Creating Divisions in Society with Wealth and Status - Essay Example

? Creating Divisions In Society with Wealth and Status April 7, Introduction The concept of identity and status in American society is one which is also inclusive of various philosophies. The viewpoints which are taken include different ideals about what the identity and status hold, as well as how society changes because of the perspective which individuals carry within a culture. The most important aspect of identity and status is based on the boundaries and divisions which are created from this philosophy. In “Ragged Dick”, “The Black Protest,” “The Great Migration,” and “Lady and the Tramp,” there are perspectives based on the ideal of identity and status, specifically which show the division in culture because of one’s identity. The boundaries which are created through each story show how culture is based on creating divisions within society because of stereotypes, status and ways in which relates to material goods. The first concept related to identity and status and the divisions which this creates in American society comes from the ideal of class. In each of the stories, there is a division of class which occurs, specifically between the lower, middle and higher classes. The point which is made with each of these classes shows that this is based on wealth and money, which allows any individual to change their class if they can make wealth. When these specific classes clash or the information about wealth is recognized, then it creates the division. For instance, in “Ragged Dick,” Dick is known to have lived on the streets and without a home; however, if this is disclosed to those in the middle class, which he is trying to turn to through wealth and money, then it will create division. For instance, when he is seen walking with Frank, there is recognition that Frank has a wealthy home while Dick has been on the streets.1 This information shows the divisions between class and how it turns from financial situations into social status. The concept of social status and the relationship to wealth is not only important in determining divisions between rich and poor. The concept of status created more divisions that were based on other stereotypes created within American society. One’s identity was furthered with divisions of color, race and the area which one was from, such as displayed in “The Great Migration”.2 This story is similar to that of Dick’s, specifically because the looks which one has and the ethnicity which they belong to create the same division. The identity then relates to the class which one belongs to. The revelation in this story is important because it defines not only divisions created in American society through race, but shows how society has created the boundaries of identity beginning with stereotypes of race, then leading to wealth expectations, neighborhoods which one should live in and the lifestyles which one has. Each of these attributes of division are seen with the movie “Lady and the Tramp” as a way of showing how the identity and status become a sense of conflict. The main plot of this story shows how a dog from the other side of the tracks falls in love with a mongrel from the other side of town. When looking at the division between these two, it can be seen that there are complexities with wealth, looks, race and the class divisions between the two. The boundaries are based on the identification of several attributes which are incorrect in the two being together3. This creates the central conflict in the story and shows how division is based on the superficial identities which are created in society. The differences which occurred within in society and identity, all which are divided according to the wealth, ethnicity and identity of an individual, come into conflict when the stereotypes of class are no longer effective. The economic, social and political concepts tie together, specifically because of the status which is held. If one has a specific social status based on wealth, then begins to change into a different economic status, then the divisions begin to change and new stereotypes are formed. This in turn changes the concept of division and identity and begins to re-label the stereotypes into new divisions. For instance, with the Great Migration to the North, many African – Americans were labeled as the New Negro because of their desire to gain wealth, status and recognition. This created a different division which kept the ethnic divisions among those in society but at the same time created a status based on higher wealth among the African – Americans. This shows how the concept of identity and status may change and one can alter the division which is held; however, it is based on forming new stereotypes of specific groups which are in America4. All of the stories which are presented show the same pattern and concept of identity and status within America. This is first based on the label and stereotype which one is given, usually through a physical identity, such as wealth or ethnicity. However, the individual is able to overcome this division by changing their personal status, identity or outlook. When this occurs, the individual is placed into another division or identity. While this alters according to the physical needs, usually which is based on wealth, a new label is created for further division. For instance, in “Ragged Dick,” there is reference to Dick moving from being homeless to becoming a middle class citizen. When he begins to change; however, there is also the need to change behaviors, habits and ideals, such as needing to purchase a brush and comb for the first time and respect specific traditions of living in a home5. The concept of changing status also means changing into a different type of stereotype and identity while being a part of the division within society. Conclusion The concept of identity and society is one which is based on creating labels and definitions to divide among individuals that are within a given group. The divisions are based on concepts such as ethnicity and wealth. While this pre-determines one’s status in society, there is the ability to alter the division and the status which one belongs to. However, this requires expectations of fitting in with different actions and ideals. At the same time, it creates further divisions and labels which one holds, such as the New Negro or from rags to riches. Each of these types of identities are used to further the labels and the divisions that are among those in society. Bibliography Alger, Horatio. Ragged Dick. NuVision Publications: New York, 2000. Arnesen, Eric. Black Protest and the Great Migration: A Brief History. Bedford Publishers: New York, 2002 Disney. Lady and the Tramp. Disney: California, 1994 Lutz, Richard. The Great Migration. Routledge: New York, 2001 Read More