idi_amin asked this question on 5/2/2000:

I would like an individuals perspective of The "American Dream" that can express the importance of religious freedom and how America helps facilitate these freedoms. Also what uniqueness that the United States presents to fullfill the American Dream and why is United States a better place to realize and fullfill the "American Dream" and what exactly do you believe the American Dream to be. I'm doing a paper for my Enlish class and I would like an inteligent perspective, and thats why I'm asking you. If you have any personal stories that I could use that propose your realization of your American Dream because of some uniqueness that the United States had to offer I would like to read about it. Thanks.

NeoSerenity gave this response on 5/7/2000:

Sorry it took me so long to respond I just started a new job so I've been a bit distracted. Hopefully I'm not too late. I'll try to answer your question:

I think the American Dream is all about freedom. It has many facets but I think in the end it all breaks down to that one thing. People want to be free. Free to believe in the God they choose, free to follow those teachings, freedom to be happy. America is unique in this ability. In so many other countries you are given very little choice in what to believe. Some will tout the slogan of freedom of religion, but only as long as you keep it to yourself. But in the melting pot of America people are finally able to not only believe differently but express those beliefs and I think that is the true value of that piece of the American dream. For a long time this wasn't always so but it has been a part of the American dream from the beginning. When the pilgrims came to America they came to escape religious persecution and ever since freedom to believe has been apart of America. And whatever theory a person believes regarding religion, the fact remains that it is an inseperable part of humanity. Because America is increasingly diverse it is no surprise that its religions are as well. People now come to America who once only had contact with a few religions, now encounter a veritable kaleidoscope. People no longer have to follow in the footsteps of their religious forbears, they are free to choose something different from the mainstream. They can change their religion or incorporate new ideas and beliefs into their exsisting ones and that is the essence of religious freedom. There can be no religious freedom without the freedom to dissent. The shifting and merging of religions is a part of history that is destined to repeat itself and if people can keep an open mind and an open heart they can learn a lot from each other and everyone can share this part of the American Dream.

I hope my answer helped you some if you need more information, clarification, or if you just have some more questions feel free to ask or e-mail me at NeoSerenityMKRE@aol.com

Sincerely, Kelsi aka NeoSerenity