The American Dream Essay - 819 Words

Growing up, I always thought the â€Å"American Dream† was having a nice suburban house with a husband, a few kids, and a golden retriever. I think of people within the Middle Class had it pretty good because of the nice house and adorable, tightknit family. The dream has never really changed, and I don’t think what my imagination of it ever will. Something else I think of when thinking about the â€Å"American Dream,† I immediately think about is all the people that come to the United States from all over the world for a fresh start. Their fresh start literally starts on the street with the few dollars that they thought would be useful for their new beginning. Quickly, they realize they can’t afford to live here because of the housing and low†¦show more content†¦But now that I’m at a public university, I can maintain a slightly better budget. When going through my budget and how much it would cost to go here, they forgot to mention the ex tra 700 dollars I was going to owe. I’m not sure where I was supposed to get the money that they didn’t tell me about, and I don’t think they thought or cared about it. This also adds to being a part of my parents income for my FASFA, that is actually a large amount – I didn’t know that they made that much combined. But the university thinks my parents will help with paying for my college, the answer is a HUGE no. All of my siblings that have gone through college are held responsible for what they put themselves through, my parents believe that we are capable of it, somehow. They do help here and there when I desperately need it, and I appreciate them for that. My parents both went to college, but this was at a time where college was affordable for the average family. My dad was able to juggle three jobs while in college. I don’t understand how considering I can’t get even one job because I don’t qualify for Work Study because of how much parents make. I also don’t have a car because all of my previously owned cars have ended up killing themselves sometime while I owned them. I can definitely say millennials do have it the hardest. With low incomes, expensive housing, and constant loans nagging you ever move youShow MoreRelatedEssay On The American Dream1004 Words   |  5 PagesThe American Dream: Is it Only a Dream? From the moment colonists stepped foot on American soil, freedom flowed through their skin. The new country would bring endless opprotunities to anyone who wished to pursue their dreams. Through years of effort, the United States was born and along with it a sense of equality and meaning. Today, America has much to stand for. Although times were rough along the way, the American dream is one of being free and having a voice. America has proven itself to beRead MoreAmerican Dream Essay3358 Words   |  14 PagesTHE AMERICAN DREAM THE AMERICAN DREAM Section #1 a. 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Many people might think of the American Dream as being able to get a job in order for them to be able to help their family members who they left back in their native country, while for others t he American Dream will be to be able to purchase their first home in the United States, while for others the American Dream might be to have a good job in order for them to pay forRead MoreAmerican Dream Essay992 Words   |  4 Pagesdifferent issues as they settle in the United States. Although these problems may vary, the message is the same; the American dream is a lot more difficult to achieve than previously thought. Although every immigrant is different in the problems they face while in the country, one problem seems to stand out from the rest. The biggest obstacle for immigrants to overcome to achieve the American dream is in the field of jobs. The biggest problem immigrants face is finding work in which they can support themselvesRead MoreThe American Dream Essay1480 Words   |  6 PagesThe American Dream is a concept that has circulated around the world and has caused people from other countries, and those who live in America, to come to our nation and take advantage of the opportunities in place to better their lives. The definition of the American Dream, provided by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America (1931), is â€Å"a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement†¦It is not a dreamRead MoreThe American Dream Essay799 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is the American Dream? In America, numerous cultures and ethnic backgrounds are present. The American Dream is a subjective phrase, with different meanings for different people. The novels Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, portray different definitions of the American Dream. In theory, the American Dream is the thought that through hard work, anyone can achieve their goals in this country. In Into the WildRead MoreEssay On The American Dream936 Words   |  4 Pagespersecution. Starting with the European settlements in the 1600s and many waves of diverse groups of people migrated after thus creating this ideology known as the America Dream which encompasses the opportunity at a better life and growth in all aspects political, economic religious etc. But at what cost what is often forgot is the American nightmare which is included the perverse and horrifying accounts of colonialism, diaspora and slavery. Slaves were not migrants they did not come here on their ownRead MoreEssay On The American Dream1328 Words   |  6 Pagestheir personal needs. But of course, as many other families in America did and still do, they had a dream. The American Dream. Which was to come to America for a better life and provide a better future for their family and the future generations of the family. And I am proud to say that they accomplished that American dream. Because I, as an American who comes from Latino origins am the American dream. My family s past has had a very profound influence on me as a person. Since I was a child, I

Peace and Conflict Advocating the Use of Non-Violoent...

