Eric Pinsker's Response to Horatio Alger's "Ragged Dick"

                Horatio Alger’s story of the “Ragged Dick” is definitely the epitome of the American Dream.  It involves the typical young man who lives the average life, making a small portion of money, and then rises to the top.  What separates this story from the rest is that, as Sydney said, Dick is so humble.  He is content with his basic life, and despite the lack of available jobs, he still maintains a positive attitude.  Throughout the entire story, Dick remains optimistic.  Even after he begins to make more money, he still stays true to his roots and wanted to keep his low-profile lifestyle.  Bryan, I like what you said about the odds of him being on the same boat at the same time as the drowning boy.  I think Alger is really playing on the idea of fate and, as A.J. said, luck.  The same can be said about any situation in life, whether good or bad.  Just as quickly as his life took a turn positively, it could have taken a turn for the worse and he could have lost everything.  Uncertain fate is reality, but part of what makes the “American Dream” a dream is that it only focuses on the positive aspects. 

                Dalton disagrees with Alger’s portrayal of the American Dream because he feels that it is unattainable as a reality.  I believe that the American Dream can be a reality for some, but what makes it a “dream” is that it is difficult to achieve.  Because of this, it is natural for it to be unequally attainable for all.  I don’t believe that some people have the right to be more successful than others, but that occurs naturally in society.  This shouldn’t be restricted by race, and as Bryan said, I don’t believe that the American Dream is restricted by race any more.  People of any race can be successful in today’s society.  During the time when this was written that was not the case, which is why Alger probably wrote this with the intention of addressing a white, lower-to-middle class population.