Hey guys, If you are born anywhere but America, can you please fill this out for me. I really need help finishing my essay. Thank You ahead of time. Age: Country of Origin: Occupation: Education: When did you come to United States: Quote: “In this country, it doesn’t make any difference where you were born, it doesn’t make any difference if, like me, you couldn’t even speak English until you were in your twenties. America gave me opportunities, and my immigrant dreams came true. I want other people to get the same chances I did, the same opportunities. And I believe they can.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why? If you agree, to which extent do you agree with this statement? If you are unwilling to post the answers on CF. Can you email it to me? shayan_kabani@yahoo.com
This is basically the project. and I have to write a 3-5 paper on my findings. From Macionis 2010: 295. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California said, "In this country, it doesn't make any difference where you were born. It doesn't make any difference if, like me, you couldn't even speak English until you were in your twenties. America gave me opportunities, and my immigrant dreams came true. I want other people to get the same chances I did, the same opportunities. And I believe they can." Ask 10 people who came to the United States from another country the extent to which they agree with this statement. Begin your brief interviews with the 10 people by informing them that you are doing this for a class project. Then, read them the quote above and ask them if they agree or disagree with the statement and why. You may want to record their answers (with their permission) or just take notes as they speak (with their permission). After each interview, you may need to fill in any comments you missed. Get some demographics on your subjects: ask them their age, when they came to the United States, their country of origin, occupation, education.
Man up and ask people on campus or in your class. Heck, don't you have friends? Hit up some cute foreign chicks with these questions, great way to break the ice..
I have already people for ages 18-21. I'm trying to get some of the results from older people for their views on it.
26, Germany, assistant to director at some company, college grad, 1997. I think compared to many countries I've been to, the standard of living is definitely better in the States. No matter what you do, for your occupation, you can live a much more comfortable life compared to the same occupation in certain areas of the world. My friend waited tables through college... not that many underdeveloped countries can claim that. Basically the American dream to me is a higher standard of living and that's what I experienced (in comparison to some of the lesser developed countries I've been to). Hope that helps.
^ Why don't they, U.S.-born peeps, make it or, better yet, why they make statements like Arnold, you think? SRS question.
For the most part, people in America are already born into a higher standard of living. So for them, they see the American Dream as having lots of materialistic things. Thats just the Culture of the U.S. Unfortunately, that usually costs them in the long run. Some people see success as the American Dream and they sacrifice materialistic things to get there. For example - The average millionaire drives a used Chrysler or Honda (the 2 top cars for millionaires) and people who aren't millionaires drive new BMW's and Lexus'es. Many foreigners who come here are usually smarter with their money and decisions, because their cultures do not worship materialism. I won't buy my kids expensive clothes or $100+ shoes - its wasteful. But instead I'll put that money into savings and a college fund like a 529. They may not have the coolest clothes, but they'll be able to afford college. It reminds me of a guy I graduated high school with. I asked him where he was going to college and he said he couldn't afford college. This guy always had expensive clothes and drove a nice mini-truck. I had crappy clothes and a 10yr old car..yet I was going to college. Again, thats American culture - during the height of the recession in late 2008, almost 80% of Americans were planning on buying a flat screen TV - WTH??? A new TV is NOT a need when your old one is working fine - and its these types of decisions that are holding more Americans back.
Age: 27 Country of Origin: Mexico Occupation: Project Manager Education: Bachelors degree When did you come to United States: 3 years old I agree with the statement to the extent that all high school graduates are offered the opportunity to pursue a higher education. Whether or not an individual takes advantage of it depends on the persons character, ability, background, social influences, etc. But that we all have the opportunity to pursue the 'American Dream', that is true. It is just more difficult (for many reasons) for some people to do so.
Mrs. SwoLy and I saved so much during our first few years of marriage, we paid away all my debt I had from BEFORE we met, and could subsequently pay for college for both of us. About the most expensive thing I bought for myself (and for the family) was a PS2 with a couple games, and my daughters played with it constantly, we used it to watch DVDs, etc., all on an old CRT RCA 27" TV, which we still have. We see no need for fancy stuff, but every now and then, we buy things for ourselves now and for our kids. Like you say, this materialistic idea of "having the best" in the house or having the most expensive item among your peers further encourages the debts and spending for things that are not needed. Every time I see a thread here about expensive TVs, expensive headphones, etc., I ask myself: "do these peeps really need that?" I guess some do, but I don't see why I should have chrome-plated rims if the car already has working rims. I don't see a need for a Mercedes when my Corolla takes me from A to B. I save enough so that my kids can go to college. I am still saving, and maybe Mrs. SwoLy and I will enjoy all that for ourselves for the future, if there is left over from paying our kids' college. Now, neither of us has loans, debts, etc. I cannot believe how many scholarships go unclaimed, how many people don't take these opportunities. It's sad that they blame economic situations in government and society for things they could do themselves. They stand in line for "Jordans" but are struggling to find a few dollars to take the SAT. DANG, that was a lot of writing to basically say I agree with you, man.
I don't think I completely understand your question. But I think the reason why U.S. born peeps don't make it is the same reason as anywhere else. They either don't try enough or some people just aren't that lucky. A lot of people I know take things for granted (U.S. or elsewhere), then when schitte gets real, they break down.
Age: 67 Country of Origin: The United States Occupation: Pro Wrassler, Son of a Plumber Education: Educated in the great territory system of the old days baby! When did you come to United States: I was born here! Quote: “In this country, it doesn’t make any difference where you were born, it doesn’t make any difference if, like me, you couldn’t even speak English until you were in your twenties. America gave me opportunities, and my immigrant dreams came true. I want other people to get the same chances I did, the same opportunities. And I believe they can.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why? I agree baby! "I've wined and dined with kings and queens, and I've slept in alleys eatin' pork and beans."
I'm saying I've known people who are hard workers, or at least harder than I am (TWSS), and just never seem to get their break. It's like Murphy's law was specifically made for them. In the end, although they're not begging in the streets, they aren't doing as well as I think they deserved. Obviously they do not believe in the American dream. I barely try (both in school and professionally), yet I always seem to get breaks. Maybe this has nothing to do with the American Dream and more just good fortunes in general.
