Z, a 21-year-old architecture major, is a first-generation Mexican American. Z’s identity as Mexican American, but also as a nonbinary queer person, shaped their idea of the American Dream, which has historically excluded them and others like them, but they believe could be something much different in the future.
It’s more plausible to have self-fulfillment in America because we live more privileged lives than developing countries. But (the American Dream) is failing in that it doesn’t provide unilaterally for everyone. I’ve always been either the only Mexican in the room, the only first gen in a room, or now the only person under the trans umbrella in the room here (in University). But now, we’re having tough conversations in a public sphere. We’re post-American Dream, in my eyes.
Both my parents are doctors. They went through 12 years of school and were miserable the entire time. One of my professors has permanent liver damage from how many all-nighters he pulled in school. I don’t think putting your health at risk is worth it having the monetary gain and social status. I see my dream in terms of, “Did I help others?” and “Did I help myself?” That’s the other thing people forget—You have to be fulfilled in yourself.
I always thought of my dream as “American” because I was in the American public school system and that’s how it was marketed to us, as little seven-year-olds. America likes to take credit for Americans’ successes. When I was little, I wanted to be a therapist. I thought, “Oh, that’s good money, and I can help people.” BAM! American Dream.
My dad still believes in The American Dream because he did get what he wanted. He places a lot of value on money, having a big house, kids, a wife, a nuclear family. It’s okay for people to want that if that’s what makes them happy. It just needs to be accepted that not everyone wants that. If I have a family, cool. If I don’t have a family, also fine.
I’ve started achieving my dream, doing things that matter to myself and others. I think it’ll change at some point, because I’m in a place where I have the time, money, and privilege to do what I want. Likely I’ll keep evolving as I am exposed to other communities. Nothing is certain. I kind of like that.
Z is…
- 20 Years-Old
- Non-Binary
- Black
- Cuban
- Santeria
- Lower Class
- Pansexual