When we are trying to attain world peace, we must first start with peace between individuals as these relationships are the building blocks of society and nations. Peace can be achieved by non-violent means or by the use of lethal force. This essay will explore notions of peace and conflict, advocating the use of non-violent means for resolving conflict. The environmental and social cost of lethal force is very high and unsustainable. Never the less, there are situations when justice requires the use of lethal force and examples of these will be discussed. The paper will conclude with the argument that ongoing life enhancing structural reform is required for the management and the prevention of future violent conflicts throughout the†¦show more content†¦Now that we have an understanding of what peace is, what then is conflict and how do we resolve it? What is conflict? The Oxford Dictionary defines conflict â€Å"as an encounter with arms, a fight, especially a prolonged struggle†, (as mentioned in Tillet, 1991, p.1). The Chinese symbol of crisis has two characters, one representing danger and the other representing opportunity, (Lantieri, L. Patti, J.1996, p.53). Michael Banks claims that conflict is necessary, as it provides the catalyst for change and progress in society. Peace education’s aim shouldn’t be to abolish conflict, but to facilitate its healthy expression and to bring it within society’s control, (as cited in Sandole Sandole-Staroste, 1987, p. 260). Karl Marx was one the first people to analyse conflict, believing that people are creative and generally cooperative, but who face the tyranny of capitalism. Marx believed that conflict between the bourgeoisie (the owners of capital and means of production) and the proletariat (the working class) would lead to a revolution, whereby the workers would over throw the owners, (Scimecca, 1993, p.214). John Burton speaks of conflict resulting from inherent basic human needs being unmet and as a perception of incompatible values between the parties, that can only be resolved through structural changes, (Tillet, 1991,

My Folk Dance Experience Essay Example For Students

My Folk Dance Experience Essay This was a great class that I took. I took this class because I love dancing even if it in my room in front of the mirror with the door closed. I have a great experience. I loved that I was able to become close with more upperclassman. I also feel like since I was the most enthused and voicetress in the class that made more people want to open up to the class. I loved that was able to teach the second graders how to do a new dance that I had just learned how to do myself. I enjoyed them wanting to learn how to do these dance. I was so nervous performing in front of them. I did not want to see me mess up. I just wanted to do the dance correctly so that I will have an impact on them. I wanted them to see older students doing an older dance and them wanting to do the same dance that we did too. But knowing that I messed up just made me want to have more fun doing the dance than looking so serious with a fake smile on my face. Which that smile on my face, ties into me dancing at the senior center. I am pretty sure the roles were reverse. I am pretty sure that the older people did not want to mess up in front of a bunch of college students, but at the end of the night we, the college students were ones messing up with a smile on our faces. I was so happy to dance with them. They were so kind to us and patient with us when we did not get a dance immediately than some students. At the end of the night we were all happy and wanted to download some of the songs that we heard that night. I figured out that my favorite dance out of all the dances I learned was the North Kerry Set Fig. 1. I think I like this dance so much because it was a very energetic just like me. We did a lot of hopping and moving around the body so much that I never had time to take a break. I also love medieval movies, so I felt like this is one of the dances that could have during that time period. I could appreciate a class more than I did this class. My teacher Mrs. Sarnelle is such a sweet teacher. She was a very great teacher and she expected so much from me, which made me what to do great in her class. This class also allowed me to become more of a leader than just sit back and do whatever the instructor told us to do. I was able to help people become more of a good dancer. I am very happy that I stood back when I needed to and stepped up when I needed to. This was a great class and I will miss it next year, but I will recommend this class to people here at Mary Baldwin College when I am gone next year.

