USA – A Country for a Common Man
This is not just a statement but a living experience. Seven years ago, I came to US with various dubious thoughts about my future in this country, people’s response, racism and hate crime issues etc. But things were opposite to my doubts. This country not only embrace immigrants with open arms, it empowers a common man by providing opportunities to live with dignity and respect, things that clearly lacks in their home countries. Certainly, things are not perfect in USA but better. In my view, Following are the factors that contribute to the well-being of a common man.
Boost in Self-Esteem |
Those moments – when people hold the door for you, wave at you with a smile, stopped their cars to let you cross the road, give you right-of-way or appreciate you – inconspicuously enhance your self-esteem. In the beginning, this pleasant change amazes you and make you feel “Really? Is it for me?”. By the time one started to get used to it, but these gestures are always delightful and make you believe you’re worthy of respect. | |
Fulfillment of Basic Needs |
A country where quality food, nice clothing, air condition, heater, clean water, good transportation, roads & cleanliness do not count as a luxury but a basic need. A common man with minimum wage can enjoy these basic amenities without paying any extra cost. | |
Raise in Living Standard |
How many times, we fancied a new car driving around. But we always used to drop the idea due to it’s impossibilities. After working few months in US, one would have enough money to finance/lease a good car. A dream that could never come true in their home countries. On a funny note, we immigrants sometime say, US is a country where even a maid has a car. I wish, someday we can say this for our home countries. This doesn’t just stop at owning a car, raise in overall living standard can be noticed easily. | |
Lesser Gap between Social Classes |
Having social classes in a society is a natural phenomena, but too much economic inequality can be destructive. A common man experiences this inequality quite often when people from upper class treated differently than himself. It has a negative moral impact on personality and one started to believe that he probably deserves this treatment. Fortunately in the USA, gap between social classes is lesser than many other countries (especially from third world countries). A smaller example can be seen in the driving license office, despite of social or financial status, everyone will wait in a queue for their turn. | |
Education for All |
Regardless of financial status, kids from all social classes go to the public school. The concept of private schooling does exist here, but not that popular. Public schools offer high quality education with equal opportunities with no exceptions of race, religion or ability. The best part is It’s Free! | |
Law for All |
Ever suppress by authority figure due to your social status, race or religion? Bribing is the only way out? Usually an immigrant response would be positive. It is highly unlikely to observe this in the US. If a cop pulled over a car, no matter how financially/socially strong you’re, cop will treat and respect you equally. I remember in the last US elections, Obama was asked to show his ID while voting. Of course, it is not perfect, but a lot better than our home countries. | |
First Medical Treatment, Bill Later |
Patients, whom need immediate medical attention, are treated as quickly as possible without asking any question about money. Hospital doors are opened for all, no discrimination on the basis of patient’s financial status. How often does this happen in our own countries? | |
Equal Opportunities |
There is a reason people see USA as a land of opportunities. It provides them the options to achieve prosperous living through hard work. I have met many immigrants, whom came from their countries with little or no money and after years of hard work, they are booming financially. So, if you’re working hard, regardless of your color, race or faith, you will get the same reward as any other American. | |
Religious Freedom |
A place where no one will question your faith, rather they respect your beliefs. Yeah, there are few unpleasant incidents but if you compare it to atrocities committed in the name of religion in our own countries, its negligible. I have seen places of worships of different religions here, but haven’t seen a single bad incident. |
