Inequalities In America

The word “opportunity” is defined as the circumstance available to achieve one’s goals. It is a word that is especially applicable to America; the idea of America as nation where anybody has the opportunity to succeed is so embedded into the American identity that “opportunity” has transcended its dictionary definition. It has become an intrinsic part of the American Dream, a word ingrained with the history of many generations. To many, America is often considered the land of opportunity; from the earliest colonizers, who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean for religious freedom and economic gains, to pioneers who traveled in wagon trains to the American west in pursuit of gold and land, to immigrants throughout history who have come to America for a better life. America has always been seen as a place where people can strive to improve their lot in life, as long as they had the determination and perseverance to do so. Despite this idealistic image of America, however, it is not always supported in reality. We should aim to appreciate, to strive for, to live the ideal that hard work leads to success, but we should also acknowledge
Inequality is a real problem that many Americans face. Those who are born into poorer households empirically have less opportunities than those who are not, a fact that is especially true for people of color. Lower incomes, higher rates of unemployment, higher rates of poverty; all of these are elements that prevent people of color from achieving the same kind of social mobility as the white majority. When considered alongside a multitude of social and systemic discriminatory factors, it is clear that the same opportunities are not afforded to everybody (PERIODIC SENTENCE). Despite the progress that has been made over the past two centuries, there is still a long way to go when it comes to truly making America a land of equal