The American Dream Cheyanne Wescott

What is the American Dream? The American Dream is subjective. For some, it is a family of three, a golden retriever, a white- picket fence, and apple pies in the window. For others, it is a quality education, the option to work for a living, and an overwhelming sense of freedom. For other still, it is simply equality.

The Dream, cont’d. Abraham Lincoln said it himself: our nation was founded on the idea that “all men are created equal.” Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech touched on his idea of the American Dream, which was simply equality and freedom for all. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self- evident: that all men are created equal.’”

Why war? War is a an indisputable display of power. To conquer the opponent is to show beyond reasonable doubt that you, the victor, and your cause is far more important and strong than the other side’s. War is, in a sense, fair – it gives equal opportunity to the two sides. America is really, really infatuated with, and good at, war.

War, cont’d. Wars are fought to ensure “that government of the people by the people for the people, shall not perish from this earth.” The Civil Rights Movement was not a war in the classical sense, but rather a war of the ideas, and it was all fought in pursuance of the American Dream of equality for all. Wars have made or broken nations and people – Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire, etc. – and will continue to do so, as they end are fights for dreams and beliefs.

What about freedom? Freedom and equality are the two common threads found in almost every picture of the American Dream. America was founded for religious freedom and a chance for people who were nobodies to become somebodies. When wars are won, a new order is set into place. In modern times, that new order has commonly been one of democracy and freedom for the people – i.e., the American Revolution, the war in Libya (kind of), etc.

Freedom, cont’d. Man has wanted to be free since time immemorial, or they have wanted to conquer. Freedom means the ability to make your own decisions, to do as you please according to your personal beliefs and values (within reason of course, as societal bounds are extremely important). It is necessary to constantly struggle for freedom however, as those who want to conquer try to take it away. This is where war comes into play.

Is it a one-way street? Achieving the basic American Dream (freedom and equality) takes work, and a lot of it. Though individual wars are won and order established once more, there are always threats to the security of the Dream. America has been involved in countless conflicts since the American Revolution, in pursuit of freedom from terrorists, the establishment of democracy and equality in foreign nations, and to keep America alive. It is cyclic, and war is necessary to achieve freedom and equality, so that the Dream can be pursued.

Pursuing the Dream The American Dream is founded on freedom and equality. Freedom and equality need war – either with ideas or weaponry. War takes the money and dedication created by having the Dream. The American Dream cannot be pursued unless we are free – who knows, a communist state might not allow a white-picket fence and may mandate a black one.

Citations Lincoln, Abraham. "The Gettysburg Address." Ourdocuments.gov. November Web. 15 May King, Martin Luther, and JR. "Martin LutherKing's Speech: 'I Have a Dream'" ABCNews. ABC News Network, 28 Aug Web. 15 May 2012.