What is An American ? a blog on american studies

 The American dream for African Americans, What does it look like? By Michael Ford  The American dream is the idea that everyone is allowed to have a house with a white picket fence and the ability to enjoy their lives. Ideally, being that America is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, this should be a reality for almost anyone. However, some people are not afforded the same advantages to achieve their dream. Considering the historical relationship between African Americans and America, what can be conceptualized as their American dream? To examine this relationship, we need to deep dive into the elements of the American dream. The relationship between the United States and African Americans is long and well-documented. Systemic inequalities have hindered African Americans' progress in many areas, specifically financially. To examine whether the American Dream exists, we must examine one of America's most oppressed groups. Does the American Dream still exist? The ide...

  Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Early in October, I attended a small celebration of Hispanic Heritage at Columbia Mall. The event included food samplings as well as performances from various bands. The event was open and accessible for mall-goers and others in the community. It took place around 5pm and concluded at 8pm. Some drawbacks from the event are fixes that could easily be improved upon. One of the most significant issues was the timing, as It took place on a weekday night, which impacted the event participation. In addition, seating was minimal, so not everyone could sit. In addition, the weather was drafty, which may have affected attendance. Overall the event was very welcoming and helped express different cultures to those who attended.