"The ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative." (Definition from Google)

Though the term was first coined in 1931 by James Truslow Adams, many would argue that the main idea is rooted in the Declaration of Independence where it states that we are all entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." America is built on the idea that every citizen has the right to success and happiness regardless of their upbringing. This ideal has always been present in the United States, and citizens have always strived to reach this goal. However, as previously mentioned, the term "American Dream" was brought about in 1931 by James Truslow Adams in his book, The Epic of America. Adams wrote his book during the Great Depression. It became an instant success, and filled the nation with a sense of pride for their country. What stuck out most in their minds was the term "American Dream". The idea of the American Dream spread rapidly across the country and provided some hope for the struggles people faced during the Great Depression. Adams discusses "that American dream of a better, richer, and happier life for all our citizens of every rank which is the greatest contribution we have as yet made to the thought and welfare of the world." He also mentions that "that dream or hope has been present from the start." The idea of the American Dream has always been in the minds of American people. Adams only created a title for that idea, but it inspired many to try to achieve their dreams. However, closer to the present day, many people are beginning to lose faith in the American Dream due to the high prices for education, struggle to find employment, and overall financial difficulties. In other words, not many people feel that the American Dream is achievable anymore.

I define the American Dream as the idea that a person can achieve success through hard work and determination regardless of their upbringing. Although this idea is inspiring and motivating, I personally believe that there are too many obstacles that stand in the way of everyone achieving their dreams. However, my perspective is not entirely negative; I do believe that for some, the American Dream is still tangible. However, it can't be the "American" dream if it isn't always true for every person living in America. I think it is a motivating idea that a person can go from little means to a life of success, but it isn't as simple as it seems.

My mother was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1962. Her parents wanted her and her siblings to learn English, so they enrolled them in an American school in Brazil. She picked up the language quickly, and spoke fluently by the time she was in second grade.

She had a passion for art ever since she was young, and hoped to one day become an artist. However, her mother told her that she couldn't have a successful career as an artist and that she should aim to pursue something different.

When she was about 25, she moved to America in search of a fresh start and new culture.

After moving to America, my mother was shocked at the many differences in American culture to Brazilian culture. She was extremely excited to start a new life in America. One of the main reasons that she moved was because of the idea that "anything can happen in America". In Brazil, if someone is born into a poor family, they rarely, if ever, end up with more financial means than their parents. Also, it is somewhat looked down upon to have a simple or part-time job in Brazil. There, social class is incredibly significant. Many upper-class people look down upon others who are less wealthy. My mother was attracted to the idea that in America, people take pride in having jobs or any kind of work. She says that there are far more possibilities in the U.S. for her than what she would have had in Brazil. When she moved here, she believed that nobody was afraid of doing what may be considered in other countries lowly or acceptable. She felt that America was far more free and more open to possibilities. She wanted to finally be in a place where she could find work for the things she was passionate about. Her expectations were definitely met and she is proud to live here.

She says that it has become harder over the years, but the dream is still there. A person who is determined can still make their dreams happen. There is still the opportunity and possibility. For her, it is mostly revolving around the fact people take pride in their work. In America, social class isn't a barrier; it doesn't define a person. People are only defined by their achievements. The door for success is wide open for everybody. She believes that anyone can improve their station in life from wherever they were born. In her opinion, it is every parents dream for their kids to be far more successful than they are. She believes that it is possible for every person to try hard enough to get a better job, better house, and a better education than their parents. She believes in the part of the American Dream about starting from somewhere and surpassing that. Growing up in Brazil, the philosophy was the complete opposite. She believes that though the American Dream has always been there, it has most certainly evolved.

In present day, there are many obstacles that hinder people from fulfilling their potential and becoming successful people. For some, it's the high price of a college education. Not everyone can afford college or be selected for financial aid. That can be incredibly discouraging, even for someone who is motivated to succeed. The things that stop people from chasing their dreams can be so harsh that they can cause a person to give up on their dream completely. It can also even be more simple than that; some people are told from the moment they express their dreams that they are impossible or unrealistic. Even someone who spends their entire life working hard to achieve their dream may not necessarily reach their goals. Many people struggle to live out their dreams despite working hard and don't always end up where they envisioned themselves to be.

Is the American Dream still alive today?
After asking my mother's ideas about the American Dream, it became clear that she and I both have very different opinions on the topic. Growing up in Brazil, my mother recognizes the contrast between the cultures and appreciates more of the opportunities America has. She appreciates the freedom Americans have socially to determine who they are and who they want to become. Before moving, she taught English to Brazilian students. Though she enjoyed her job, she never would have been able to explore new fields had she stayed in Brazil. There, it is more complicated to begin new jobs. I have much respect for my mother's appreciation of American culture due to the difference of cultures she experienced first hand. It is because of this that she believes the American Dream is truly still viable today. On the other hand, I believe that it may still be alive, but that it is not completely attainable. However, after hearing about it from my mother's comparison of different cultures to American culture, I have a greater understanding and a greater belief in the American Dream. I still believe that it is easy to say that dreams are tangible but not as easy to actually achieve them. I do think that the American Dream is attainable, but I don't believe that it is simple to live out a dream. However, a large part of the idea of the American Dream is that hard work and determination are necessary to make any dream become a reality. The American Dream means something different to every person. The American Dream is still alive today, but to be able to carry it out means to overcome many obstacles and remain determined throughout.