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The Artist Statement
The American Dream: The Artist's Vision
I watched the "Cosby Show" and "A Different World" during my teenage years because, the television shows represented successful African- Americans. I watched how wealth and education unlock doors to bigger opportunities. The episodes inspired me to attended college and motivated me to pursue "The American Dream". "The American Dream" symbolized financial success and prosperity. Bill Huxtable was my role model because he was college educated, lived in a big house in Manhattan, New York and had a beautiful wife and kids. I wanted "The American Dream," so, I followed the path of Bill Huxtable according to the Cosby Show. If I worked hard and attended college, then I could have access to the power and wealth similar to Bill Huxtable. I did not realize that "The American Dream "comes with a hefty price tag.
As time moved forward, I found a job as a middle school art teacher and started paying off my $45,000 student loans. I acquired additional debt ranging from mortgage loans to car loans and other financial obligations. I asked myself, "Is this the American Dream?" I realized the "American Dream" comes with a large price tag. In my pursuit of the America Dream, I had to sell my values and social identity in order to reach the top of the hill. I have no regrets for my actions, but I celebrate my accomplishments as a professional artist, father and husband. "The American Dream, Through the eyes of the Artist," is a celebration of trials and tribulations of pursuing the "American Dream".
The American Dream: The Artist's Vision
I watched the "Cosby Show" and "A Different World" during my teenage years because, the television shows represented successful African- Americans. I watched how wealth and education unlock doors to bigger opportunities. The episodes inspired me to attended college and motivated me to pursue "The American Dream". "The American Dream" symbolized financial success and prosperity. Bill Huxtable was my role model because he was college educated, lived in a big house in Manhattan, New York and had a beautiful wife and kids. I wanted "The American Dream," so, I followed the path of Bill Huxtable according to the Cosby Show. If I worked hard and attended college, then I could have access to the power and wealth similar to Bill Huxtable. I did not realize that "The American Dream "comes with a hefty price tag.
As time moved forward, I found a job as a middle school art teacher and started paying off my $45,000 student loans. I acquired additional debt ranging from mortgage loans to car loans and other financial obligations. I asked myself, "Is this the American Dream?" I realized the "American Dream" comes with a large price tag. In my pursuit of the America Dream, I had to sell my values and social identity in order to reach the top of the hill. I have no regrets for my actions, but I celebrate my accomplishments as a professional artist, father and husband. "The American Dream, Through the eyes of the Artist," is a celebration of trials and tribulations of pursuing the "American Dream".