Thematic Analysis Of Things Fall Apart Essay Example For Students

Thematic Analysis Of Things Fall Apart Essay Achbe in the novel â€Å"Things fall apart† conveys a flavor of traditional African culture in the 1800`s. But despite this, it seems to be the tragedy of okonkwo that embodies the theme of the novel. Many of Achebe`s themes are not limited to the events in his novel, but relate to any situation in which traditional values are questioned and people from different cultures meet. My focus in this presentation will be on the theme of religion and theme of justice. Like any good religion the Igbo religion comes with many superstitions. Personal chi is one of the superstitions in the Igbo tribe. We will write a custom essay on Thematic Analysis Of Things Fall Apart specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Chi can be said to be a personal fragment of the Supreme Being unique for each individual. It determines much of a person’s success and character. â€Å"When a man says yes his chi says yes also. † Pg 19 but at the same time a man does not challenge his chi. â€Å"The evil you have done can ruin the whole clan. The earth goddess whom you have insulted may refuse to give us her increase, and we shall all perish. † Pg 22 Ezeani said this to okonkwo in response to his challenge against his chi, by beating his wife during the week of peace. Okonkwo can be an example for a person challenging his own chi since his desperate desire to succeed his chi, does not let him go any further than failure, destruction and death. Chi is simultaneously a destiny and an internal commitment that cannot be denied. The Igbo religion has a tendency to symbolize numerous amounts of divine gods. They have a god for every different natural phenomonum that occurred. These things of worship were things such as trees, pieces of wood, hills, caves etc. For every symbolic god there was a being in the clan that represented it. Ezeani the priestess of the goddess of the earth represented the goddess of earth (Ani). The clan seeks knowledge from the god through the oracle of the hills and caves. Other symbols in the Igbo religion are the sacred silk cotton tree and the evil forest. The festivals, in the novel contribute to the development of this theme as well. The two festivals â€Å"Week of peace† and â€Å"The Feast of the New Yam† visualizes the importance of it to the clan and the power gods have. The week of peace was one of the means of unification of the clan and appeasement for the gods in control over the crops. And â€Å"the feast of the new yam† signaled the beginning of the New Year to the clan and it was the time of festivity and gratitude to Ani, the earth goddess. This earth goddess was the source of all fertility, ultimate judge of moral conduct, and was in close communion with departed fathers. (Pg. 26 top) Sacrifices were another element that made up the Igbo religion. Sacrifice helped to mediate one’s relationship with their gods. Sacrifices ranged from animal down to basic fruits from trees. Animals were a symbol of spiritual as well as the physical means of sacrifice. The body itself is a part of the living world but initially belongs to the spiritual realm. Sacrifices were also used to cure illness, increase fertility, an even aid in the defeat of a neighboring enemy etc. The death of Ikemeumafa can be an example of sacrifice to avoid war over an umofian woman who had been killed in mbiano. Achbe in his novel doesn’t only develop the Igbo religion, but also introduces Christianity. I find this to be an interesting aspect of this theme, since it visualizes the mixture of religions. Achbe is careful in presenting both the negative and positive aspects of Christianity and it’s impacts on the Igbo people. For e. g. achbe supports Nwoye`s conversion to Christianity by Nwoye`s unhappiness at oknokwo`s anger, outrage over the sacrifice of ikemufa, and his father’s role in that murder. Christianity believes in the doctrine of the holy trinity and the Igbo religion believes in the ancestral spirits on the many gods in the religion. .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f , .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .postImageUrl , .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f , .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f:hover , .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f:visited , .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f:active { border:0!important; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f:active , .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9f9be88a9ae5f5cca8c233a14df7ab6f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Society today EssayThis is a major difference and unfortunately the mixture of the two religions ended up in actions causing rage and anger on either sides. The justice of the Igbo people depends heavily on the decision made by ancestral spirits and the oracle of the hills and caves. The Igbo tribe follows laws that are natural and unwritten, yet understood as parts of the tradition. The court meeting of the Igbo tribe was a masculine communal ceremony which was held in the village ilo. It was the highest court to take care of the disputes between the villagers. Although there is the presence of a judge and jury in the court, the jury was made up of nine different spirits and the judge was the evil forest. This shows that the Igbo people depended on their spirits for their justice to be served. The court proceedings seem to be similar to a normal court session, despite the way in which they are carried out. For e. g. the way in which the members are addressed like bodies and â€Å"our father†. and uzowlu touching the ground to salute the judge. I find this court to be more of a civil court rather than a criminal court since it only deals with the disputes between villagers. But on the other hand at times through the novel, the earth goddess can be seen as a source of justice, since she punishes okonowo for beating his wife during the week of peace and also later exiles him from umofia for 7 years for shooting a clan’s man accidentally. Many times throughout the novel, when a person commits a crime the court is disregarded for e. g. when the umofian woman was killed by a neighboring village man. Umofia called upon the oracle of the hills and caves to seek permission on starting the war. Instead mbiano offered to sacrifice a lad of theirs for their fault. This shows that the problem of a villager was the problem of the whole village. When the justice system of the Igbo tribe was overtaken by the European justice system there was still doubt that whether proper justice will be served in the society of umofia. No longer did the court depend on the spirits for a decision. Anyone who went against the white man’s law was held prisoner. Although this court system was highly organized, there was no justice. When the eruwugu was unmasked by Enoch there was no action taken by the court considering it to be a crime in the Igbo culture. But when the churches were burned down, the district commissioner makes a sly approach to arrest the men involved in the violence, considering it to be crime. I find that the invasion of the Europeans into umofia deprived the Igbo people of their freedom and religion. To conclude I find both the themes to be an interesting aspect of the novel things fall apart. The theme of justice mostly relies on the gods of the Igbo people and their spirits. The theme of religion in the novel doesn’t only visualise the Igbo religion and Christianity, but also conveys the message that â€Å"The mixture of religions is hardly ever bloodless. †