Assertion Analysis #1 : American Dream = Cheerleader Sex?

   The American Dream. A concept that everyone thinks of when they picture success. Hundreds of thousands of individuals have migrated to The US in search of said American Dream. When people think of the US they think of freedom, success, & opportunities, but is that still true in this day and age? Famous young adult novelist John Green believes that the American Dream is completely ridiculed and has been reduced to nothing but “cheerleader sex”.

        In his book, along with two other authors, the New York Times bestseller “Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances” John Green describes The American Dream with prominent sarcasm throughout the entire excerpt. He introduces the text with “Lady and Gentlemen” which is a bizarre way to address an audience. He then goes on to talk about his parents “struggle” coming from Korea with nothing on their backs but clothing and “considerable wealth” which is mocking the people who actually migrated to America with nothing and wanting to prosper. Green then continues to describe the American Dream as having intercourse with a cheerleader, a cheerleader being a huge part of the American culture for being viewed as the ultimate “All American Girl”. Everything Green mentions, from the Cheerleader to the Waffle House off the interstate is used as symbolism for what The American Dream is viewed as, which is being at the status as a white, blonde, blue eyed human considered the ideal American. All this connects back to the idea of The American Dream being overrated. The reality of it all is that the Dream that is constantly being presented and advertised is ultimately designed for “White America” , not immigrants or really any people of color.

      John Green uses satire to get his point across. Even though the whole passage seems like a joke, he's actually delivering the harsh reality we have to face. The American Dream itself is a joke, now non existent if you aren't white. At first as a Latina I took it as an offense because I come from immigrant parents and they work hard everyday to give us a better future. Although the more I looked into it and deciphered more of the text I came to the realization that it's true. I'm going to have to work twice as hard to get to where I want and establish my own version, as a person of color, of The American Dream instead of chasing something that just won't happen no matter how much I try.