Week One: Myth of Individual Opportunity

This week we're reading Alger, Bambara and Dalton.  Keep in mind that they all pertain to the myth of individual opportunity.  These prompts are only suggestions; you can use them or present your own ideas, but remember to reference at least one of the readings in your blog.

• Do you believe that all American's have equal opportunities?
• Is prosperity through integrity and hard work as illustrated in Alger's story still possible in today's society?
• What part of Ragged Dick's opportunity is based on chance, and do you believe the same relationship exists?
• In Bambara's story, Sugar claims that, "Equal chance to pursue happiness means an equal crack at the dough" (270).  And the evident inequality gives Sylvia something to think about.  What do you think about Bambara's portrayal of inequality as a matter of race?  Is she being (un)fair?  How do you view Miss Moore's educational trips with the kids?  Are they making a difference?
• Dalton states that, "Alger's myth is socially destructive" (272).  Do  you agree?  Can you live with the dissonance between myth and reality that he argues is a part of Black consciousness, or do you feel a need to resolve this dissonance? (cf 277)