Text: “Upward Mobility gives people the hope that their dreams may someday come true.”
Response: The United States was built on the concept of the American Dream. I can strive to work hard and will ultimately climb the ranks to success. Rooted in this concept of the American Dream is also the concept of individualism. Do we climb societal ranks with the ending hope that we can help others? Or, do we climb the ranks in order to be at the top of the social ladder and bask in the social glory that is associated with the people at the top? The irony of upward mobility is that some can never rise high enough on the social ladder because the person below is always viewed as a competitor. Living in fear of defeat can lead people to put off their dreams all together, therefore crushing the concept of upward mobility as an achievable reality.
Text: “Our society mediates meaning and sense of self.”
Response: Upward mobility is rooted in individualistic tendencies. In our society, a person is defined by his or her successes, rather than their character. Social rivalry has also contributed one up our close friends in society, always striving to place ourselves before others. Society tells us who we are and where we fit in, and we place far too much emphasis on the opinions of others when looking at our own selves. Personal worth and value is no longer determined by our own happiness, but others’ perceptions of us. I am definitely guilty of this. I think we all are to some degree. It is nearly impossible to not care at least a little bit about what somebody else has to say regarding your appearance, accomplishments, or personality. We all want to feel important, and affirmation is one essential way that we “gain” importance, at least in our own eyes.
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