The "American" Dream

This is my contribution to Illustration Friday: Dreams.

I've been thinking lately of how the idea of the American dream tends toward the acquisition of goods. I'm of an Italian heritage and I know that coming to America was the choice that saved my family name from extinction. It is a story of joy and survival. My folks did alright for themselves. Yo! Not a Rockaf-ella, mind you, a Speranz-ella.

The last few days have shown us another side of America. The images coming out of New Orleans of insane looting and a refugee camp style exodus highlight the plight of the poor who, for whatever reason, were not able to get out of harm's way. Their goods gone, all they have now is their families and themselves. The stories also surface of the self-giving nature of one citizen to another. People and organizations mobilizing into action. Even folks from my rural area are on their way to the hurricane ravaged area. This says something to me about the country my ancestors came to and and the people they came to be.

The gulf states will get through this. As do all people in catastrophic circumstance. There is no other way. But as my great-grandfather chose, I too would much rather do it the American way!

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