Post by ashorow35 on Nov 16, 2011 23:10:57 GMT -5
Dispatching the Dream: Migration-Discipline-Progress Through America’s History
The American dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. Since the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as well as during its founding in 1776, the United States has regarded and promoted itself as an empire of liberty and prosperity, where any dream can be satisfied. Due to this belief, the newly formed nation attracted countless immigrants who carried with them their individual cultures. Through their hard work and struggles, they would be able to accomplish their goals and succeed in the new world. Though goals and focuses alter as centuries pass, the concept of migration-discipline-progress still plays the leading role in society. From the early stages of the nation as seen through the journals of John Smith and William Bradford, to present day notable Americans such as Barack Obama Sr., this notion of the hard-working, successful American has been relevant through numerous centuries.
The melting pot is a metaphor particularly used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to the United States where the fusion of different nationalities, ethnicities and cultures would create a society like no other. John Smith and William Bradford both hailed from England, with the hopes of creating a puritanical “city upon a hill”, or a new promised land. These men migrated by sea through harsh conditions, however their hopes and dreams overpowered their fear. Similar to these men, 20th Century American Barack Hussein Obama migrated from the shores of Lake Victoria just outside Kendu Bay, Kenya Colony, at the time of the British Empire. Though his hopes and dreams may not have been as drastic as the two English leaders, he still left for the same mindset of the American dream, and the better life that would be available to him.
When Barack Obama Sr. left for America, he left behind his baby son, Roy, and his young wife, Kezia, who was pregnant with their daughter Auma. A horrible sacrifice needed to be made in order for the success of him and his family. While also working through many years attending the University of Hawaii as well as Harvard University, Barack Obama Sr. proves still to this day that life demands struggle and hard work in order for success to be achieved. The sacrifices that Obama Sr. needed to make were sometimes heartbreaking and difficult, and many other immigrants suffered due to the crucial choices that were required to be made. The immigrants’ migrations soon led to disciplines, with situations similar to Obama’s such as the shortage of supplies and the horrendous conditions of Bradford and Smith’s ships.
Through their migration and discipline in American society, both the seventeenth century English leaders, and modern day American demonstrate that anything is achievable through determination and focus. As Bradford and Smith were able to create societies that fulfilled their needs, Obama Sr. was able to educate himself after coming from a small village in Kenya Colony, and provide for his family and eventually molding the mind of the future President of the United States of America, Barack Obama Jr. Through his progress in modern society, Obama Sr. is proving that America is still functioning and building on the struggles, hard work, and determination of those migrating from countries all over the world. From the early stages of America when the basis of society was being constructed, to the high tech hectic modern age, everyone has the opportunity to be successful and live the American dream.
Word Count:588
Barack Obama Timeline. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. <http://www.barack-obama-timeline.com/>.
The American dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. Since the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as well as during its founding in 1776, the United States has regarded and promoted itself as an empire of liberty and prosperity, where any dream can be satisfied. Due to this belief, the newly formed nation attracted countless immigrants who carried with them their individual cultures. Through their hard work and struggles, they would be able to accomplish their goals and succeed in the new world. Though goals and focuses alter as centuries pass, the concept of migration-discipline-progress still plays the leading role in society. From the early stages of the nation as seen through the journals of John Smith and William Bradford, to present day notable Americans such as Barack Obama Sr., this notion of the hard-working, successful American has been relevant through numerous centuries.
The melting pot is a metaphor particularly used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to the United States where the fusion of different nationalities, ethnicities and cultures would create a society like no other. John Smith and William Bradford both hailed from England, with the hopes of creating a puritanical “city upon a hill”, or a new promised land. These men migrated by sea through harsh conditions, however their hopes and dreams overpowered their fear. Similar to these men, 20th Century American Barack Hussein Obama migrated from the shores of Lake Victoria just outside Kendu Bay, Kenya Colony, at the time of the British Empire. Though his hopes and dreams may not have been as drastic as the two English leaders, he still left for the same mindset of the American dream, and the better life that would be available to him.
When Barack Obama Sr. left for America, he left behind his baby son, Roy, and his young wife, Kezia, who was pregnant with their daughter Auma. A horrible sacrifice needed to be made in order for the success of him and his family. While also working through many years attending the University of Hawaii as well as Harvard University, Barack Obama Sr. proves still to this day that life demands struggle and hard work in order for success to be achieved. The sacrifices that Obama Sr. needed to make were sometimes heartbreaking and difficult, and many other immigrants suffered due to the crucial choices that were required to be made. The immigrants’ migrations soon led to disciplines, with situations similar to Obama’s such as the shortage of supplies and the horrendous conditions of Bradford and Smith’s ships.
Through their migration and discipline in American society, both the seventeenth century English leaders, and modern day American demonstrate that anything is achievable through determination and focus. As Bradford and Smith were able to create societies that fulfilled their needs, Obama Sr. was able to educate himself after coming from a small village in Kenya Colony, and provide for his family and eventually molding the mind of the future President of the United States of America, Barack Obama Jr. Through his progress in modern society, Obama Sr. is proving that America is still functioning and building on the struggles, hard work, and determination of those migrating from countries all over the world. From the early stages of America when the basis of society was being constructed, to the high tech hectic modern age, everyone has the opportunity to be successful and live the American dream.
Word Count:588
Barack Obama Timeline. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. <http://www.barack-obama-timeline.com/>.