The American Dream‏

In the cartoon movie An American Tail, a Russian mouse named Fievel embarks

on a journey to America. Along with scores of other mice “immigrants” from other countries, Fievel and his family board a ship that will take them to their new home.
在「美國鼠譚」(An American Tail) 這部卡通影片裡，一隻來自俄羅斯名叫菲佛的老鼠，
啟程前往美國。菲佛以和家人，連同許多來自其他國家的老鼠移民，坐著輪船，前往
它們的新家園。
During their long ocean voyage, the mice talk excitedly about making a new home in the “land of opportunity.” They express their confidence and hope about this new land in a jubilant chorus: “There are NO CATS in America!” This chorus captures the essence of the American Dream. Not that Americans hate cats, but that they long for a place of freedom and safety—a place where every dream can be fulfilled.
在冗長的海上旅途中，老鼠們都興高采烈地討論將如何在美國這個「充滿機會之地」，
建立新家園。它們對新大陸所抱持的信心和希望，都表達在句句歡唱的歌聲：「美國沒
有貓！」這歌詞也道出了「美國夢」的本質。並非美國人討厭貓；而是他們嚮往一個自
由、安全的地方，一個能夠實現所有夢想的地方。
For most Americans, the American Dream describes their concept of “the good life.” In the past, it meant having your own land or starting your own business. In recent times, the American Dream has involved material possessions and a comfortable lifestyle: a beautiful home with a well manicured yard, a fancy car (or two) and plenty of time for leisure activities.
對大部份美國人而言，「美國夢」描述了他們所追求的「美好生活」。在以前，「美好
生活」就是自己擁有土地或是自己創業。而今天，「美國夢」則包含各種物質的擁有以
及舒適的生活：一幢漂亮的房子與修剪整齊的庭院、一兩部豪華的轎車，以及充分的休
閒時間。
The American Dream represents the fulfillment of the “pursuit of happiness,” which the
Declaration of Independence asserted to be one of man’s “inalienable rights.”In short, the American Dream is enjoying the best life has to offer.
「美國夢」代表「追尋快樂」的實現，而美國獨立宣言也將之視為人類「不可剝奪的
權利」之一。簡言之，「美國夢」就是享受生命中最美好的事物。
The idea of the American Dream has sprung from a number of historical sources. Over 300
years ago, settlers brought with them a vision of religious freedom and economic opportunity. The Puritans even saw the New World as their “promised land”—a land which “flowed with milk and honey.”
「美國夢」這個概念有許多歷史根源。三百多年前來到美國的殖民者，帶來了對宗教
自由與經濟繁榮的展望。清教徒甚至將新世界視為其「應許之地」，一個「流著牛奶
與蜜之地」。
The democratic system of government later established in America furthered the Dream with its emphasis on personal freedom and individual rights. As Americans pushed westward on the continent, they developed a pioneer spirit and a belief that they could accomplish anything they set out to do. The vast natural resources on the American continent contributed to the notion that there was plenty to go around for everyone.
之後在美國所建立的民主政府，更藉著強調個人自由與權利，而增進此一夢想。當美國人
在北美洲向西發展時，他們培養了一種拓荒者的精神，以及凡事都能成就的信念。美國大
陸擁有豐富的天然資源，使大家相信，所有資源足夠大家使用。
As a result, for hundreds of years, immigrants have viewed America as the place where one’s dreams can be realized. Some immigrants have actually believed that they would find streets paved with gold in America. It is doubtful whether any of them found golden streets, but time after time their dreams for success did come true.
因此數百年來，移民們都將美國視為美夢成真的地方。有些移民甚至確信美國遍地都
是黃金。雖然他們是否真正曾找到佈滿黃金的街道，不得而知，但他們一次又一次實
現了成功的夢想。
As in the “rags-to-riches” stories popularized by 19th-century writer Horatio Alger, many people with humble backgrounds have achieved remarkable success. For example, Abraham Lincoln grew up in a poor family, received only a rudimentary education, and experienced numerous failures, but he overcame these obstacles and became president of the United States. Nevertheless, the American Dream has not become a reality for everyone. In some cases—like Fievel’s—it has proven to be only a pipe dream.
十九世紀作家阿爾傑描繪貧賤出身人家奮鬥成功的小說，曾膾炙人口。如同阿爾傑
小說中一般，許多人縱然出身卑微，也都可擁有傲人的成就。例如：林肯從小家境
貧困，只受過基本教育，並曾經歷無數挫折。但林肯終究克服所有障礙，當選美國
總統。儘管如此，並非每人的美國夢都成真。有時候，就如同小老鼠菲佛的經歷一
般，美國夢也只不過是種妄想而已。
Despite their belief that “there are NO CATS in America,” Fievel and his mouse-friends had to contend with some very BIG cats when they arrived. Similarly, in real life, some people have faced major obstacles as they pursued the American Dream. Immigrants have not always found a warm welcome in America. Political and economic conditions have at times severely limited their opportunities for advancement.
雖然鼠群們深信「美國沒有貓」，但菲佛以及其他小老鼠同伴到達美國時，還是需要與
一些非常巨大的貓大戰。同樣地，在現實生活中，有些人們在追求美國夢時，也曾遭遇
莫大的阻礙。在美國，移民們並非總是受到溫暖的接待。現實的政治與經濟條件，有時
嚴重地限制他們的發展機會。
Some groups that were not immigrants in the truest sense, such as blacks and native Americans, have also suffered discrimination. Moreover, Americans in general have sometimes found the American Dream to be just “pie in the sky” as they struggle to get by. But amazingly enough, while the American Dream hasn't come true for everyone, a 1986 study by the Roper Organization revealed that 86 percent of Americans still believe in it.
有些人雖非真正的移民，例如黑人與原住民，但也遭受歧視。一般為日常生活打拼的
美國人，也時常會認為美國夢只是一個虛幻的承諾。雖然並非每人都能實現美國夢，
但羅保機構(Roper Organization) 在一九八六年所做的研究，卻令人意外地顯示，仍有
86％的美國民眾相信美國夢。
In recent years, beliefs about the American Dream may have begun to change. Baby boomers,for instance, see the American Dream more in terms of being true to yourself and staying healthy than having a big house and a successful job.
近年來，民眾對於美國夢的憧憬可能開始有所改變。例如：二次世界大戰
以後，嬰兒潮時期出生的人們，認為美國夢應偏向忠於自我以及保持健康，而
非擁有一棟大房屋與成功的事業。
Most Americans, boomers or otherwise, believe the American Dream means being comfortably
well-off and enjoying their lives. They realize the American Dream does not guarantee wealth and happiness, but it does offer people the opportunity to work toward their goals. And as for their prospects of achieving them, well, most people think their chances are pretty good. Even if there are cats in America.
多數的美國人，無論是否在嬰兒潮時期出生的民眾，相信擁有一定的財富並能享受
生活，就是美國夢。他們了解美國夢無法確保財富與快樂，但的確提供人們機會，
以朝目標努力。至於達成目標的展望如何，即使美國有貓，但許多人仍相信他們的
機會是看好的。




