Choose an argument about whether or not success in America

Purpose: Unit 2 invites you to think about whether success in America is realistic or just a myth. In this essay, you should practice writing a solid thesis, with a strong claim and rationale. Also, in this essay, you will attempt to meaningfully interact with text. This assignment will also give you practice in fully developing ideas with appropriate examples.

Readings: “Ragged Dick” by Horatio Alger, “Horatio Alger” by Harlon Dalton, “Working Class Hero” by Green Day (and John Lennon), Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith.

Topic: These readings explore the economic opportunities available in America. In other words, each reading analyzes the economic growth, or lack thereof, for the middle- and working-class Americans. The unit begins with an inspirational story written by Horatio Alger about a young man named Ragged Dick who works his way out of the rags straight to the riches. Following that motivational story, we are introduced to a critic of Horatio Alger’s stories. Harlon. L. Dalton, in his article “Horatio Alger” vehemently argues against the “harmful” message in Alger’s tales. He claims that success in America is not possible for those born in the lower class. Supporting this notion, Green Day sings a remake of the song “Working Class Hero” arguing that there is “no room at the top” for those in the lower class. Finally, we are brought back to the positive side of this argument when we see Chris Gardner go from being homeless to becoming a millionaire in the beautiful film Pursuit of Happyness. In response to critics like Green Day and Dalton, Chris Gardner expresses in an interview that if you believe you’re stuck in the lower class, than “you’ve already quit.”

Writing Task: In responding to this prompt, think about the two sides in this argument about Success in America as you respond to the following prompt with a well-developed, thesis-driven essay of 3-4 full pages, using at least two of the readings from above:

Choose an argument about whether or not success in America is possible to achieve and defend or refute that argument.

Tips: In responding to this prompt, first you want to introduce the two sides of the argument. What are the arguments you have read and observed regarding this topic? You can choose a story, an article, a song, or a movie we have watched together in this class. Next, agree or disagree with the argument you have chosen. Do you agree with the message the argument you’ve chosen delivers? When responding to the question, think about whether or not hard work will eventually allow you to be successful. Or do you think that there are too many obstacles and struggles on the way towards upward mobility, making the American Dream simply that, a dream?

Directions: Develop a thesis for your essay that is supported with examples from at least two of the readings. Also, aside from the support from the required readings, please feel free to use personal observations. Your essay should be in 12 point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.