What makes America so Good?
As I am currently reading "Jasmine" by Bharati Mukherjee, a story about an Indian women making a new life for herself in America and risking a lot to travel half way across the world to make it happen, I am forced to ask myself, what is so good about America? Why do so many people risk their lives everyday just to reach America? A country that is no longer the most powerful in the world and is currently in enormous debt. While this doesn't directly relate to the time period of 'Jasmine', it still creates a good question, what is so appealing about America?
When people think of 'The American Dream' they think of possibilities for anyone and everyone. But even a country like America has it's limits. With thousands upon thousands of immigrants (as well as actual Americans) living in America, it is a wonder as to how many possibilities the country truly has to offer. In , arguably, the best country in the world you'll find people in squalid poverty living in some of the worse living conditions imaginable. Yet, people still flock to shores of America for a better chance of a humane life, just like the main character in the novel 'Jasmine'.
Now, I'm not saying that there is a massive problem with America and people wanting to live there, I myself live very good conditions and yet I still want to live in America some day, but I do feel as if America is overrated. It's own set of ideals and common dreams has out shined the reality of the country. People now come to the United States not for America, but for the American dream. For example, thousands upon thousands of Africans come to Europe and America constantly to avoid war or famine in their home countries. While a lot of them will aim for America, England and France, they could almost as easily find an equally good life in another European country that is in fact a lot closer to their origin.
In Jasmine for example, the main character, whatever her chosen name is, makes the dangerous trip to America for reasons that have less to do with reality and more to do with wishful thinking. She gets experience of rape, murder and dozens of other personal tragedies that, in my opinion, would be less likely to happen in certain other countries. While she does get a happy life in the end, it comes at the massive cost that living in America can put upon you.
Now, I'm not saying that there is a massive problem with America and people wanting to live there, I myself live very good conditions and yet I still want to live in America some day, but I do feel as if America is overrated. It's own set of ideals and common dreams has out shined the reality of the country. People now come to the United States not for America, but for the American dream. For example, thousands upon thousands of Africans come to Europe and America constantly to avoid war or famine in their home countries. While a lot of them will aim for America, England and France, they could almost as easily find an equally good life in another European country that is in fact a lot closer to their origin.
In Jasmine for example, the main character, whatever her chosen name is, makes the dangerous trip to America for reasons that have less to do with reality and more to do with wishful thinking. She gets experience of rape, murder and dozens of other personal tragedies that, in my opinion, would be less likely to happen in certain other countries. While she does get a happy life in the end, it comes at the massive cost that living in America can put upon you.
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