Questionnaire
Name: Linda
Wightman
Age: 54
Nationality: Citizen
of the U. S. A.
1. Do you believe in the American
dream? Why or why not?
Yes. Just because it is not
always realized doesn't mean it isn't real.
2. What is that dream?
That because of our freedom, we are able,
through self-discipline and hard work, to provide for our children a better
life than we have had.
3. Do you personally have your own American
dream?
I don't know if you'd call it an American
dream, but it's similar to my definition above: I want our children to stand on
our shoulders, learn from our successes and our mistakes, and do better for
their own children than we have done for them. This goal covers all
aspects of life, though it is more spiritual/mental/emotional than
material. That is, I'm more interested in the development of their gifts
and talents; in their being more Christ-like, loving, giving, joyful, serene,
patient, etc; and in their having strong, happy homes and making positive
contributions to the world; than I am in their having better paying jobs and
nicer houses—though one always wants financial security and stability for one's
children. And I have to say I'm quite pleased with them so far!
4. Who do you think has realized the American
dream in this century?
Referring to my
definition above of the standard American dream, I'd have to say our
immigrants, primarily. I think of our landlord when we lived in Boston, a first-generation
Irish immigrant who worked incredibly hard and became very successful.
When we knew him, he had a large collection of rental property and was probably
quite wealthy, but he still worked long hours and did much of the apartment
maintenance himself. I think of an acquaintance who as a teenager was one
of the Vietnamese "boat people"; he started in this
country with nothing and is now a successful businessman and proud U. S.
citizen. Second and subsequent generations tend to take for granted what
their parents worked so hard for.
5. What contemporary films do you think express American dreams?
Haven't a clue. I hardly ever watch movies. This year I can recall seeing Swing Girls, Lost in Translation, End of the Spear, Touch, and a Wallace and Grommet movie I don't remember the name of—none of which had anything remotely to do with the American dream.
