Introduction
The American Dream has long been portrayed as the ideal of upward mobility and meritocracy, in which anyone, regardless of background or social status, can succeed. However, as Tocqueville observed and Cullen echoed in his book The American Dream, there is a conflict between equality and merit in pursuing the American Dream. Despite their ambitions, individuals may face limits and obstacles in pursuing equal opportunities and the abolition of birth and fortune privileges. As observed by Tocqueville and highlighted by Cullen, the conflict between equality and merit in the context of the American Dream is visible in the works of Franklin, Alger, and Fitzgerald, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of the Dream’s viability in modern society.
Discussion
The American Dream of Upward Mobility is the belief that through hard work and determination, success can be achieved by anyone. Conversely, Tocqueville (2000) says that it was not assumed that citizens of a free country could do whatever he/she wanted. This statement implies that tension between these ideals is unavoidable. For this reason, the notion that America is a land of opportunity and that anyone can achieve success through hard work and merit is not always correct. Therefore, the statement emphasizes the tension in the American Dream between equality and meritocracy and allows for lofty aspirations by citizens whose ability to achieve them is limited, which has significant implications for the Dream of Upward Mobility and the concept of meritocracy.
The conflict between equality and merit is further explored in Benjamin Franklin’s and Horatio Alger’s works. Franklin’s “Autobiography” depicts the concept of self-made success through hard work and determination, where a person’s worth is determined by his/her actions rather than birth or fortune. Franklin says, “Drive thy business, let not that drive thee; and early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise, as poor Richard says.” (Franklin, 1758, p. 2). Alger’s “Ragged Dick” is about a young boy from a low-income family who rises to a higher social class through hard work and perseverance (Alger, 1867). His story made people of the USA believe that everyone can become rich through hard work (ChemKnitsBlog2, 2022). In such a way, both works emphasize the conflict between equality and merit and the importance of personal effort and determination in achieving the American Dream.
In Chapter 2 of his book “The American Dream: A Short History of an Idea That Shaped a Nation,” David Cullen examines various interpretations of the American Dream by historical figures including Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Jackson. According to Franklin, the American Dream is linked to the idea of self-enhancement and upward mobility through thrift and hard work. Benjamin Franklin assumed that everyone has the ability to shape their own destiny (Cullen, 2004). In contrast, Jackson emphasized the significance of equal opportunity and the need for government to level the playing field (Cullen, 2004). Lincoln viewed the American Dream as an all-encompassing concept that encouraged individual liberty and social mobility (Cullen, 2004). The differences in views mean there is a specific tension between the notions. At the same time, Cullen does not outline effective measures to reconcile this tension as it arises from the radical differences in values and views on the American Dream and realities existing within society. This incongruity is also reflected in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. According to the novel, anyone can achieve success and wealth through hard work and determination (Fitzgerald, 2004). However, it highlights the role of social status and class in limiting an individual’s chances of success. Gatsby is determined to achieve wealth and social standing, but his past and lack of social connections ultimately limit his ability.
Conclusion
To conclude, The American Dream’s tension between equality and merit necessitates ongoing attention and effort to foster equality in opportunities. It also means that the concept that everyone can become what they want might face a severe reality and require reconsideration because of the differences in initial conditions and social status.
References
Alger, H. (1867). Ragged Dick. Web.
ChemKnitsBlog2. (2022). Horatio Alger: The myth of the American Dream. Owlcation. Web.
Cullen, J. (2004). The American Dream: A short history of an idea that shaped a nation (9th ed). Oxford University Press.
Fitzgerald, S. (2004). The Great Gatsby. Scribner.
Franklin, B. (1758). The way to wealth. The University of Texas. Web.
Tocqueville, A. D. (2000). Democracy in America. University of Chicago Press.