The New Americans (PBS)

I was reading about immigrants and came across this very interesting page (PBS did a documentary on that) which was actually part of the course study for a program on migration issues. (Links are at the end of the post or click the title of the post).

This documentary as well as the website unfolds the stories of the people from all the different corners of the world who want to achieve the "American Dream".

How does one achieve this American Dream? The answer undoubtedly depends upon one’s definition of the Dream, and there are many to choose from. If we look at Martin Luther King, Jr. he dreamed of racial equality. In the current context, Obama evoked the classic "American Dream," the idea that everyone had the opportunity to succeed. "This is a place you can make it if you try," he said. One component of the American Dream seems, however, to be fairly consistent: the quest for money.

Today, more than 200 million people around the world are living outside their countries of birth. Today where goods are moving freely it is getting harder than ever before for people to go for greener pastures. All we see is doors wide shut!

The question remains if all those who have been able to reach America (or the greener pastures) have realized their dreams? In a society dedicated to capitalism, the ability to purchase a big house and a nice car separates those who are considered successful from those who are not. America for many is a place where they live to work. America for many is a place where they have realized or are trying to realize their dreams. America for many more is a graveyard of broken dreams, shattered lives, endless struggles and sad stories.


For detail click the links below: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/newamericans/culturalriches/language_flash.html http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/newamericans/