Argument
America, the "land of opportunity"...today "lack of opportunity" would be more fitting.
I really enjoyed Kristof's article, "U.S.A., Land of Limitations?". The authors argument is basically the idea that where we end up, as far as society and class, is a reflection of our up bringing.
In other words, we are a product of our environment. It is unlikely that someone who was raised in poverty will make it to middle class in the future. Yes, it could happen but Kristof emphasizes that it is rare. Today, living in America is heavily reliant on opportunity. I agree with Kristof's argument, it is completely unfair. I loved his quote, "Some think success is all about "choices" and "personal responsibility." He continued, "Yes those are real, but it's so much more complicated than that." (pg.4) Society today is so quick to judge, and make assumptions based on each others status. I think as a society we are neglecting to look deeper into the issue. The amount of money an individual has should not define their level of success. The man Rick Goff that Kristof describes is a perfect example.
Another point I found significant while reading was when Kristof quoted Professor Reardon. He stated, "Rich kids make a lot of bad choices, they just don't come with the same sort of consequences." (pg. 4) I think this quote is extremely meaningful. For example, a rich kid getting caught stealing can easily afford a good lawyer to help get him out of trouble. A poor kid without a lawyer is likely to receive a harsher punishment. Kristof made a valid point, we were once referred to as the "land of opportunity" its now 2016 and that reference has definitely become irrelevant. Its the truth, the presidential candidates should be debating this issue.
Questions/ Points to Share:
I can't help but relate Kristof's article to education. The issue of the lack of opportunity reflects students, primarily those who are living in poverty. If a student is raised in poverty and their parents had a bad experience in school due to their lack of opportunity, they are likely to have negative views of school and are likely to have a discouraging attitudes towards school. As a result their child will pick up the same attitude about school. Educators need to be made more aware of this problem. Starting here in Rhode Island would be a great start.
I agree with what you said about how much of what Kristof is saying relates to education. It really is true that children look up to their parents and peers for help and as role models, if the parents didn't have a good experience in high school and are still living in a not so good situation then the lack of education and opportunity could stay the same. It is really important now a days to stress to kids that, no matter where they come from they have a chance to get out and go be successful, although it happens less often then we would hope, it is possible but children and young adults need more education and more confidence and in their studies in order to move on to greater things.
ReplyDeleteGrace, I loved that you brought up the point about success being a "choice" and "personal responsibility." To an extent it is the job of those who want to succeed to go out and work for it; but like you said people are too quick to judge. If people are being judged based on what their family did, it is easy to look down on those that aren't doing as well. This is flawed though because those who are judging didn't actually work all that hard for what they have; they fell into it through their ancestors actions. I think this is the reason Kristof claims the world no longer the land of equal opportunity. The world has become comfortable with where it is, making change a much more difficult occurrence.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the point that the reference to the United States as the "land of opportunity" has become irrelevant. Years ago America was the country that others looked at as the ideal experience. Even though some still see it this way, is that really still true? If the status of people's lives is determined the minute they are born, what opportunities are they really being given? It's important that more attention be put on this issue, especially when it comes to the education of children like you said.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your argument, and I loved how you brought the Land of opportunity quote into your piece. I feel like you agreed with the fact that a lot of times people just settle with the situation that they are in, whether they have a choice to or not. I also thought that it was really good that you brought up the part on education, because I feel like educators also have an impact on where these children go with their lives.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you started off your post with the "lack of opportunity" comment, I took it as humorous and I think using that in writing engages the reader to a different extent. I also liked when you brought up that if a rich kid got into any trouble perhaps a lawyer could get them out of it while a child of poverty does not have that chance. I agree with you that the punishment should be fair, disregarding the child's financial standpoint. As we all hope to become educators in the future, going in with this knowledge at hand will benefit us all and it's great that you have that concern with you already.
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