What is America?

            A while ago I was asked how I would describe America to someone who had next to no knowledge of our country.  This was a question that I found a little difficult to answer as my own personal cynicism would probably get in the way.  But I think that I have finally found the proper way to address someone like this and tell them both the pros and cons of our nation.  The idea behind the American dream is that anyone from any background can prosper in this country so long as they work hard and apply themselves.  Well, this is only partly true.

            America is a land where you can prosper compared too many other countries in the world.  So long as you have a decent job and work hard you can have a roof over your head, cloths on your pack and food in your belly.  In fact we in America eat more in a day then most people eat in a week and ultimately have more luxury.  It is a land where you can not only survive but prosper in ways that you cannot in other countries.

            However, there are some dark sides to America.  What they don’t tell you is that if you are an immigrant and a minority the deck is going to be stacked against you in many ways.  People are only going to want you for certain jobs and only to do certain things.  There is a certain status quo that many people prefer to be maintained and unfortunately immigrants tend to be near the bottom level of this.  And even if you do succeed you success will always be under suspect as people will undoubtedly accuse someone of preferential treatment or some kind of affirmative action.  Some circles of people will hate you regardless of your success or lack of out of sheer prejudices and racism.

            In the grander scheme of things, this country is a bit of a mess.  We are trillions of dollars in debt and are trying to find a way out a financial recession that has gripped the country for the past four years.  While we have come out of the worst of it the country still isn’t up to par with what it was eight years ago and the issues still have not been fully resolved.  Whereas in other countries, things such as progress and liberalism move quickly, here in America it does not.  This is a very slow moving country, is not quick to change and the government is constantly bogged down in endless squabbles.

            With all of that said, you will still find a better life here then you would in most countries.  But be warned that this is something that does not come without its price and if you want to prosper in this country you must be willing to pay it.