America.

America - Nas

America, land of opportunities, or a distorted image?
Don't get me wrong, we are more than fortunate to be living in America but what does it mean to really be living in America?
Immigrant families every year move from their homeland to this place, over 70% move to the ghettos. Is it worth it?
Their verdict isn't wrong, it is for a better life for their children, but is living in the environment worth it?
There are ups and down sides, if we look at the success stories of immigrants in this world today, some are out of this world. But what happens when it all collapses?
Immigrants growing up in rough neighborhoods can hardly consider themselves living the American dream. And their kids may not turn out so successful, it is not their fault but if you are raised around negativity, it is only right that you are negative.
The point that I am trying to get at is, what is the American dream?
Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't see it. We live in a country in debt, at an international war, with racism to top it of. This is America.
I am fortunate enough not to have to deal with a lot of the poverty in this country, but it is plentiful as well. Most immigrants have to live in the poverty limit as well.
For example, East Palo Alto. A rough neighborhood. People here are living in dire straights, not their fault either. As some may call it the "slums" I do not think it deserves to be looked down upon. People try to stand for something more in their community, it deserves to be credited more. Coming back to the point, "The American Dream" is non-existent here.
What is the American dream?
I go to a diverse school, not dealing with much racism. But if I went elsewhere such as lets say a white neighborhood in Texas, or a white neighborhood in the suburbs of New York would I feel like an American?
I look at my passport, it says I am a US Citizen. But if I moved out of California would I be treated as a US Citizen?
Right now, I feel like I have hope in being in America. I have had the opportunity to visit a 3rd world country and realize how grateful I am, but how long will it last?
In America today we face a economy crisis, smart kids out of top American colleges are going overseas for jobs. Our country is not able to produce enough engineers/doctors. Jobs are being cut. Distractions are everywhere. Media is full of violence, poor language, racism, sex and drugs. How long can we go on like this?
I am excited about Obama's promise of change but its not like he controls the economy.
We are in tough times as much as I'd love to be hopeful and optimistic, reality this time does not allow it.
What really gets to me is when poor immigrants sacrifice their middle class life to come to this country and live in poverty, then get let down by the lack of opportunities available.
We live in a beautiful country, no doubt. But maybe we spoke too soon, in 50 years America will step down as the world power.
In my mind, America is a whole new world. It can make or break you. If you aren't white you could be in for some tough times, we have loads of cocky white kids that enjoy picking on minorities. We have rich kids wanting to be thugs and poor kids wanting to be rich. We have the best of both worlds its true, but how you want to use it is really up to you. Education is the key, but most of us have trouble finding the lock. If you aren't white here, you aren't American in most of these peoples minds. Religion divides here, people show no respect for your values. They don't classify you for who you are, or what you do, but instead what you wear and how you look like. If you want to be equal you came to the wrong place.
If there is an American dream, it is dead. Resurrection is impossible.
But still I dream, that everything clicks for America. After all it is my country. One day maybe we all can stop the gang violence, racism, wars, and just be us without any worries.
Chances are slim but that is my American dream or miraged image that seems to be non existant.
Still Livin' The Dream.
Peace&GodBless.
We Deserve More. But ItsWhatItIs,ItsWhatItIs&ThatsWhatItIs.
&StillDreamin'