I know you have bug dreams for yourselves and that you look forward to a successful life in the future. Many of you think that is only possible in America because it is a much more developed country than ours. But I am here writing you a letter just so you know what it is like living here. I did not easily know these things myself, but with the help of the book Myths America Lives By written by Richard Hughes I now know better. Hughes talks about the common beliefs held by the American people but I doubt they are even true in the first place, but they help us open our minds to the realities on the ground especially after looking at where America has come. I do not want to kill your dreams about coming here, all I want is to open your eyes about America and in so doing I am sure your perceptions will change.
This letter is in consideration to our shared worldview, and how Richard T. Hughes helped me understand better my experience in America. I hope that by judging these myths you get to understand their true meaning and value because that is the only way through which you can understand how Americans operate. There is a constant beacon of hope that the United States serves as a good example to be emulated because it gives its people hope that the country serves the best interests of all humanity. There is a sustained promise seen in the Declaration of Independence that sets America aside from a home for everyone. I now live in America and would like to tell you that the opportunities are available, yes, but only to those who wish to conform to society’s need and urge for success.
The five myths that I comfortably relate wit, which I know will help you understand the United states better are as follows. The Myth of the Chosen people emphasizes the importance of serving others as good neighbors. America is, therefore, on a special mission to help the rest of the world where you and I are counted. The Myth of Nature’s Nation illustrates how we are founded in nature that reflects God himself. On the other hand, the Myth of a Christian Nation and it makes America a nation that is based on religion and offers a haven for people to thrive in their religious beliefs. Myth of the Millennial Nation gives people freedom and the Myth of the Innocent Nation where evil is overcome by good. These are the myths that shape America and it is through them that you will appreciate why Americans love their country, and also the rest of the world likes it. But in all these, I have to tell you that it is not all rosy, these myths are in written but when it comes to real life, there are a lot of challenges that we face.
There are opportunities available to everyone who lives in America. I know you have a different belief system in matters religion, and you will find out that it is a problem especially when it comes to racial and religious profiling. You will find challenges of even finding a place to worship, but then I believe that the solution lies in your hearts, that you can connect with your God whenever, and wherever you want. I am not saying this is a perfect country, there are challenges in everyday living especially when you are new but as time goes by I know one gets used to life.
Work Cited
Hughes, Richard. Myths America Lives By. Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2004. Print
