American Dream

Eilis Island was the primary gateway for immigration to the United States from 1892 to 1954. During this time, 100 million immigrants from all over the world arrived on American soil, seeking a better life, and fulfilling their version of the American dream. But the reality was different. So, we can ask ourselves to what extent does the experience of these immigrants on Eilis Island reveals the contradictions between the myth of the American Dream and reality? We can answer with the documents that I chose.

1. What is this myth, and why is it famous? 

The myth of the American Dream refers to the idea that any individual, regardless of background or social status, can succeed and prosper in the United States through effort, determination, and perseverance. This notion is often associated with American history and national identity, and has been popularized through popular culture, the media, and political speech like that of Barack Obama speech. He celebrated the diversity and history of immigration in the United States, reminding us that the United States is a country built by immigrants from all parts of the world. He also stressed the importance of civic engagement and political participation for all citizens, whether born in the United States or not and emphasized the idea that the American Dream is about hard work and perseverance. This myth has been reinforced through literature, most notably in the poem "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus, which is famous for its opening line, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." This sentence encapsulates the idea that the United States is a land of welcome for people seeking to escape persecution, poverty, or oppression in their home countries. The poem also speaks to the idea that immigrants who arrive in the United States could forge a better life for themselves and their families through the opportunities the country offers, so it depicts the main idea that there is an American Dream for everyone. However, in the caricature "The Melting Pot" by C.J Taylor shows an allegorical figure of "American civilization", represented by a woman, mixing different ethnic groups represented by men of different backgrounds, including Africans, Asians, and Europeans. It argues that this myth is wrong. He points out that while immigrants are expected to assimilate into American society, they are often victims of prejudice and discrimination.

II- Is there a reality behind this dream?

The reality for many immigrants is that their experience is one of struggle, discrimination, marginalization, and poverty. Newcomers often face language and cultural barriers, as well as difficulties in finding work and decent housing. In addition, immigrants are often victims of stereotyping, which can make their integration more difficult. Some question the validity of this myth, pointing out that opportunity and access to economic and social success are not evenly distributed in American society. The excerpt from "Eilis Island in Their Own Words" by Peter Morton presents a first-hand account of an immigrant who arrived on Eilis Island. This account reveals the reality of the immigrant experience, which was often marked by fear, uncertainty, and hardship. In fact, they had to do many tests, examination, because if they were injured or had a disease, such as cholera or smallpox, they could not stay on the island and had to leave. Moreover, immigrants were leaving in bad conditions. To continue with the experiences, the novel "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin explores themes of identity, family, love, and immigration. "Brooklyn" is a novel that tells the story of Eilis Lacey, a young Irish girl who leaves her hometown in the 1950s to work in New York. She gradually adapts to her new life, befriends her roommates, takes accounting classes, and falls in love with an Italian man named Tony. But a family tragedy calls her back to Ireland, where she faces a dilemma: stay in her home country or return to Brooklyn to Tony. In this novel, it examines how immigrants navigate between their old culture and their new life, and how they adapt to their new community. In fact, it explores the experiences of immigrants in America, describing the difficulties they face in adapting to a new culture and the sacrifices they make in search of a better life. So, all these experiences can show the reality behind the American Dream, with difficult experiences and discriminations.

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