Can we say that the American Dream is still alive nowadays? Or is is turning into a nightmare?

In 1931, the historian James Adams defined the term “American Dream” as the pursuit of success and freedom – an idea deeply rooted in the belief that “all men are created equal.” However, this concept was born with the discovery of America, because even in the 17th century, when the first colonies were established there, the continent was a symbol of liberty, individualism and progress.

People today have different perceptions about whether we need the American Dream or not. Some critics claim that it is the main culprit for the loss of moral sense in the Americans and for the birth of the materialistic and selfish society we live in today. But, did we really start valuing money more than people because of the American Dream?

The country of “unlimited opportunities,” as the U.S. was often called, does not exist anymore according to some economists. The world financial crisis has not missed the ‘New World,’ however: for some people, the moral problems among authorities that have sharpened in the recent years have a greater impact on the current situation. Wall Street frauds, illegal business transactions, corruption. As if the the thirst for money can never be quenched.

The constantly growing social inequality and the political system that serves those who can afford to invest enough in it are the main reasons for the decay of the American Dream.

According to Joseph Stiglitz, a professor at Columbia University, this term is already a “myth.” He assumes that the enormous economic gap between the different social classes in the American country results mainly from the fact that while the bank accounts of the rich are enlarging, for the poor it is much more difficult to make buckle and tongue meet. The classless society will never become a reality in the U.S. and nation-wide as a whole.

Stiglitz is convinced that most Americans believe that the financial and class inequality derives from the fast economic development that took place in the last years. However, he reminds everyone of the fact that after the Second World War, the economy in the U.S. started its vehement growth and advance, but the gap between the middle-class and the well-off was not as broad as it is now.

Stiglitz’s solution: the U.S. has to invest more in public education and in programs that can give chances to young, ordinary Americans to pursue a brighter future in their home country.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama appealed to Congress for an extension of the Bush-era tax cuts for those whose annual income does not exceed $250,000, and thus he supported the government’s initiative to hold down middle-class tax rates.

According to Stiglitz, now the U.S. faces a dilemma with historical significance. “If it continues as it has in recent decades, the lack of opportunity will mean a more divided society, marked by lower growth and higher social, political and economic instability,” he commented.

A lot of specialists claim that the American nation first has to escape from the moral crisis and then to look for financial prosperity. Recently Ron Haskin, a former White House adviser on welfare issues and now director of the Brookings Center on Children and Families and the Budgeting for National Priorities Project, expressed his idea that the young generation in the U.S. should follow three main steps in order to emerge from the poverty.

According to him, high-level education, full time work and marriage after attaining at least the age of 21 are the keys to the normal middle-class life in the North American country. Hoskins is prone to believe in the individual initiative and desire rather than in the improvement of the political system.

The American Dream means a pursuit of happiness, opportunity and freedom.  This concept will never be buried because sometimes it is enough for people only to believe in its existence in order to continue living.

The article Where Did We Leave the American Dream? appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Greenville, U.S.A.  – Emerald House Publishing today announced the release of a new children’s book, Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream. Written and illustrated to restore faith in the American dream, the book tells the story of a young boy, who through his faith, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit, sets out to achieve the American dream.

Taking place during the Great Recession, the story begins with Abraham learning that his Mother and Father had recently lost their jobs. With Christmas not far away, and his parents unable to buy gifts for him and his sister, Abraham desperately wants to save Christmas for his family; however, the reality is he too, has no money. But dreams can come true … where there’s a will and a way!

“Our mission with Abraham’s Journey is to inspire today’s youth, by instilling in them the values, principles and virtues necessary to achieve the American dream,” says co-author Robert Basmadjian. “As we make preparations to celebrate Independence Day, I am reminded of the freedoms and principles that our forefathers fought so valiantly to secure and protect. Through their courage, perseverance and sacrifice, they laid down the foundation for the ‘American dream’ and a better way of life for their children. It is this same spirit that inspired us to write Abraham’s Journey.”

According to co-author Kathleen Basmadjian, Abraham’s Journey was written to teach children about the importance of self-reliance and personal responsibility and their role in achieving the American dream. “Today, our children face tremendous hardship and adversity, threatening the American dream’s very existence. Unless we as parents, educators and community leaders teach our children and grandchildren about this unique American ideal, the American dream could be lost forever. Through the eyes of Abraham, we hope to provide children and young teens with an imaginative and inspirational story that will help them to celebrate their very own American dream journey.”

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg , civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., and famed pilot Amelia Earhart all make appearances in the pages of Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream.

About the Authors

Husband and wife authors Robert and Kathleen Basmadjian currently live in New Jersey. Robert holds a Masters in communications from William Patterson College and Kathleen has a PhD in biology from The Catholic University of America.

