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Posted by Admin
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
American Dreaming by Expat
According to Wikipedia, "The American Dream, along with escape from persecution or war in one's home country, has always been the primary reason for immigrants wanting to come to America. Throughout its history, America has been seen as a place where the streets are paved with gold, and life is handed to you on a silver platter."
As an immigrant to this country, I feel the need to have an American Dream of my own. However, I did not move here under the guise of a better job (thank you Canadian history degree!) nor did I come here to escape from persecution. I fell in love and followed my heart. Since moving to the States, I have learned that the streets are not paved with gold (or cheese for that matter), nor is life handed to anyone on a silver platter. In fact, the American Dream has come under a great deal of criticism in the past fifty years and some even wonder if it still exists.
Not one to give up on setting a goal and achieving it, I have decided that I need an American Dream of my own. Since many of the opportunities in the States are so similar to those offered in Canada, I don't want to go for the house with the white picket fence, two cars, and 2.5 (fur) kids as my dream. Instead, I need to dream big. Really big. As such, my American Dream is to spin the big wheel on The Price is Right. Afterall, what is more American than blatant consumerism at its finest?
Ya,the price is right is a cool dream and the lawyer thing could work.But being a guy I think I'd go for something that marries comercailism with wholesome family values,like a guest shot on V.I.P,and Pamela Anderson is canadian.
Priorities...yes.. For now, I don't want to think too far ahead and instead think about my immediate goals which include a wedding and attaining pr status.. Then I'll start thinking a bit longer term.
I think most people are thinking about playing that lottery which is up to over $400 million in 29 states.
What part of America are you living in? The nation is so vast, one dare not lump it all into one homogenous group. Can one compare the California dream to the dream of those in The South? You can't event acurately lump Northern California in with the same demographic and political outlook as Southern Californians. Why don't you just forget the almost non-extistant border between our two countries (big deal, so you need a passport to cross it) and just find yourself? The flip side of capitalism is that you have to watch out for yourself, because the government will not do it for you. Enjoy the lower tax base and breaks while you're in the States. I think you have to have a "fire in your belly" to do well in the States. Love alone won't do it. Oh, and congrats to you an your betrothed and good luck on the game show. An American in Canada
I agree that it is impossible to make broad statements regarding the United States because it is so regionally diverse. That was never my intention. The original post was more tongue-in-cheek than anything. Dreams, American or otherwise, can be anything and will vary more with the individual than with whatever region they choose to settle.
In all honesty, my post came out of the frustration immigrating to this country in the wake of September 11th. Many of the laws that are supposed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks make life remarkably difficult, if not down right impossible, for recent immigrants. Sometimes "having a fire in one's belly" is just not enough when one is constantly battling against bureaucracy and ever changing laws.
Posted by Admin
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