It is not uncommon for one to pursue their dreams. For example, students

incessantly work with the objective of academic success. Frequently, these students have

set certain goals for themselves and strive to reach them. The American dream can be

compared to a grade that a student works relentlessly to obtain. This is evidently a goal

that one sets for himself/herself. The dream is a grade, not always being easy to achieve,

yet attainable through keen determination and hard work. As people migrate across the

Atlantic Ocean from foreign countries with a certain goal, they see the Statue of Liberty

holding her torch of freedom. Then, each new set of eyes that sees this bold statue is

assimilated by the wave of exuberance that sweeps their hearts. After the bewilderment

stops, the new immigrants realize that they are about to step foot in America, home of the

free and land of opportunity.

Majorities of people who immigrate to this country or who are native to this land

have a distinct dream of what life will be like in America. Upon painting this original

and bold picture in their minds, themes of freedom, prosperity and success all permeate

throughout most dreams. By viewing the American dreams of St. Jean De Crevecoeur,

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Iola Leroy, and the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments

and Resolutions, one can clearly notice the differences and similarities among the

American Dream.

St. Jean De Crevecoeur called the American dream a positive experience. De

Crevecoeur emigrated from Europe to America around 1754. In his eyes, America was a

fresh sheet of paper awaiting a new painting of the good life. According to his views,

Americans can originate from anywhere and still be called an American. De Crevecoeur

believes eyes sought after the American dream, and many found even more.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American with his own goals. Although he was a

black man living in a harsh time, his influence spread to many aspects of the world. King

had a dream, and because he didn’t keep it isolated to himself, the world listened.

Although his dream was one of many, he played one of the most significant roles upon

pursuing it. He stood for what he believed in and took a stand to try and liberate America

from injustice. During his most popular speech he said, ..I still have a dream. It is a

dream deeply rooted in the American dreamI have a dream that all men are created equal.

Although Kings dream was far from being foreign to the Constitution of the United

States, it was the fact that one line was disregarded and never fully implemented. It

clearly states, in our constitution that we all have equal rights, in everything that we do.

Kings dream was to awaken the world, and stop the unjustified mistreatment of blacks.

His persevering efforts ultimately showed the world that skin color is simply a minor

detail that just makes each one of us different and unique physically. His dream was to

unite Americans of varying skin color, and give blacks the opportunities they deserved to

have as citizens of the United States of America. Kings goal was not one that was easily

manageable; nevertheless he worked hard and fulfilled his American dream.

Iola Leroy is another individual who relentlessly sought out her American dream.

She longed for triumph in her battle versus slavery and fought for her freedom.

According to her, her American dream was always in place, there were just mountains

and bridges to climb. Before she was able to reach her American dream she believed that

she needed to be reunited with her family, since she was separated from her family as a

slave and a child. While freedom was not the only challenge to Iola , her self-worth was

what she really yearned for. She wanted to reform society and alter the way people

looked down at blacks. One of her goals was to teach communities how to work together.

Her success was in making a true difference in the world as she saw it and her freedom

came from surviving the world that she was in. Therefore, by finally obtaining her

self-worth, she also was one that pursued her American dream and conquered all

obstacles.

The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions was written in 1848

by a group of approximately 300 individuals consisting of both men and women. This

rarely known document, although just a piece of paper, is in itself, an American dream. It

is a dream of equality; for women to be equal to men. For decades, women have

struggled to be allowed the chance to have equal opportunities as men. America is the

land of opportunity, and nothing should come in its way. Simply because they are

women, nothing and nobody should undermine their ability to be leaders in this country.

The Seneca Falls Declarations purpose was to give women the freedom to experience

their American dream and succeed. Once given this opportunity, women have surpassed

many impediments and soared to their highest potential. There are currently females

running huge corporations all over this world, they can vote and they have a say in the

decisions made in our country. Men arent the only ones with true American dreams. The

females of this world are now looked at as equal to men rather than inferior. Whether it

is success, love, freedom, or self-reliance, it can still be part of a dream that numerous

Americans have, the American dream.

These people did not get their wishes in a short period of time. A lot of hard

work and determination was required, but ultimately it all paid off. Everyone has a

dream that they wish would come true. It is very important for everyone to realize that

the picture that is painted in his or her head can one day become reality. All of these

people envisioned their dreams, and just like a student hoping for a certain grade, their

determination has helped to fulfill their dreams. This is America, the land of freedom and

opportunity, and anyone can accomplish their American Dream.

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