Breathing Dreams Like Air...

How would you describe the American Dream?

The American Dream by definition is "the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative." I believe this is a good way to put it but everyone's situation is different. One person's hard work may not be the same as another persons. One may inherit the American Dream and have it in their hands at the age of 18 while others cannot fully achieve it until they are retired or never. I believe the American dream to be everyone being equal. Discrimination does not exist, the segregation of minorities vs majority does not exist. Everyone has equal opportunities, and everyone has some form of love in their life whether it be a child or significant other. There is success and happiness radiating from a person with very less stress. Life is balanced in terms of social life and work life. Everyday is a "treat yourself day" living carefree and happy. This sounds unrealistic no matter how hard someone may work. In the Great Gatsby, the so called American Dream did not last forever making it only a dream.

What is your definition of wealth?

Wealth is having an abundance of something whether is be happiness or money. Wealth does not only mean cash and riches but also what you possess mentally and emotionally. Anyone can be wealthy mentally but that doesn't really matter in the real world because money is the true wealth. There are those who value material and those who just value waking up every day. Wealth to me, is having an abundance of whatever it is may be weather it be knowledge, happiness, or money. 

What are American's attitudes toward wealth and poverty?

Wealth in terms of money seems to be admired and envied while poverty is given an unpleasant attitude because many believe that you get what you work for. Many Americans are judgmental when it comes to wealth vs. poverty. The whole story is never told and there is little understanding from ones perspective. One's actions are determined by whether they fit into this wealthy or poor status.

What is your attitude for wealth and poverty?

I believe no one should be judged prior understanding and getting to know a person first. Putting a label on them is irrational and unnecessary because what situation they are in does not represent them. Statistics may say otherwise but individuals are NOT statistics but rather individual people that one should understand rather than looking at them as a whole. Unfortunately, people are commonly judged by a label set by others rather than giving them a chance to share their story.