Entering the Conversation

As you respond to each of the following prompts, support your position with appropriate evidence, including at least three sources in this Conversation on the American middle class, unless otherwise indicated.

  1. Sawhill, Winship, and Grannis in 2012 conclude “Pathways to the Middle Class” by saying:

    In previous research, Haskins and Sawhill found that if individuals graduate from high school, work full-time, and wait until they’re married and over 21 to become parents, they have a very good chance of joining the middle class. These data have been cited by Senator Rick Santorum and also by Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney as showing that individuals who work hard, avoid pitfalls, and make responsible choices greatly improve their odds of success. We would add that children from less advantaged backgrounds often see little reason to make these responsible choices, given the environments in which they live and the opportunities that are available to them. Indeed, by the time children can be reasonably held accountable for their choices, many are already behind because of choices their parents made for them. And of course, as the Great Recession has shown, working full-time is only partly a choice. Putting the full responsibility on government to close these gaps is unreasonable, but so is a heroic assumption that everyone can be a Horatio Alger with no help from society.

    Does the Horatio Alger myth continue to live? Is it obsolete? Write an essay that examines the extent to which the Horatio Alger myth is still viable today.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - Sawhill, Winship, and Grannis in 2012 conclude “Pathways to the Middle Class” by saying:In previous research, Haskins and Sawhill found that if individuals graduate from high school, work full-time, and wait until they’re married and over 21 to become parents, they have a very good chance of joining the middle class. These data have been cited by Senator Rick Santorum and also by Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney as showing that individuals who work hard, avoid pitfalls, and make responsible choices greatly improve their odds of success. We would add that children from less advantaged backgrounds often see little reason to make these responsible choices, given the environments in which they live and the opportunities that are available to them. Indeed, by the time children can be reasonably held accountable for their choices, many are already behind because of choices their parents made for them. And of course, as the Great Recession has shown, working full-time is only partly a choice. Putting the full responsibility on government to close these gaps is unreasonable, but so is a heroic assumption that everyone can be a Horatio Alger with no help from society.Does the Horatio Alger myth continue to live? Is it obsolete? Write an essay that examines the extent to which the Horatio Alger myth is still viable today.
  2. Several writers in this Conversation discuss the growing gap between the upper and middle classes in America. Has the gap continued to widen since the pieces were written? Have our economy and our democracy been weakened? Is the American Dream a thing of the past? In an essay, answer the following question: Is the American middle class in decline?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - Several writers in this Conversation discuss the growing gap between the upper and middle classes in America. Has the gap continued to widen since the pieces were written? Have our economy and our democracy been weakened? Is the American Dream a thing of the past? In an essay, answer the following question: Is the American middle class in decline?
  3. In his 2012 book, The Great Divergence, Timothy Noah asks, “Why do Americans tolerate this troubling state of affairs?” He answers, “The biggest likely reason is our enduring belief in upward mobility. Economic inequality is less troubling if you live in a country where any child, no matter how humble his or her origins, can grow up to be president. This idea lies at the heart of American exceptionalism. It defines the American Dream.” Write an essay that explores this reflection on dreams, belief, and reality in America.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - In his 2012 book, The Great Divergence, Timothy Noah asks, “Why do Americans tolerate this troubling state of affairs?” He answers, “The biggest likely reason is our enduring belief in upward mobility. Economic inequality is less troubling if you live in a country where any child, no matter how humble his or her origins, can grow up to be president. This idea lies at the heart of American exceptionalism. It defines the American Dream.” Write an essay that explores this reflection on dreams, belief, and reality in America.
  4. Write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies the following statement: The United States of America is a classless society.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - Write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies the following statement: The United States of America is a classless society.
  5. Each of the following quotations presents a whimsical observation about money, success, or class. Which one appeals to you? Which one relates best to the readings in this Conversation? Using one of the quotations as an epigraph, write an essay about one or more of those topics.

    Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.—Benjamin Franklin

    Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.

    —J.Paul Getty

    I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money. —Pablo Picasso

    I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position.—Mark Twain

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Entering the Conversation: - Each of the following quotations presents a whimsical observation about money, success, or class. Which one appeals to you? Which one relates best to the readings in this Conversation? Using one of the quotations as an epigraph, write an essay about one or more of those topics.Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.—Benjamin FranklinFormula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.—J.Paul GettyI’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money. —Pablo PicassoI am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position.—Mark Twain