Journal #12

I think today's American Dream would have to do with living your own life. America is one of the few countries where for the most part, you can express yourself freely and live how you choose. You have to live with the consequences but they are your own decisions to make. Some of these freedoms include the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. This was one of the main reasons people came to America in the first place. Another aspect of the American Dream I think would definitely be free market. The opportunity to own and profit off your own business is a huge plus. I think people associate the American Dream with being successful in whatever business you decide on and being able to provide for yourself and your family. Today, I think being considered successful is highly influenced by how much money you make.I personally think this is not necessarily true, but that's just how our society sees it. You can be successful in more ways that money though. Maybe you have a successful family or a job that you love even if it is not the most high-paying. I think our definition of success today has been kind of rewritten to only what the majority of society considers successful. The pursuit of happiness is considered one of our God given rights according to the Declaration of Independence. I think being happy in America is simply living your own life with your own choices. I don't think there is a strict definition of happy in America like success because everyone is different. People are happy for many reasons. It could be because of their family, their home, their relationships, their job, their wealth, their faith, and so much more. I think it is people's right to do what makes them happy, but if it means breaking the law to do so, than its their choice and responsibility to live with the consequences.