Argument Essay The Land Of Opportunity - 1146 Words

Argument Essay: Affirmation of Lies my Teacher Told Me The Land of Opportunity is what the United States of America has long stood for in the eyes of many, though in this day and age, can we really agree that the so-called opportunity everyone shares is truly equal? James Loewen, who has a PhD is sociology, is also the author of The Land of Opportunity, which comes from his book Lies My Teacher Told Me. In Loewen s excerpt, he discusses how many of his first time college students answer a very broad question; Why are people poor?( 213). He states that a vast majority of them answer him with half-formed and wide-eyed answers (213). Loewen claims, They have no understanding of the ways that opportunity is not equal in America and†¦show more content†¦Though I can recall discussing the differences in the upper class, working class, and lower class, we never discussed how these social classes have changed over time and what the causes for said changes were. Loewen believes that social structure influences the ways people perceive each other and other communities around them. This is due to the fact that America is known as a middle class society. There s a percentage of people who are wealthy and many who live in poverty, but because our history textbooks put so much emphasis on the middle class; this leaves children to feel alienated from their peers on circumstances they can t control because their family has a different social class ranking. I agree with this because social inequalities have always led to the judgement of others based on their, or their family s financial predicament. As a child who grew up in the lower end of the middle class, I have personally felt judgement and pity from my friends and peers for not being able to afford the sometimes required fees for certain classes and the many frivolous amenities high school students have today. Loewen goes on to suggest, social class is probably the single most important variable in society (215). Social class plays a huge role in every American s unalienable rights; meaning that every American has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Social stratification effects each persons access toShow MoreRelatedDavid Brook s People Like Us 1285 Words   |  6 PagesJason Iloulian Professor Briscoe Written Expression II 4 Nov 2015 David Brook’s Essay: â€Å"People Like Us† David Brook’s essay, â€Å"People Like Us, describes about the tolerance and diversity in the United States. Since the great immigration of the late 19th century, America has been cited as one of the most diverse countries in the world. The United States is home to individuals from many different races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, political views, interests, personalities, and income levels. 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