Horatio Alger Myth Analysis - Essay Example

Harlon L. Dalton is a professor at Yale University and he is specialized in law. He explains that Horatio Alger's myth unmistakably conveys three messages that are basic. (1) Everyone is judged solemnly on his or her own merit (Weiss 4). This message is a variant of the ethos of rugged individualism. (2) Everyone has a fair opportunity to develop his or her merits. (3) Ultimately, merit will out. Each of them is to be charitable, problematic (Weiss 5). According to professor Harlon, this point suggests that pedigree, class, race, gender, sexual orientation, and national origin have nothing to do with success in life. According to the professor, these variables might exist, but they play no appreciable role in how our action gets appraised (Weiss 6).

Professor Harlon also believes that a deep appeal of the myth (Horatio Alger) is that it will allow and to some extent even pull people in the direction they are likely going (Weiss 7). Psychologically this myth opens many opportunities. He also asserts that this myth serves in the maintenance of the racial pecking order where is achieved by mentally bypassing the race role in the American society (Weiss 8). “It takes hard work, plucks and persistence so as to be successful in America” (Weiss 9)

Gregory Mantsios

Gregory Mantsios believes that the poverty level is too high for the Horatio Alger myth to be anything of importance other than a fairy tale (Weiss 9). He provides many statistics to support his statement including a fact that 14 % total of the American population lives below a poverty line set by the government (Weiss 10). According to Mantsios, those in favor of the myth continuation would tell the poor people that if they worked hard they would earn success one day. “This is quite a frankly asinine type of logic” (Weiss 10). People below the poverty line work hard so as to achieve success; they even perform two or three jobs so as to provide for their families and themselves (Weiss 11).

According to Mantsios, these people work so hard instead of attaining the American dream, they are even told to work harder, whereas they are viewing nepotism promote lazier and less qualified employees into the position they work so hard to attain (Weiss 12). Mantsios goes ahead and points out the saddest realities. “20 % consisting of the wealthiest in the American population are the ones holding up to an 85% share of the state’s total household wealth” (Weiss 12). According to Mantsios, there is simply no proof to indicate the myth's effectiveness and that working hard will lead to upward mobility when 15% is the remaining wealth only left for 80% of the state’s population (Weiss 13).

These two authors disagree a lot when it concerns the theory behind wealth; it is attaining, and the Horatio Alger myth.