Image Courtesy of  spirit of america / Shutterstock.com

The article Do You Still Believe in The American Dream? appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Using only a handheld camera and a small cast of characters, Mike Ott’s “Littlerock” leaves a lasting impression. The sweeping landscape and ethereal lighting contribute to the overall magic taken from the mundane. The town of Littlerock, California, which serves as the backdrop to this intriguing film, is really a remnant of the American Dream. In this movie, the place itself could not have been better cast.

When Atsuko (Atsuko Okatsuka, who also co-wrote the film) and her brother, Rintaro (Rintaro Sawamoto), come to America to experience something completely unlike their own lives, they are warned by their father that they will regret it. What they are met with is certainly not the golden age of America, just a place full of people as different from their Japanese friends as they could be.

The most important of these locals is aspiring model, Cory (Cory Zacharia), whose puppy-dog affection for Atsuko is both endearing and slightly off-putting. It is Atsuko who becomes captivated by the unlikely charm of this rundown place. She even begs her brother to let her stay a little longer.

He reluctantly leaves her there, and gone is Atsuko’s only hope of translation, and ours, as her subtitles drive off into the sunset with him. As a result, we become involved in this frustrating situation of miscommunication.

When Cory cries out in exasperation because he can no longer fool himself that he and Atsuko don’t need words in order to understand each other, it affects you on a deeper level than most films. As a viewer, you have not been taking a passive role. Instead, you have been attempting to decode Atsuko in the same ways Cory has been trying.

The film was almost painful at times because it was so relatable, so human, so personal. With the characters and actors almost being the same person – actors kept their names and, sometimes, their back stories – their performances were heartfelt and vulnerable. It results in quite a melancholy experience.

You don’t know whether to laugh or cry with or at them, partly because if you did one or the other, you would not just be reacting to a character but also be affected by a real story and real people. Ott’s powerful ability to tell a story that is both personal and relatable comes from using his own life as a starting point.

“It was a really organic process making this movie,” Ott said. “It started with this idea I had after going to South America for a film festival. And I met this girl when I [was] down there that only spoke Spanish. And I only speak English. So we kind of had this romance, but I mean she didn’t speak a word of English and my Spanish is minimal.

And then I tried to phone her after I left and it was just this super awkward conversation just trying to express that I had a good time hanging out with her. It just doesn’t translate. So I just started thinking about that.” It is his own personal experiences, and those of the actors, that have helped shape this movie into a tender, thought-provoking journey.

The article “Littlerock” Leaves Big Impression on Audience appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

“The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement..It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”

These are the words of the historian James Truslow Adams, taken from his book Epic of America published in 1931. They summarize the idea of freedom and equality linked to the USA developed over the centuries which shaped the nation and has been rooted in the world populations common imaginary.

At the immigration to US basis there has always been the desire of liberty, redemption and success historically embodied by the “New World”. Over all its history America has been seen like the cradle of the possibilities by the people of all parts of the world.

During the 20th century started an immigration wave mostly of European people. The most industrialized cities as New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia were the destination of those who were attracted by the idea this new country where everything would had been possible and all the dreams would had become true. Different immigration acts were drawn up to regulate and limit the migratory flows.

Nowadays the “American dream” keeps attracting and fascinate a lot of people from all around the world. United States of America represent a worldwide appeal, every year more than one million legal migrants are welcome in this big and open country. US has the widest migratory flow of the world,immigration here has been the major source of population growth and cultural exchange and it laid the groundwork for a multicultural state.

Whereas in the past mostly of the migrants came from European countries, the biggest part of the current migrants come from Latin America and Asia.

Every year the American Government gives the opportunity to make the “American dream” come true for 50,000 foreign people who want to live and work in USA. The Green Card Lottery is a Diversity Immigrant Visa program which allows to receive a United States Permanent Resident Card. This lottery is administered by the Department of State. According to the Immigration Act of 1990, 50,000 permanent resident visas are made available to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The visas are distributed on a regional basis. Each region which sent a lower immigrants number to the US in the previous 5 years will receive more diversity visas. Currently, about 80% of the visas are given to Africa and Europe.

Lottery ‘”winners” must have all eligibility requirements under US law to get a diversity visa and immigrate to the United States, including at least a high school diploma, or its equivalent, or two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years training.

The lottery is conducted under the terms of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The participation to the program is free. The majority of the world’s inhabitants have the right to participate,this right is established according to the birth country of the participants. Also parents or spouses’ birth countries are accepted for applying.

USA open the doors to all the dreamers. Are you ready to run for your “American dream”?

The article Green Card Lottery Makes The “American Dream” Feasible appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.