American Dream or Reality?

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The 20^th of January 2017 will be remembered in history as the day Donald Trump, the 45^th President of the United States of America, was sworn into office. As he gave his inaugural speech, he evoked patriotism in each and every person assembled there. In an extremely nationalistic and powerful speech, Trump laid down the values and beliefs that he would govern by for the next four years.

He thanked the citizens who helped him reach this platform, who “came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement,”alluding to the arrival of the first pilgrims to the New World aboard the Mayflower. The entirety of the speech laid emphasis on citizens, on the citizens of America. His inauguration was “not merely transferring power from one administration to another – but transferring it from Washington DC and giving it back to you the people.”To evoke the patriotic feelings on which his campaign was based, he acknowledged the need for the Government to be controlled by the people, since it was initially intended to be, as Abraham Lincoln said, of the people, for the people and by the people.

The speech echoed in the revivalof the American dream, the deep-rooted ideology of unity in struggle and country before world and self. He accepted the basic needs of Americans, “great schools for their children, safe neighbourhoods for their families and good jobs for themselves” and vowed to change the selfish practices and misdemeanours of government officers and establishments.

Trump reiterated his determination to focus on the needs of American democracy, economy, safety and social life before helping other nations and promised to bring back America’s jobs, borders, wealth and dreams. His laid down two simple rules, “buy American and hire American.”

He obviously could not avoid reaching out to other countries, knowing that the event was being broadcasted live worldwide, but he firmly stated his agenda of maintaining peaceful and profitable relations with other countries but at the same time, putting America first. He also swore to maintain America as a superpower, shining brightly for others to follow, and fulfilling its duty by destroying the ISIL, reforming the technological industry and reaching new bounds in outer space. He gave the credit for all these future accomplishments to the spirit that pounded in every American heart, from retired soldiers to new born babies and promised to serve America with every breath of his.

The speech was immensely patriotic, probably evoking nationalist sentiments in every viewer for their own country. At the same time, such steadfast views on nation over all else are unique in a world where countries are fighting to create a global democracy. Will such radical views held by a permanent member of the UNSC benefit the world? Will Trump follow through and make America great again while fracturing international peace relations? Or will the American dream, in its renewal, attract the rest of the world once again?

No one knows. We’ll just have to wait till the Job is done.

(Written by Niyoshi Parekh)

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About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!