I believe that the American Dream is something that everyone aspires to, even unknowingly. It is possible for this to be true because the American Dream is subjective. It carries different meaning for different people, but is usually contingent on the concepts of success and wealth. However, depending on a person's upbringing, how they define those two concepts alters their perception of the American Dream. The American Dream stems from the idea that for anyone, no matter where they come from, success is possible in America. Success can mean many things and I've always said that I've wanted to be successful. Coming from a family of successful people that made it on their own, I see that the American Dream is real, but only for some and just a literal dream for others.
The American Dream is usually a concept referenced by foreigners in old-timey movies who came to America in search of a better life. We still see this to be true and it seems that those who believe in the American Dream the most, immigrants, are the ones who it is least realistic for. America has not created a system that allows for people from other countries to succeed here, Americans can barely succeed here. America as a whole values wealth and looks down upon those who aren't wealthy. Although much of America would not be considered wealthy, we still manage to look down upon those who have less than average, American or not.
Poverty and wealth should not dictate a person's value to society, but just as I believe that the less fortunate should not be looked down on, neither should those who happen to be fortunate. There is a growing trend amongst my generation to dismiss the opinions of those who are wealthy and also to assume that no hard work went into their success, even if they came from money. For instance, just because someone went to a better school, got the same grades, and got into the same colleges as me doesn't mean that they didn't have to work as hard to get there. I've seen the American Dream first-hand and while it isn't achievable for everyone, it is still there.
