In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.

The American Dream is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that “all men are created equal” with the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

During my research it was interesting to find that the American dream and its success has many different definitions. Many studies have found that African Americans equate American dream success with obtaining wealth. Although, other studies show that African-American feel that the American dream has nothing to do with money. It is about finding your walk of life – the purpose that makes you whole and complete. Taking the path of your own choice is their ultimate definition of the American dream.

Other African-American feel that the American dream is not meant for them and is most assuredly not going to be a part of their children’s future. They feel this is due to the continued inequalities in education, housing and job market opportunities. If these three factors do not change the American dream will be out of reach for not only themselves but their children and their children’s children. They feel the American dream is something they can only read about. Of course, this once again brings up the question of what is your definition of the American dream. If in this group the American dream means only wealth than their responses may very well be a reality.

Another study conducted in 2010 shows that African-American are less likely to top their parents’ income and wealth than the white population and African-Americans are more likely to be stuck at the bottom of the income ladder or fall out of the middle. This study couldn’t measure African-Americans mobility in the upper income levels because the number was too small.

No matter how many studies are done and how many opinions you find the American dream for African-Americans and all people comes down to how you define it. If wealth is the only factor, then African-Americans may be at a disadvantage, but as other African-Americans have expressed the American dream to them has to do with finding their true purpose in life that makes them whole and complete. In that sense they are truly rich.

©EthLeen

The post What “American Dream Success” Meant for Africans appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.

The West Epitomizes Gender Equality

Western societies have attained levels of gender equality that have become the benchmark for others. It is generally believed that a woman in Europe, Australia, US and so on is more empowered and emancipated compared to those in Africa, Asia or Latin America. However, even in the so-called developed world there are pockets of gender inequality that are concealed under generalized notions of a democratic setup.

Equal yet unequal

The French woman epitomizes this unfortunate trend of developed nations where women are not yet at par with men as would be expected. Max Fisher, writing in The Washington Post observes,

A new report that scores and ranks the countries of the world by gender equality also highlights a surprising trend. Though Western Europe tends to be by far the best place in the world for women, according to the report’s data, one of Europe’s most progressive societies lags surprisingly far behind: France.

French Women and the Revolution

If the people who witnessed the French Revolution in 1789 resurrected today, they would be shocked by this situation. According to Womenaird.org, “During the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for “liberty, equality, fraternity” demanded women’s suffrage for the first time as they marched to Versailles.” Today, France is ranked No. 57 globally in Gender Equality issues. Incidentally, developing countries such as Uganda and Mongolia as well as much of Eastern Europe are ranked higher.

Political and economic empowerment

Although former President Sarkozy was credited with efforts to empower women politically, the numbers have gone down and France is ranked No. 63 in this regard, below Ethiopia. Gender wage equality for France is the worst on earth with men earning 129 times more than women. This implies that the French woman is still at the bottom of the political and economic pyramid.

The solution

While much remains to be done to reverse this situation, Fisher’s quotation provides the direction, “Geneviève Fraisse, a French author and expert on gender issues (said), “We had one revolution… Now we need another one — in the family.””

©EthLeen

The post Gender Equality Still a Dream for French Women appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.