Social Mobility in America

Personally, I believe social mobility is possible in America. But, there are many intricacies that need to be taken into account. No two people on this earth are exactly alike, so each and every case is different in some way. Some are lucky enough to be born into a wealthy heritage. Others strive from the power of self motivation. In my opinion, that is the strongest aspect that is taken into account—the willpower of the person involved.

                Source B states: “…countries spend more on the education of poor children than rich ones, in America the opposite is true.” This has a lot to say about the mindset of our country. Many believe that those with the correct resources are the ones who will succeed. While this may be true in some cases, not everyone takes advantage of the resources that are available to them. Those who have grown up in wealth know nothing else. So they grow accustomed to these privileges. They are not appreciative of the things they have because everything has been handed to them. Take private school as an example. Most wealthy parents pay to have their children placed in private school because they believe they will receive a better education. First of all, let me point out that this is not true. Just because the teachers at private schools are paid by a private investor does not mean that they are a better educator. There are many fantastic teachers that are found in public schools around the country; ones that should be paid more but pay no attention to the loss because they love what they do. One important aspect that should be taken into account is the abilities of the students. If you compare one student from a private institution to a student from a public school, there may be no differences in learning capability at all. But, the student at the private school will receive more credit because of the belief that private schools provide a better education to all students. Maybe a private school student has a learning disability… what is thought of them then? The point I am trying to make is that sometime in the future, in the workplace, those two students will be compared again. This time, they will be compared fairly, by ability and not cost of schooling. That public school student could rise up to the head of a company and make more money than the family of the private school student all together.

                Self motivation is the key to social mobility. That is how our country was founded. Men and Women alike fought for what they wanted and what they believed in. Henry Ford wanted to make cars in a more productive way, so he perfected the assembly line. He spread this technology to other self-motivators and made himself an enormous fortune. A beautiful quote from Source D says it perfectly: “The true beauty of America lies not in its fruited plains or purple mountain majesties, but in the determination of its people.” Our country would be in ruins if it weren’t for the self-motivators—those who want to make the world a better place. Even those who want monetary value from their success had to start with  an idea that would help others more than themselves. They wouldn’t be making millions if they only created something for themselves. They take their idea, tweak it to reach a large number of people, and get the job done. I will not deny that there are those who benefit from others work—such as the daughter of a hotel chain tycoon. But their work did not get them there. They cannot be truly happy with their lives. Deep down, we all want to accomplish something ourselves and have it known. It’s human nature. The American Dream was founded on the idea that you will be noticed for what you do. And as stated by Sara Rimer, “…the American Dream is working hard for something you want. (Source C)"

                 So many changes have been made to American Society. But after all this time it is still possible for someone to move through the classes and use social mobility to their benefit. It is said that anyone can do it, but this is not true. You have to have the right attitude and self motivation to carry you through. The American Dream was not created by bystanders.