In my opinion, when I think of the “American Dream” I seem to think of the right for the pursuit of happiness. I really like this right, which is guaranteed in our constitution, because it is just so awesome. It can mean so much and be something completely unique to every individual. When I think of the American Dream, I think of a blank canvas. I strongly believe that it is the opportunity for everyone to do what they wish to do.
America is often called the land of opportunity, and often that opportunity is in regards to a chance to gain wealth. Wealth to me is more than just money. To me, wealth consists of knowledge, and emotion, and I guess also money. I think wealth is very interesting because it is something that is very personal. One’s perception of wealth can be completely different than another person’s perception of wealth.
In general, the attitude towards wealth and poverty is pretty defined in America. The American perception has a distinct line of income known as the poverty line that formally identifies the poor. Also, there are certain tax brackets that identify “the wealthy.” What is important to consider, is that the American perception is the perception of the American government, or America as a whole, not necessarily the people. I find this aspect very important because that is what causes a divide between my views on wealth and poverty and my peers views, as opposed to the American views. 
I really like your idea of a "blank canvas" when referring to the American dream. This really is what the American dream is, the freedom to accomplish whatever goals you have set forth. I like how you referenced the Constitution. I believe the founding fathers really founded this nation on the belief in Freedom of Opportunity and that it would apply to everyone in the nation
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