Why Europe Is Better Than America. I Bet You Will Agree.
Why I chose Europe over the USA.
It is something universal. A dream of many across the world. Living the American dream is the ultimate life goal.
What is the American dream? As per the Oxford dictionary, it represents
“The ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved.”
I work in the Technology sector. In IT, we always had plenty of career opportunities in the USA. Every other colleague wanted to move to the US. Earn better, get rich. I was an exception.
I am not Monk, unattracted by the shine and glitter of the American lifestyle. There are riches to be made. I also have a family with three kids and family comes first. So what? some would ask.
Well, here’s my thought on the American dream. Also, why I chose Europe over the USA.
Equality
It's been decades since the civil rights movement. Yet a nation cannot ensure equality for its OWN CITIZENS even today. If not, we wouldn't have seen constant violence and abuse of power against a section of its people — Black Lives Matter — is just the latest example. I had to wonder how an immigrant like me would fare in that society.
Racism
For a moment—though painfully — I’ll consider that the abuse is only against African American people. But that belief is not long-lived. Look at the reports of crimes against the Asian population.
Asian Father Attacked With Flurry of Punches as His Stroller With Baby Rolled Away (msn.com)
This is from the same day. Certainly not the only hate crimes of that day.
How can I send my kids out and be in peace? Will I have to anxiously await all the time? If they would come back with injuries or bruises — physical or mental.
Every time we step out, would I have to look back on my tracks and see who’s behind me? Wasn't the American dream about looking ahead to the bright future instead?
Gun Violence
A Washington Post article described school gun violence as a uniquely American crisis.
Mass shootings and school gun violence are truly an American phenomenon.
Of all the issues, this is the one that concerns and confuses me the most. A problem that is easily solved — if the government had the will — to stand up against capitalists and rifle associations.
Kids participate in active shooter drills in schools. And I thought schools were for learning and fun! Kids no longer feel safe in schools.
News of mass shootings keeps coming at regular intervals.
8 people killed at FedEx facility, police say — CNN
I do not want to live in a society where I must send my kids to school, not knowing if they will come back running into my arms at the end of the day.
I do not know about others, but that's a deal-breaker for me!
“The ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved.”
These can be achieved only if you are safe, healthy, and alive.
There is a popular saying where I come from “Jaan hai toh jahaan hai”. It translates to “Only if there is life, there is everything else.” It fits well here.
Not that these problems don't exist in Europe or anywhere else. It just doesn't exist on the same scale. It just doesn't exist as a part of life. It just doesn’t exist with the same level of indifference.
As of today, Liberty remains a statue in America.
The recent incidents just underscored my belief and decision. I chose the European winter above the American glitter.