The "American Dream"

1. How would you describe the “American Dream?”

I would describe the American Dream as the belief that a person can move to America and have the opportunity to work hard. This opportunity to work hard will ultimately pay off in them being successful and being able to provide for themselves and their families.I think the American Dream is applicable to both citizens in the United States and citizens of other countries.

2. What is your definition of wealth?

My definition of wealth is having enough money to cover the necessities that come with living in the United States as well as having plenty of money to cover any wants that a person has. There are different types of wealthy people though. Some people buy all the necessities and wants they have in life. Then there are some wealthy who are very frugal with their money and by all the needs of life but do not spend large amounts of money on wants or indulge in many of their wants even though they have enough money to do that.

3. What are Americans’ attitudes toward wealth and poverty?

I think many Americans have a negative connotation towards people that have wealth. I think this is because we often see wealthy American's not making smart decisions with their money. However I think Americans have a positive association with wealth in the terms that one day if they are smart enough and work hard enough being wealthy is an obtainable thing. I feel like Americans have a helping attitude when it comes to poverty. Many citizens in the country that are well off make an effort to help out those who live in poverty. I also think that many Americans think that the amount of poverty in our country is way to high.

4. What is your attitude toward wealth and poverty?

Wealth is always something I have strived for and continuing striving for in my life. I wanted to be well enough off to provide for my future self and hopeful family to cover all of our needs as well as live a comfortable life where I can provide for some of their wants as well. The idea of poverty has always scared me because I do not think the average person really knows what its like to live in poverty. I do think that it is possible to work your way out of poverty in the United States if you have the right work ethic and mind set. There are a vast amount of opportunities in the United States where someone can be successful. I think knowledge of poverty in the United States is very minimal within the country as well as outside the country because it receives less media coverage compared to the coverage that wealth gets in the United States and outside of the country because people seem to follow the stories of the wealthy more than they do of people who live in poverty.