Many people misunderstand the true concept of the American Dream. Most of them think that this phrase means a great career and money - the famous saying "from rags to riches". However, the true meaning of the American Dream is a little different. The true meaning of the American dream is freedom from any limitations: political system, ideology, religion, etc. It is the freedom to be what people want, do what they want and at the same time not worry about the opinion of others. It is a freedom in every aspect: freedom of mind and body. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Over the centuries, the concept of the American Dream has changed. In the 1920s it was about being rich; in the 30s - financial survival during the economic crisis; in the 40s and 50s: happy and secure family life; in the 60s and 70s: equality, peace and freedom; in the 80s - to be rich again; in the 90s: social status and materialism; in the 00s - National pride, and today it's about personal independence. This shows that what constitutes the American dream depends on the current situation. Let's analyze some other examples. If someone is born in Europe they have to go to school. They can study at university. They can pass all exams and obtain various certificates, they can become a doctor, violinist, dance teacher, architect or even philosopher. Regardless of what they choose, the choice is clear. Ultimately, they end up becoming slaves to political and social systems. If someone is born in the Middle East, their role in society and religion is already planned. Allah decides their lifestyle and beliefs. If someone is born in India, his entire life is also already planned. If they belong to a family of beggars, they can only be beggars. If they are born into a family of lawyers, they become lawyers. The caste system and the prevailing religion do not allow them to do anything else. If someone is born in America they can be anyone or anything they want. They decide their fate. They are responsible for their mistakes. They take every step themselves. This is the true meaning of the American dream. It's not about career and money. It's about possibilities. America is a land free from ideologies. People can believe what they want. They can say whatever they want. They can even start their own church or insult the president. It is not just an economic free market: it is above all a free market of ideas for life. A place where good ideas defend themselves. They don't need a subsidy. They don't need to be accepted. They don't need any permission. There was a story circulating on the Internet about a certain Las Vegas taxi driver who dressed up as Elvis and attracted more customers. He was immediately accused of unauthorized use of the artist's image, but Mr. "Elvis" had an idea to defend himself from the accusation: he founded the Church of Elvis Followers and appointed himself a priest. As a priest, he was "required" to wear a suitable costume. Prosecutors could only watch and do nothing: America has full freedom of religion, and no one can forbid a taxi driver from becoming a priest in the "Church of Elvis". No one knows if this story is true, but if it happened, it could only have happened in the United States. The American dream means that someone can recognize an architect as the best profession in the world, and someone else can say that a taxi driver is a much better profession. And they don't have to worry about anyone's opinion. The American dream means the opportunity to "do your own thing" and not pay attention to the opinions of others. It is freedom from oppression and social aggression. AND"..