Seeking Perfection in the American Dream

A certain idea of America is portrayed through the media. Many realities are exposed through news coverage; however, movies and TV shows that gain international popularity typically show a home with a manicured lawn and car in front. There’s always enough room, there are very rarely any major repairs needed. Even shows featuring 20-somethings living in the city show them in spacious apartments, fully furnished, with few disturbances from the neighbors.

These portrayals create unrealistic expectations about what one’s life should be in America, expectations that often make for a difficult transition for many refugee clients. Lubna Zeidan, Programs Director at iACT, reflects on this process of disillusionment. Several clients assumed they would get one of those homes shown in the movies, including the car, immediately upon arriving in America. Another, when walking in downtown Austin for the first time said, “Now this is America.” Clients often feel disappointed, as if they are failing in some way, when their lives do not quickly match these expectations.

The disillusionment of clients begs the question, is it fair to promote just one idea of what perfection can mean? Often, it feels we are all disillusioned by our inability to achieve an imaginary standard. American society is structured in a way that allows certain individuals to come closer to the ideal than others, but can anyone ever achieve an ideal?

It is crucial to continue our work in providing what individuals need to feel safe, secure, comfortable, and dignified. However, perhaps it is time for our society to rethink its standard of “perfection,” and allow it to be more inclusive of the diverse lives Americans lead.