Streets of Gold

There were many rumors floating through the air about America. The streets were paved with gold, and the opportunties were better. One could make tons of money to support their family, and most importantly the Americans were free! They could do as they pleased, for no one told them what to believe in or how to act. They were free. There was a fantasy created about America to many Chinese who longed for better lives. Peng heard all this, and he too visioned a utopia in this western land. After his last daughter wed and moved to the United States in 1990, Peng desired to be there more than ever. Finally, after saving up enough money, in 1997 Peng and his wife were able to leave their homeland and travel across the world to the United States. They landed in New York and spent a year living there. The pair decided on moving to Chicago in 1999. Within the next few years, his other two daughters joined the family in America.

Peng had a grain of disappointment within him that the streets indeed were not made of gold; however, he did agree with the rumor that in America that life was better than in China. The pay for work was more; therefore, he made money easier than he had in China. Supporting his family was no longer an issue. He also found much enjoyment in the variety of seasons in Chicago unlike in China. The fact that there was free public transportation for seniors shocked Peng, but is also one of his most favorite things about America. Now that he's been in the country for more than ten years, Peng feels more accustomed to the culture except he still cannot speak English. He does, however, have strong opinions on how the kids act here. He feels like they are less disciplined than those from China. The kids here definately have more freedom, but they don't have the same level of respect for their elders. They do not help around the house as much as Peng believes they should, and this bothers him greatly. He believes that his whole journey to America was the most life-changing experience of his life. For most of his early adulthood, he was starving, but now he has plenty of food to eat. He no longer has the nagging hunger in the pit of his stomach. He is satisfied.

The picture above is of a street that looks to be made of gold. Many foreigners believed that the streets of the United States were truly composed of gold. It was also an expression used to paint a fantasy as to how "golden" America was. http://www.flickr.com/photos/canto/1417493093/