My definition of the American Dream is the ability of having endless amounts of opportunity. This definition is what motivates people of other countries to immigrate to the United States. These immigrants believe that in the United States, each individual has the same advantage of achieving success as the next person, and that each individual lives in a large suburban house with a white picket fence.
I know that this definition is true for many of my family members in Guinea, West Africa. They all believe that once someone moves to the United States from Guinea, they will automatically become successful and wealthy. Thus, the main purpose behind immigrating to the U.S.
However, I think that this definition of the American Dream is becoming clouded by an image of materialism. Similar to the characters and setting of The Great Gatsby, Americans are always perceived as selfish individuals that only care about money and purchasing the most expensive materials and showing them off. This selfish, materialistic image is shown in our TV shows -- reality TV like Love & Hip-Hop and Keeping Up With the Kardashians -- and in our music -- like mainstream rap music. Now, I think that people see the American Dream only as earning endless amounts of money, and being materialistic and superficial.
This now brings up the question, What is wealth? I normally see wealth as having a large fortune, owning a mansion, and having multiple luxury cars. This perception of wealth is influenced by what I see in the media. Most of the individuals who are named the wealthiest people usually fit the criteria that I listed above. Again, this definition emphasizes the image of materialism that is constantly presented in our current society and media.
In addition to that, this constant portrayal of materialism and wealth is unhealthy on society. When people are always shown images and videos of wealthy individuals flaunting their money and expensive materials, they start to believe that they have to be like those wealthy individuals. This might sound positive because now, people will work hard to take advantage of their opportunities and gain success. But I actually think this is more negative than positive. They are not trying to achieve success; they are conforming to what society portrays as the ideal American Dream. And they only want money (though, wanting money isn't always a bad thing...).
Another aspect that is brought up is that wealthy individuals are presented as the ideal, while impoverished individuals are looked down on. Money affects one's status in society, and so those with little to no money are at the bottom of the social ladder, while wealthy individuals are at the top. Personally, I don't want to have a low status in society. I would rather be towards the top, like everyone else.
The American Dream has transformed into a dream that is focused on money and materialism rather than opportunity. This image of materialism is continuously emphasized in American media, and therefore most people, including myself, want to conform to the ideal American Dream. However, this emphasis on money and materialism can create a superficial image of Americans rather than an advantageous image.
