Money and Success Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 635 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

Page 1 of 2

Horatio Alger

According to author Harlon L. Dalton, the Horatio Alger myth is not simply a myth because it is about a fictional character, but because people have dangerously believed it to be true as a sociological fact for far too many years. The myth suggests that demonstrating one's merit is enough to allow a person to attain success, and implies that people 'deserve' their position in life. African-Americans, of course, have long been painfully conscious that this is not the case, and institutionalized racism can thwart the ability of the individual to 'create his own opportunities' in the Alger model. Prejudices undoubtedly affect how people are perceived. Moreover, the very notion of 'merit' implies an objective standard of excellence, even though these standards were often created by the ruling classes. An excellent example of this is the SAT. Although the SAT was once viewed as a meritocratic device -- anyone who did well could improve his or her chances of getting into a good college -- it is increasingly clear that expensive test preparation and an academic background that is in harmony with the test designers (particularly in relation to vocabulary) is an advantage in excelling at the test.

In Ragged Dick, the title hero, although born to poverty, has a kind of intrinsic merit that shines through and makes wealthy and influential people want to patronize him and help him on his road to success.

Stuck Writing Your "Money and Success" Essay?

View All Our Example Money and Success Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

Dick shows frugality and industry, and is anxious to mimic the manners of the upper classes. He is also respectful of his social 'betters.' By knowing how to please well-off individuals, Dick is able to insinuate himself into their society. This is shown to be a demonstration of his 'merit' and Alger never encourages the reader to question if it is fair that boys like Dick live on the streets as bootblacks, while other boys are 'to the manor born'….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Money And Success" (2013, March 09) Retrieved July 3, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/money-success-103152

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Money And Success" 09 March 2013. Web.3 July. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/money-success-103152>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Money And Success", 09 March 2013, Accessed.3 July. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/money-success-103152
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example