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American Dream Discusion

Content type
User Generated
Subject
Social Science
School
American Academy of English
Type
Homework
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The American dream is something that most people first thought was easily attainable.
However, this is not the case. For immigrants who are stereotyped because of their color,
ethnicity, name, and physical looks, the American dream becomes a lot harder to actually
achieve, regardless of your age. In this week’s reading response, there was one video titled,
“Arab in America”, where the main character is trying his best to find a job. He does not do
anything wrong, finishes his studies with high grades, and yet is racially profiled everywhere.
For instance, in one scene, the main character of the video is sitting down and looking at the
interviewer who refuses to give him a chance. The video, of course, is humorous and does so
because they are pointing out stereotypes, but it is the reality. In the video, one of the
interviewers says, “we just hired two Mexicans, which is equivalent to an Arab” (“Arab in
America”, 2:21 – 2:24). This stereotypical language is hurtful and made it harder for the main
character to succeed with his American dream. He experiences more racism as the video ends
and the audience hears a voice recording play over the scene of the main character walking
away, trailing his every movement, “I repeat, camel is on the move” (“Arab in America”, 13:43,
13:47).
Throughout the videos, there are other ideas explored with younger and older generations
different experiences and perspectives growing up to live the ‘American Dream’. The older
generation is tougher and yet has seen the most discrimination. They are also, typically, the ones
who miss their homeland. I noticed this during a scene where a father, mother, and daughter are
being interviewed. The father reminisces in his home country and tells the camera crew and
recorders, “The thing I really miss from my culture is really the idea of community” (“Arab
American Stories”, 18:30 – 18:36). The man looks of fondly but also allows the interviewers to
know that he is appreciative of the opportunities his children are getting that they would not have

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The American dream is something that most people first thought was easily attainable. However, this is not the case. For immigrants who are stereotyped because of their color, ethnicity, name, and physical looks, the American dream becomes a lot harder to actually achieve, regardless of your age. In this week’s reading response, there was one video titled, “Arab in America”, where the main character is trying his best to find a job. He does not do anything wrong, finishes his studies with high grades, and yet is racially profiled everywhere. For instance, in one scene, the main character ...
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