Fluidity of American Dreams

Often times it seems to me that the general interpretation of the American Dream is getting a good education, followed by a stable job, and eventually buying a home to start a family. But this idea of the American Dream has become outdated as times and demographics have changed. Sure, you’ve still got the cut and dry individuals that fit into the type described above, but like american races and ethnicities, ideas of what the american dream is are diverse; there is no one set definition that applies to all. Rather, the meaning continues to change and evolve as times ticks on.
    In the article “American Dreams” from the New York Times (July 1, 2016), this couldn’t be more evident. From the get go we see from the perspective of a woman who descends from african american slaves, whose desires are by no means wealth centered or success centered, but human rights centered. Weah expressed the dream and desire for nothing more than equal rights; for the ability of americans to pursue the famous phrase of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This dream goes beyond herself to other americans. Yes, other americans. And she wasn’t the only one either. Many other individuals who took part in this study held similar sentiments; wanting a safe place for people of all walks for life, wanting to reach out to those suffering from drug abuse and save them, wishing to empower one’s community, doing honest work to ensure that those who receive your products are satisfied, wanting everyone to be advocated for in the world, these are just a handful of the american dreams shared by others. And all of these are concerned with matters beyond the self.
    I mean, who even thinks of other people’s advancement before their own? That’s just plain crazy!
    All joking aside, the fact that so many of the individuals dreamt and hoped for something better for all people and not just themselves is pretty heartwarming. The mere thought that someone else is thinking of you is pleasant in and of itself, but knowing that complete strangers are wishing for your happiness? Your success? Your safety and acceptance? That can be life altering.
    And if people aren’t dreaming about every single good thing possible for every single person, then they’re dreaming of personal growth. Taking on challenge after challenge, learning and growing along the way; pushing oneself to the very limit to become stronger as a person; to become self sufficient, and unreliant on the materialistic and capitalistic values of society; to live freely as one desires rather than feeling the need to conform to the expectations of society; to rebuild one's life not only for one's own sake, but also for the sake of those around them.
    I can’t help but admire these people for having such positive goals and dreams in mind. They aren’t solely focused on making money and buying a house, they’re thinking more deeply with desires for positive growth, both on an individual level and on a nationwide level.
    After reading this article I’ve found that my own perception of the American Dream has changed, as has my personal dream. My american dream is for a world of tolerance, and acceptance. A world where people can step back and look at everything that's going wrong and try to find a way to make it right again. A world where people can live the lives they want without fear of judgement or being attacked, so long as that lifestyle doesn't involve hurting themselves and/or others. A world where people can coexist with this planet and the life all around us instead of destroying for the sake of expansion. I dream of a world where people could keep an open mind, and be accepting of change and progress rather than trying to go back to "the good old days".
    I dream of love.