The “American Dream.” As everyone has their own dream, everyone has their own distinctive definition of the “American Dream.” “Dream big!” they say. But what does it mean to dream big? What does it precisely mean to achieve the American Dream? Is it truly able to reach such an ambiguous notion? The word could be interpreted in many different ways, but as a “non-American,” I will elucidate the definition from diverse perspectives. 

Before we unveil each layer of the veracious definition of this inspirational ideal, the word emanates from a book called Epic of America by James Truslow Adams from 1931. He phrased the “American Dream” as “is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” During the Great Depression, he first coined this term to show the figurative resolution that Americans needed. Under such arduous and toilsome times, the “American Dream” acted as a ray of light, offering a dream of freedom, mutual respect, and equal opportunities. To people from the howling of the Dust Bowl, their longing dream was more than a mere material success that any man could indubitably consider as their utmost goal. By the abstract description of James Adams, the “American Dream” establishes a relationship with morality. It is an idea of being capable of reaching one man's capacity of opportunity under social mobility and unconditional rights to dream to the extent of where they can potentially acquire what their passion desires the most. 

One of the significant underlying definitions of the “American Dream” can be found in the Declaration of Independence; the word holds the value of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, providing a hopeful connotation by simply stating it. Even long before the Declaration of Independence, the American Dream was an idea of religious and political freedom to the Puritans. Here, we notice that this idea focuses not on "American", but on the "Dream" that lived in America. As the frontiers went further and further west, the American Dream lets individuals dream further and further beyond their limits. On top of that, the form of this dream changes and develops within history: they were the political right and social recognition for American women throughout the time, the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. for the Americans, especially those who were experiencing racial discrimination, the working place and financial leeway for the immigrants during the early 19th century, and the emancipation for the enslaved people during the Cold War. 

Although the word still holds its true definition and value, people such as politicians use it with their point of view. For example, some people imply that the American Dream is to own a house and to have a successful business. It is possible to interpret the word in this particular way. However, this viewpoint could be controversial because it does not stand with the original definition of James Truslow Adams. Since he stated that the American Dream does not correlate with material goods, using the term in this situation could confuse others who believe in the idealistic message. 

To explore more various perspectives, we need to understand this word through the lens of immigrants. What appeals to people from outside of America to move into this large continent that is very much isolated from the other side of the world geographically? The answer could be varied, but it is the vast opportunity that this country offers to anyone who dreams. Statistically, children of immigrants have a higher rate of social and economic mobility. The American Dream does not simply affect the immigrants; their hard work and vision are passed along through generations. Because the parents recognized the promises of this land, their children get to experience a much more diverse and dynamic culture. Learning and feeling in a much bigger world provide more chances to develop to get one step closer to ambition. Furthermore, differentiated American education is another significant opportunity for immigrants to achieve their goals. Even though the country is isolated, as I mentioned earlier, it is the center of trade and commerce and connects the whole world altogether. Under this influence, immigrants are able to explore their life towards happiness within their dream and hope. 

As an immigrant, I personally have a specific interpretation of the word “American Dream.” 3 years ago I moved to America, alone, for several reasons. My dad has always been telling me to go out into the world and be a leader that everyone looks up to. From my dad’s and my perspectives, my home country, South Korea, was definitely too small for me to spread out my wings and fly wherever I wanted to. Yes, we were looking for better education, a better environment, better influence, and better opportunities to dream big. However, that was not all. I wanted to open my eyes and my mind; I wanted to experience different things as much as I could in my life. For me, America was the place where I was looking for. Its vast opportunities and unlimited possibilities were the keys for me to open the door towards the “American Dream.” Yes, there are still some challenges and boundaries, but America offers much more abundant culture and chances to immigrants. 

However, the next question is whether the "American Dream" is achievable nowadays. As economic inequality increased and the social gap widened, the word became much more challenging not only to achieve but also to apply it in real life. Some people could argue that now it has become an outdated idea. Nevertheless, it is true that the word "American Dream" is still the most symbolic expression and ethos to Americans.