Even Telegraph’s US editor Toby Harnden writes that the mood in US is a little bleak at the moment. American citizens are caught in the limbo of questioning whether the ‘American Dream is still alive’ or it is better to just celebrate the awaited fireworks at ‘July 4th American Holiday’ and carry on with ‘who cares’ attitude.
Several people question what American gained after the legal separation from Great Britain took place in 1776? Many conservatives still doubt the role of massive bureaucracy, suspension of legislatures and mockery of the constitutional liberties which they believe is going on in the country.
‘The American dream’
To delve deeper into these doubts, one needs to know what the American dream means.
Well, James Truslow Adams, the American author who coined the term ‘American Dream’ explained it as a ‘life which is better, richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to their achievement.’
Since the Declaration of Independence, America has been adapting to the changes. The influx of multicultural society, financial conundrums, unemployment issues, terrorism, federal policies and most importantly, the bolstered image of ‘Yes We Can.’
But rather than questioning if this 4th July holds special significance or not, Americans should scrutinise the indelible achievements reached this year. The encounter of Osama bin Laden after a decade is definitely the right answer.
‘Against all odds’
Undoubtedly, this sought after laurel does not solve the job crisis or collapse of economy but no country in this world has the strength to rebound after such a phenomenal loss in just a year or two.
The fact that the American dream is still alive can be seen that irrespective of its failures, the economy is ready to provide aids to African countries for development, invest in the market growth of Middle Eastern countries like Egypt and Tunisia who demand it, withdraw forces from the Afghanistan border and still work for the ‘inclusive growth’ of the citizens.
Also, rather than getting lost in the abstract maze of how the politicians and diplomats perceive the 4th of July, it is also essential to listen to the common man.
Interestingly, the common man in America believes in the ‘life, liberty and pursuit of happiness’.
Many believe that 4th of July means a day to choose the right to live, to exercise freedom, spread God’s love and survive in the country. Interestingly, people do surive in America irrespective of the horror stories that often hit more headlines.
The recent confession of Jose Antonio Vargas, a Filipino journalist on ‘The New York Times’ for being an ‘undocument illegal immigrant’ in America, speaks about the ‘American freedom’.
It would have been impossible to take such a bold step in any country. In fact, there are even examples of such braveness in any other society, irrespective of how liberal it calls itself.
The formal legal permission for gay marriages becoming legal in New York give another hope for Americans. In the larger society, inclusive growth is guaranteed through the respect given to what people value and crave for. This law definitely bestows this basic necessity which several other countries in the world are still debating on.
In a nutshell, the greater hope revolves around utilitarianism and greater good for greater number of people. Thus, the 4th of July continues to be more than just fireworks because the execrise of freedom is also a choice. And fortunately, Americans still have the power of choice.
shubhdachaudhary 