Money and Success: The Myth of Individual Opportunity

Money and Success: The Myth of Individual Opportunity

Steven, Paige, Destiny

Karolina, Adam, Megan

There is this image of the United States that it is the land of opportunity, it’s where someone with nothing can climb his or her way to wealth. While it’s not impossible, and it does happen, it is a hyperbolized way to think of the opportunity in America.

-The myth of individual opportunity in our society mostly affects young people.

-We tend to measure success by looking at how much money we make and how prestigious our careers are.

-The culture of materialism has a negative impact on our society.

He strived for an education even though he has not able to attend a school due to his race. He used his time in prison to enhance his knowledge and learn how to read and write. Showed that education does not always have to take place in a classroom setting as long as you try your hardest and have the desire to learn.

- Dick started out shining shoes, he goes on a ferry and saves a little boy who fell over and was drowning.

- When he saved the boy, his father offered him a job at his counting-room.

- This story does not portray the myth of money and success, it just shows that Dick was in the right place at the right time.

- Even though Dick was very lucky to help this man who in return gave him his dream job, Dick did work hard once he got it, to move to the top.

- Many people believe that education will lead to economic success, but at times this myth is not true.

From Ragged Dick

How does someone become successful?

Meritocracy

Myth would say:

• Money
• Hard work

MALCOM X

The History of Money and Success

-There was a large-scale expansion of the middle class in the 1950s, which was when the whole “Myth of the Model Family” began.

-People bought big houses in the new suburbs and bought new time-saving household appliances.

-This buying trend was influenced by many American cultural and economic aspects such as advertising; television; cars; new offerings from banks

-During the 1960s the United States experienced its longest uninterrupted period of economic expansion in history.

-In the 1960s housing and computer industry creating job opportunities for many individuals.

- In early 1963 inflation was stable, corporate profits were at a record high, and the stock market had rebounded, but unemployment was still too high at 5.7 percent.

-By the end of the decade the average Americans real income had increased 50 percent. Median family income rose from $8,540 in 1963 to $10,770 by 1969.

-By the start of the 1970’s, many problems were starting to pop up and it was overwhelming the American people. The new problems were the energy shortage, high inflation, and high unemployment.

-reason for the poor economy was the high unemployment. The high unemployment was a result of the women work force and a combination of returning soldiers from Vietnam.

-The problem got worse and worse till the 80’s

-The nation endured a deep recession throughout 1982. Business bankruptcies rose 50 percent over the previous year.

-Families were affected in multiple ways, losing jobs and homes.

-By 1983, the economy had rebounded and the United States entered into one of the longest periods of sustained economic growth since World War II. The annual inflation rate remained under 5 percent from 1983 through 1987.

USA TODAY

How to be successful...kinda

There is a clear distinction between classes in America. Yes it is true that we all want to be successful, but the sad truth is we will not all reach it. While some of us may work 9-5 just to stay alobe others will have te benefits of working for only couple of hours and making a lot more money than the others working 9-5.

Although many others have proven that there is another road to success the one that many can relay on is still SCHOOL... go on and get a higher education to make yourself more qualified in life for what you want to do.

Some may get lucky and become successful, but thats usally the case if they have an amazing idea or are at the right place at the right time!