Kevin Jennings grew up in a conservative family, and they had very strong feelings against blacks, Jews, Catholics, anyone really who didn't believe what they believed. The author said that "honestly thought I was would grow up to be the President". His idea of the American Dream was that anything could happen to anyone who wanted something because America was the land of opportunity in his eyes. However, as he grew up and faced challenges, he knew this was less than true. Jennings began to realize that he was gay, he tried to deny it because he knew his family would in no way approve. At one point, he attempted suicide because he thought being gay would prevent him from reaching this "American Dream".
I believe that Jennings was trying to say that real freedom is freedom of stereotypes and labels, not just having rights but having respect as well for you are. Every legal citizen is an American, whether their black, white, gay, straight, Catholic, Jewish, tall, short, whatever, we all live by and stand by our country. It is not okay for other people to say what's normal and what isn't. Just because the bar of normal standards was set by someone doesn't mean that it can't be adjusted to fit everyone, there is NO normal. One should not have to adjust how they feel and who they are to feel 'normal'. Every one should have an equal opportunity, it is up to us however to go after and reach that goal we are striving for, regardless of what people see you as.
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