I have been challenged in this class to explore a topic that I did not know what so in depth. As a student at OU, I plan on taking the skills I’ve learned as a researcher and writer to expand my understanding of backgrounds through culture, race, and ethnicity.

Initially coming into this course, I did not know how in depth the American Dream was. I thought it was just the dream created by all Americans living freely in the U.S.

I remember thinking that the American Dream was not a myth. I did not understand why it was a question. Now, I feel like it is a myth. I did not understand how far back the idea came from. I did not know what values it stemmed from. I most certainly did not think about comparing the American Dream to the country’s history. Such as, the Osage Reign of Terror and the Black Wall Street Massacre.

I think it is a myth because of how corrupt the idea has become by white Americans. I feel like the American Dream for white Americans differs for every other race. That is because of the values we believe in as we grow up and what we value is developed from how we grew up.

When I came into this course, when I heard of the American Dream, I instantly thought of all races that are not white. I still feel like that because of how easy white Americans have always had it. They always had the power and the money to control everyone. So, in my mind I did not consider them dreamers because I thought they essentially have it easier because that was always the intention of the Founding Fathers.

My favorite part about this course was the rich history. From talking about the Native Americans, Black Wall Street, and touching on the history of Oklahoma. It was interesting to learn about and I think they were essential to my understanding of the American Dream. I also enjoyed the readings that came along with the lessons because in furthered my knowledge and helped me improve my analyzation skills.

I can’t exactly say I had a least favorite part of the course. I thought the workload was challenging but I came into the course expecting that. I felt overwhelmed in the beginning but towards the end I am glad I got the hang of it thanks to the teaching and conferences!

My blog posts were mostly centered around songs and one movie. I think the song “american dream” by 21 Savage was the best one to analyze. Rapper, 21 Savage, was not born in the U.S. but has made a huge success as a rapper here. His mother traveled from Britain to give her son a chance. The song is not so much as a song, it is more like a speech by his mother talking about the American Dream. I think it is worth the attention especially because 21 Savage is widely known.

I also think talking about the American Dream for immigrants would be interesting for so many people because of how diverse OU is.