Facing up to the American Dream, Term Paper Example

Part 1- German National

I am delighted to come to the land of plenty. On arrival, I could not help but marvel at the beautiful infrastructure in the United States. The culture of the citizen here is different. The culture promotes hard work for those willing to work. I would advise those left back in Germany to quit and relocate. Happiness and contentment sweeten the labor. In this lands, everything grows without much of the manure we needed back home. The World War II devastated most of Europe and our dear country Germany took the hardest hit affecting us till today. The war left us weak and destitute unable to defend our basic human dignity. Yet, the opulence I see every day in my new country is enormous. The lands are without limit; thus, providing food to the whole population and supplying the entire world.

The native of the United States has equal treatment of those who share the same skin color. The society divides itself among those with color and white. Being a white, I have the privilege of enjoying the best this side of the world can offer.  The little time I have stayed here, I have managed to make friends some who we have become close. As a German immigrant, I have observed how the native adores us at the same time despise us. One segment sees us German as the people who helped the Americans win the war; but, at the same time detests our fellow members for being on the forefront of the battle. The country celebrates the contribution of German scientists such as Robert Oppenheim and Albert Einstein to the development of the nuclear bomb (Joppke, 1999). The hate is due to the aggressive nationalism agenda propagated by Adolf Hitler, our former hero. The mention of the word NAZI is a taboo in this land.

The principal ideological difference is apparent in this land. Unlike back home in Germany where we stood together against imperialism, here it is us against them. Being a German national, I categorize myself as the greats who helped the US or the enemy who fought them. It has led me to ponder on various issues which affect me. The politics of the country demand I join the greats to protect myself. Moreover, I get to enjoy the rights of freedom. In my viewpoint, I am against the constant strikes happening due to the disruption that they bring. Even though I enjoy the pleasure of the new lands, I am dismayed by the unequal treatment of people based on their color and class. The people of color and lower class lack pure leisure such as access to restaurants, schools, healthcare services, and public service. The segregation is a real problem just as we segregated the Jews.

Part 2- Chinese National

The post-war era of the World War II is here. The devastation it has left seven years after the war is visible. The world economy is in shatters. China Economy has seen the adverse effects when two ideologies collide. The poverty rate in my country is impacting my social, economic, and political wellbeing. There is a limited flow of money in our economy. It is compounded by the socialist agenda our new leader Mao Zedong is adapting. The end of World War II sees the emergence of two dominant forces in the United States of America and the Federation of Russia. The former supports the capitalist mantra while the latter pledges her allegiance to the idea of communism. Capitalism guarantees success to those who work. The socialist ideology highlights the importance of togetherness.

As a Chinese citizen, our Communist Party of China leader, Mao Zedong is inclining towards the socialist ideology. However, this part is bound to fail. The American doctrine promotes the individual hard work. The American dream is the phrase represents the capitalist ideology. I envy this thinking since you are assured equal success and prosperity. Unlike the Socialist agenda of our leader that we are all equal, the American dream highlights our differences; thus, accounting for these differences. I am amazed at the upward social mobility which comes from believing in the American dream. Currently, my country China has many barriers which inhibit growth.

It is my observation that growth, whether personal or professional is key in life. The post-war period is seeing the rise of entrepreneurs willing to risk everything to be successful in life (Hochschild, 1996). The reconstruction period of the era after World War II is enabling small businesses to grow into big companies commanding large areas. It is such cases that are cementing my belief in the American Dream. It is proof that success is a heartbeat away from hard and smart work. The success of small business is bringing tremendous benefits to the capitalist, the name for people believing in capitalism. My analysis is making me conclude that the freedom of capitalism is enormous. Freedom of expression, owning, congregating, religion, and speech are traits of envy. Also, the economic benefits such as beautiful houses, fast cars, and traveling around the world are the opportunities I want. Nevertheless, my observation of the anti-immigration is growing due to the influx of migrants. The American dream is converging different cultures to be successful. It is dampening the spirit of the American dream.

References

Hochschild, J. L. (1996). Facing up to the American dream: Race, class, and the soul of the nation. Princeton University Press.

Joppke, C. (1999). Immigration and the nation-state: the United States, Germany, and Great Britain. Clarendon Press.