The American Dream is one that is different among different people, and among different generations. But I believe the one thing people strive for when trying to come across The American Dream is a feeling or sense that you have freedom and happiness. Some accomplish this, some do not, but even without thinking about it, and most in America strive for that.
Everyone has their own ways of finding this happiness and freedom. For some being able to purchase material objects and having the means to do what you want or go where you want with no worries fulfills their American Dream. For others it may be having a good family with a steady job, living in a life with as little stress as they possibly can. And for others it is not as simple, they search, and search. They are never able to attain that sense of freedom because of all the restrictions that are placed upon them, and this causes them to never be able to quite attain that happiness. These people do what they want, and live how they want. These individuals often separate themselves from society. I considered my self one of these individuals.
The American Dream; Freedom and happiness, what more do I need? Nothing. I have a sense that I am free to make my own choices and do what I'd like, and this makes me happy. I have not yet accomplished "The American Dream" but I am working at it everyday of my life. The first step is to find what I like to do. I like to write, so I write. I like to see the beauties of nature and this earth, so I travel. I like to think not in the box, and not even out of the box, I like to think in a zone where the box has been destroyed, and is now non existent, so I often use drugs in attempt to gain a greater knowledge of my surroundings, and feel a greater sense of freedom.
Some may disagree how I do things, or in my ideas to find my American Dream, but like I said before, The Dream is different for all who strive for it. It is not The American Dream, but better put, your American Dream, your own personal way that you find your freedom and happiness.