Indigenous Archives | Make America Dream

J Wanted Both (Flash Nonfiction)

This powerful collage-style image conveys a shift in how people—especially youth—relate to the American Dream and traditional aspirations like “making it in New York.” Text in the Image: Shifting American Dream “Growing up, I was always like I want to go to New York. I don’t even want to do that anymore.” Visual Elements: A collage of New York iconography: Times Square Subway station (Rector Street) Skyscrapers Street signs: “NEW YORK” and “FOLLOW THAT DREAM” Surveillance camera and crowded scenes evoke a feeling of overstimulation, surveillance, or disillusionment. The phrase “FOLLOW THAT DREAM” contrasts with the spoken quote, reinforcing the theme of evolving ambitions.

$A burst of red, orange, and black radiates outward from the center like a violent explosion. Faint but noticeable elements of the American flag (stars, red and white stripes) form the backdrop, fractured by the blast. Words like “LATINO,” “TYPES,” and “PROVING” are scattered and crossed out or broken up by jagged lines, suggesting rejection, distortion, or confrontation. The color palette of fiery reds, deep blues, mustard yellows, and blacks conveys intensity, anger, urgency, and unrest.$