The way the kids of immigrants heard about America, you…
![“The way the kids of immigrants heard about America, you would think it was not down the stairs and out the door but still across the ocean, a distant place where everything is promised and, for hard work, everything is given. From the day he left his parents' house, Abe [Reles] had to know his…” quote by Rich Cohen](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/1ee/rich-cohen-26170_american-dream_the-way-the-kids-of-immigrants-heard-abo_1466472.jpg)
““The way the kids of immigrants heard about America, you would think it was not down the stairs and out the door but still across the ocean, a distant place where everything is promised and, for hard work, everything is given. From the day he left his parents' house, Abe [Reles] had to know his father was right, that America promises everything, but he also had to know his father was wrong--America gives nothing. Those things that are promised, they cannot be worked for but must be taken, conned away with good looks, obsequiousness, mimicry; or traded for with bit of your soul or the morals of the stories your parents told; or tricked away with lies; or wrested away with brute force.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The American Dream is portrayed as a promise that must be seized, often through deception or sacrifice, rather than earned by hard work alone.
In simple terms: America’s promises require cunning or sacrifice, not just effort.
Key Takeaway
Seek honest paths, beware of shortcuts.
Themes
illusion
immigration
American Dream
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Job search
- starting a business
- navigating bureaucracy
Key Concepts
Sociology
myth of meritocracy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define success in a new country?
- What ethical lines are you willing to cross?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may overgeneralize immigrant experiences.