Horatio Alger
Jake Dacayo
English 115-08
Robert Reeves
19 February 2014
“Horatio Alger” Engaging the Text
1. Dalton does not agree with the Alger myth that, “Each of us is solely judged on our own merits” because he believes that it suggests that success in life has nothing to do with pedigree, race, class background, gender, national origin, and sexual orientation. He provides evidence to support his belief by telling anecdotes of how two African American students were dubbed, “The best black students” instead of, “Top students.” I agree with Dalton’s claim because I know there have been several instances where companies look to hire individuals of specific gender, race, pedigree etc.
2. I do agree that there is a large category of Americans for whom upward mobility is practically impossible. This category of Americans are homeless individuals who literally have nothing. They have no job to make money, and have very little resources to make something out of themselves. These people are basically stuck where they are at, with little to slim chances of becoming successful.
3. I believe Dalton’s claims that American society is far from operating as a strictly merit based system are somewhat persuasive due to the fact that there are some people who are equal and fair to individuals who are the minority. Not everyone is racist, sexist, homophobic etc. but then again there are people who are just that, causing me to believe that Dalton’s claims are somewhat persuasive.
4. Dalton’s prime objection to the Alger myth is that it serves to maintain the racial pecking order. He asserts that it encourages people to blink at the many barriers to racial equality that litter the social landscape. I do believe that it is outweighed by all the negative effects Dalton cites because it is very difficult to find motivation and inspiration when an individual is not being given an equal and fair opportunity.
English 115-08
Robert Reeves
19 February 2014
“Horatio Alger” Engaging the Text
1. Dalton does not agree with the Alger myth that, “Each of us is solely judged on our own merits” because he believes that it suggests that success in life has nothing to do with pedigree, race, class background, gender, national origin, and sexual orientation. He provides evidence to support his belief by telling anecdotes of how two African American students were dubbed, “The best black students” instead of, “Top students.” I agree with Dalton’s claim because I know there have been several instances where companies look to hire individuals of specific gender, race, pedigree etc.
2. I do agree that there is a large category of Americans for whom upward mobility is practically impossible. This category of Americans are homeless individuals who literally have nothing. They have no job to make money, and have very little resources to make something out of themselves. These people are basically stuck where they are at, with little to slim chances of becoming successful.
3. I believe Dalton’s claims that American society is far from operating as a strictly merit based system are somewhat persuasive due to the fact that there are some people who are equal and fair to individuals who are the minority. Not everyone is racist, sexist, homophobic etc. but then again there are people who are just that, causing me to believe that Dalton’s claims are somewhat persuasive.
4. Dalton’s prime objection to the Alger myth is that it serves to maintain the racial pecking order. He asserts that it encourages people to blink at the many barriers to racial equality that litter the social landscape. I do believe that it is outweighed by all the negative effects Dalton cites because it is very difficult to find motivation and inspiration when an individual is not being given an equal and fair opportunity.