Horatio Alger Engaging the Text

1) "Each of us is judged solely on her or his own merits." To Dalton, this message emphasizes that success is not obtained by class, background, race, or gender. He objects to it by stating that the variables exist, but do not play a role in our actions. He makes his case against it in an assertive way, with evidence regarding how success has nothing to do with things beyond our control. I agree with his statement that "it simply flies in the face of reality", because it's true. People are scrutinized and robbed of their opportunities because of their background or sex.

2) Dalton states that "there is a large category of Americans, for whom upward mobility is practically impossible without massive changes in the structure of the economy and in the allocation of public resources." I agree. I believe that even today, people are still judged and have to try tremendously to stand out, and still be scrutinized due to favoritism or background negativity. Unless the structure of the economy is changed, people's perspectives won't change and see past those things.

3) I find Dalton's claims to be somewhat persuasive. I agree with him that there are areas in which success is determined by background, gender, etc. However, I feel that there are some situations in which require specific standards to meet. I feel that Dalton deletes those standards and focuses mainly on a general situation of success.

4) Dalton believes that Alger myth is destructive because it is leading readers to a method of false hope. For example, the myth states that we are judged on our own merits, and we are fairly judged. However, it seems that even today as we try to fix our perspectives and look pass what we see as successful, we still look towards what benefits us the most. I do believe that the power of the American Dream to inspire or motivate people is outweighed by Dalton's citing. There are many Americans striving to become a symbol of importance, but it becomes obsolete when many people...