"Everyone in the USA has a chance to succeed." This statement can be viewed optimistcally or pessimistically. Yes, I do believe that our country has more advantages for individuals to be successful in their adult life in order to meet their basic needs, whether they are classified as lower class or upper class in comparison to countries such as Afghanistan who need an admirable government system, such as ours, to influence their decision making. However at the same time, people's past experiences, mistakes, and situations have a huge impact on their future success. For example, individuals who have a legal background may not be able to get a job because of their background history. Or other situations may involve the lack of resources available to an individual, for instance one who has grown up in poverty would be discouraged or just have no way for further education, which is a necessity for success. Educational expenses are rising and students not being able to attend college because they can not afford it will have a hard time finding a successfull job when competing with students obtaining a degree. Also financial aid and loans will rise as well, initially creating debt for a student to pay off after graduation leaving them with financial oligations. This also could influence a young adult's decision to attend college by discouraging them to not be able to get out of debt and become successful. Some individuals also just do not obtain the adequate skills necessary for a successful job because of their background as well and not having the right resources growing up, for example computers and being knowledgeable of microsoft programs for desk jobs (outlook, excel, etc). Sure people have contradictory beliefs about everyone having an equal chance to be successful and prevent themselves from living on the streets because they for instance could go apply at McDonalds or Wal-Mart, but even those jobs require skills that must be learned through experience which not everyone has. So in my opinion, not "everyone" can be successful in the USA. Factors contribute to a person's success, such as money, resources, education, connections, and background checks and without the right access to these factors, one may not have the opportunity to become successful.
I believe that everyone can be successful, but successful according to their own needs. The individual defines success and it's unique to that individual. But it is true that some factors, like a legal background, can make it difficult for someone to succeed or reach their goals. So how can these individuals become successful legally and not rely on illegal means.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example of examining the limits that individuals face when trying to advance their status. Our institutions such as the job market and education are set up in such a way that is only beneficial to those who have easy access, which can be determined by wealth. I asked this in my blog, but, how can we as individuals with privilege begin to dismantle some of these harmful barriers to access?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that not everyone can succeed in the US. There's so much oppression from financial and governmental entities that keep people from having a chance. This kind of oppression doesn't care what one's identity is and it doesn't play favorites, per say, but it is hard to get out from under of it. It's hard for so many to see the light at the end of the tunnel or to envision/achieve the so glorified 'American dream', and that's just plain un-American.
ReplyDelete-Krystal Hasselmeier