Talk of Economic Class in America
For many years, the manner in which United States citizens have discussed and viewed class divisions has changed dramatically. But one thing has always remained consistent since our conception; we have chased an elusive “American Dream.” This is the belief that anyone, no matter what station they were born into, can rise above it and succeed. However, this is not always the case. Often class divisions intersect with differences in race, culture, and country of origin—making the American Dream difficult to achieve.
For all of our history, certain groups of people have been oppressed. This oppression limiting the opportunities that are available to them, thus widening the gap between the poor and rich. Generations over the years have always felt the need to discriminate against another race or nationality, whether it be Black people, or Irish and Mexican immigrants. Minorities have often become “stuck” in poverty, with no real opportunities to get themselves out. This discrimination leads to economic disparities and only contributes to the economic gap that has been and always will be. The most prevalent example of this is slavery—black people still feel the effects of this oppressive system and are often less well off than their white counterparts. Black people have continually voiced their concerns on this economic gap through protests and riots, and unfortunately similar displays are occurring today. As America becomes a destination for immigrants, we’ll only see the gap between the poor and rich widen as they also become minorities.
The never ending cycle of the American Dream is and always will be the basis of why there is economic disparity in our country. It is what everybody wants and what everybody strives for, yet it is very difficult to achieve. Over the years, people have had the tough conversations of how we could shorten the economic gap, but through America’s experiences there is always a new obstacle which makes it impossible. The economic gap has and always will be around.
Sources:
Olds, Elizabeth. The Middle Class. 1939. Smithsonian American Art Museum,
collections.si.edu/search/results.htm?q=record_ID%3Asaam_1984.31.7&repo=DPLA.
Accessed 1 Nov. 2017.
Reagh, William. Fight for Dictatorship of the working class. 1980. Los Angeles
Public Library, photos.lapl.org/carlweb/jsp/
DoSearch?index=z&databaseID=968&terms=0000035014. Accessed 31 Oct. 2017.
Olds, Elizabeth. The Middle Class. 1939. Smithsonian American Art Museum,
collections.si.edu/search/results.htm?q=record_ID%3Asaam_1984.31.7&repo=DPLA.
Accessed 1 Nov. 2017.
Reagh, William. Fight for Dictatorship of the working class. 1980. Los Angeles
Public Library, photos.lapl.org/carlweb/jsp/
DoSearch?index=z&databaseID=968&terms=0000035014. Accessed 31 Oct. 2017.