Harlon L. Dalton in his essay "Horatio Alger" criticizes a concept of the "American dream" - the idea that presents America as the country where the opportunity for a success is possible for all hard working, talented and determined people regardless of race, gender and their social status. Dalton implies that not only this idea is not true but is doing a harm to society because that equality is cover only wishful thinking and can not be true unless massive changes in society economic structure and relocation of resources will be done.
Dalton's essay presents the point of view with that I can only partially agree. I must say that author is probably right that in this country the opportunities are not equal for all people. Why they should be? This world is not a paradise; we cannot just overcome overnight all either what is bad in us or in our society, it a complicated and I assume time-consuming process.
My American Dream
Dalton, Massachusetts
United StatesI would like to give an example: I could tell the employer: "you must employ the African-American and not white man" that will be wrong not only because it could be white man who truly deserves this position but because the employer should really be aware that what is good for his company is to employ the more talented employee. There should be no law to force him whom he could employ.
Therefore, there must be change in people and their thinking; it may take sometimes a generation or two.
Nevertheless, even America is not fully fulfilled dream for all people; it opened the door of success for many and still is opening for others. This vast country gave opportunity for first settlers to success. Only strong and smart could survive in the harsh environment but...