THE NOT-SO-AMERICAN DREAM

Everyone talks about the American Dream- so many have it, sleep with it, eat with it and maybe even achieve it. It's a common dream for all people, all over the world, I'd say. For the Americans, as per an authority in definitions- the Oxford English Dictionary, the American dream is “the ideal that every citizen of the United States should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.” Another quote says, “The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." 

For all the non-Americans, it is that dream dreamt while wide awake to fly to that fascinating country on the other side of the world and live the 'rags to riches' story. People who are never satisfied, always complaining, unable to make it 'big', irked by the gutters and garbage and politics of his or her home country long for a life far away from their birthland- just so to have a 'better life'. If they are not able to fulfil this dream, then they will obviously make it happen for their offspring. 

I happened to pass by the American Consulate in Chennai several months ago and was amazed to see the ocean of people queued in front of its gates. Well, I was not actually passing by, I had to renew my passport. Here I was, easily allowed to enter through the gates on producing the appointment and identity proof, without much delay, while these folks, from around maybe age 20 to even 40, were waiting with files and even luggage (having flown in from some other state maybe that morning!), waiting for one chance to step in and try their luck procuring an American Visa- i.e, their American Dream. 

Most of them came in Western Attire, maybe to appeal the American behind the counter to accept their application. Thousands migrate to the US every day, whether it is from India or some other country. Thousands of Visa Applications are rejected or shelved for long. So many see this as an opportunity to live a better life- maybe not giving enough effort in their own homeland to make a living. Some people migrate because of sheer need to escape from inequality, discrimination or maybe civil tensions inside their land. At the same time, there are so many who go deliberately to attack the very thread of that democratic country that tries to accept all races equally. 

Hollywood, Television Shows, Sports Channels and obviously the internet has drawn people towards that culture- thinking all the glitz and glam they see on the silver screen or in the pics and videos of their relatives and friends are true. Even my seven year old dreams to go to Disneyland some day! But once they reach there, they know it is not as easy as they had thought- to live like those stars or relatives out there. Maybe if you are a Software Engineer, which is the most wanted 'commodity' there, you might have a comfortable transition. Others will have to either prove their credentials the hard way, spend years studying all over again, meeting scholarship requirements and working like a mule in maybe McDonald's or Starbucks. The way migrants are treated is not the same all over the 50 states. Racial discrimination is very real as you read this write up today, even after having a dark-skinned President for eight years. 

Nevertheless, the American Dream, the Dream to live abroad- still prevails. People will always have the dream of Abundance and Novelty- the Dream of Comforts and Luxuries. This dream is never-ending and justified almost always. It becomes a problem when we lose our generations to the selfish, materialistic, no-care culture. This cherished Dream turns into a nightmare when maybe all of a sudden you have financial issues and just cannot make ends meet. We overlook many small things in life, and later regret. We get so busy with making money, that life happens without our knowledge. 

It was much easier to migrate decades ago, when very less people were even thinking of flying or sailing across the oceans to 'Neverland'. Life was comfortable, as long as you were ready to work hard and work anywhere. Kids grew up learning the new culture and language, maybe even confused with their actual identity or foundation; sometimes mixed up with values and later, lacking focus on life. Something like what is happening in India now- with all the affluence and gadgets around. We are already so Westernized, we have all those foreign brands and cuisine available here, yet people still wish to fly 10,000 miles away- whether it be the Americas, Europe or Oceania.   

Life in America is not a cakewalk- it is a tight-rope walk. It is not easy to be permitted an entry also. I remember seeing my parents struggling to give me and my brother a comparatively good life there. Outwardly we had perfect smiling families photos, chic outfits and posh cars, but I know they strived- just to meet deadlines to pay back what they owe to the Bank in loans, insurance and credit cards. Somehow they managed all those years, yet took the right decision to return to their homeland, come what may. I would not have been the person I am today if not, right?

The very rope of life hangs loose without support as we see how much of communal issues, hate killings and mental frustrations the people are facing. Statistics show that a normal American citizen feels more stress than the emotions of happiness or sadness in a week. They need therapy of different types- and may even turn to bad habits. Some can't sleep at night without a gun at their reach. Many Western countries are losing their values and very foundation with all the immoral ways of life and queer living. The basic structure of family has changed with the two-moms or two-dads ratio nowadays. Worse than that is polygamy or those open relationships. People keep telling that the assigned gender is just a mistake to the kid who decides to change it even before teenage- so number of genders God made isn't enough these days. This world has become sick-strange-and suffocating- wherever you are on this planet.

So why does this American dream still prevail? We all wait to get those American goodies when our relatives visit, right? The chocolates, bedsheets or even hand towels from there just feel so better than our Indian ones. It is astonishing that most of the things they bring were made in some third world- developing country, maybe even in India! We are never satisfied with what we have, however high-class we buy in our respective country. Always, the 'greener pastures' on the other side will always be our desire. It is very human to wish for more, but it is divine to minimalize and be happy with what you have. It is nice to dream, but I think we should change this phrase a bit and make it into a GLOBAL DREAM or a TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD DREAM, instead of just fixating on one country, which isn't that perfect after all- No country is, for that matter. Don't get me wrong, I love the 'Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave' whatsoever! 

Anyways, for those who still dream, I would say, go ahead, stamp your passport with visas and seals of different countries- if you have the means to do it. See places, try food from all the corners and enjoy nature's best. Above all, consider yourself as a Global citizen- willing to accept all nationalities, providing respect and dignity to all, travelling far and wide, at the same time being responsible and caring for that square of land you live on. I too dream, to see a world without borders or hatred to fellowmen, a world that needs no visa and no distinction, a world that allows all humans to enjoy goodness and happiness. 

But always know, there is nothing better than HOME- where your loved ones are- wherever that might be on this terrestrial globe. 

Remya Rachel Thomas