Dreams That Never Come

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Recommended: The American dream through hard work

“If you work hard and play by the rules you should be given a chance to go as far as your God-given ability will take you.” President Bill Clinton coined this phrase as he declared the role of the American dream is purposed for all and can be obtain by someone's own efforts (Schudson 566). This is easier said then done. The American dream has long been prescribed into the heart and defines what it means to be an American. Almost like an addictive drug, the pursuit of the dream fuels the desires of natives and foreigners alike to go after a life styles that is just out of their reach. The challenge to obtain the American dream is faced by all walks of life, but such a dream seems more daunting for refugees seeking their new beginnings in the United States. The American dream has many forms of meaning that touches into the freedom an American has in molding his of her life. “All people are free to pursue the dream, regardless of background, with reasonable anticipation though not the promise, of success” through action under their own control –and doing so worthy of our deep commitment because “true success is associated with virtue” (Hochschild 18). Simply by working hard anyone can realize their dreams coming true. This dream can mean something different for everyone. For two Sri Lankan immigrant women their dream came when becoming independent as they operated their own day care business. Success was also found for the Vietnamese American immigrants that populate Little Saigon, in orange county California. These people were able to establish a community that exemplified economic and political growth (Trinh Vö 86). Most American find they gained the good life when they have security in the careers, own a home in a goo... ... middle of paper ... ... the Community: New Opportunities, New Struggles." Analyses of Social Issues & Public Policy 7.1 (2007): 75-91. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 4 Apr. 2011. Trinh Vö, Linda. "Constructing a Vietnamese American Community: Economic and Political Transformation in Little Saigon, Orange County." Amerasia Journal 34.3 (2008): 85- 109. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 4 Apr. 2011. Bennett, Brian. "Coming to America." Time International (Atlantic Edition) 171.5 (2008): 20- 23.Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. Zavis, Alexandra. “Refugees find the American dream down on the farm.” Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2011 Kenen, James. “Samath Chap's American Dream.” People. 11 Nov. 1985. Web. 4 Apr. 2011 Griffin, Anna. “Bhutanese refugees in Oregon find frustrating path to American dream.” 19 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2011.

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