@Word Bank
embark (v) 乘船；啟程
scores (n pl) 許多

the American Dream (n phr) 美國夢
manicure (v) 修剪
inalienable (adj) 不可剝奪的

rudimentary (adj) 基本的
pipe dream (n phr) 幻想；妄想

contend (v) 爭鬥；競爭
baby boomer (n phr) 二次世界大戰以後，嬰兒潮時出生的人們
prospect (n) 展望；期望

@The Day's Phrase
Why wait to finish school to start a business?
要創業，何必等到畢業後？

How are you going to celebrate the Chinese New Year!
你要怎樣來慶祝農曆新年呢?

The latest star of the American foodtruck trend
美國餐車風潮中的閃亮新星

Chinese New Year is just around the corner!
農曆新年快到了!

Using electronic gadgets outdoors may endanger users' lives
在戶外使用電子用品可能會危害到使用者的生命

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year!
恭喜發財! 新年快樂!

Get the facts, or your diet may fail!
弄清事實，不然節食可能會失敗！

I don't have much time to teach you on the computer.
我沒有很多時間來教你電腦.

What you're paying me is not enough, but I won't ask for more.
你付給我的錢不夠, 但我不會多要.

Another global gathering of great athletes begins now
另一場聚集全球運動好手的比賽正式開鑼

Sure I do. I have experience doing things around the house.
我當然會, 我對家務事有經驗

I don't know if I got the job or not. What shall I do?
我不知道我能不能拿到這份工作. 我該怎麼辦?

The holiday is too short. I have to work tomorrow.
假期太短了. 我明天就得回去上班了.

Homemade instruments can create some great music
自製樂器照樣能奏出絕妙的音樂

To maintain a youthful appearance, make it a habit to put on sunscreen.
要維持你年輕的外貌，就要養成擦防曬乳液的習慣。

To avoid pimples: go to sleep early, avoid eating oily foods, and refrain from
touching your face unless necessary.
若要預防長面皰：早點睡、避免吃油膩的食物，以及非必要不要碰觸你的臉。

Is owning a car worth the price?
擁有一部自己的車真的值得嗎？
I'm still in the holiday mood. I don't want to go back to work!
我還在休假的心情中. 真不想回去上班.
Few truly understand the culture of this proud people group
對於這個自豪族群的文化，真正了解的人並不多
Please help yourself. Food and drinks are on the house.
請隨意取用. 食物與飲料都是免費的