The essay “Horatio Alger” by Harlon Dalton debates Alger’s idea of what it takes to make the American Dream a reality. Horatio Alger believes that success can be reached with “hard work, persistence and initiative.” Through his critical analysis of Alger’s pieces, Dalton explores Alger’s myth through social realities, like discrimination based on race and current economic standing. Taking “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara into consideration, Dalton would praise Miss Moore’s teachings and tell Sylvia and her friends that they mustn’t listen to the classic “rags to riches” myths of most stories.
In “Horatio Alger” by Dalton, Dalton argues that the myth of commercial success is not only false but socially destructive. Alger’s first claim is that “each of us is judged solely on his/her own merits.” Dalton proceeds to counter argue that this is only true when it pertains to white people. Dalton further believes that Alger’s formula for success is too optimistic and blind to the social and racial caste system of the world. When black people are only compared to people of the same race they cannot be held to the same standard as white people, which is true for other races as well. Stereotypes give society a basic conception of each race that is not based solely on their worth but on their position on the social scale and the color of their skin. This myth gives society the wrong expectation of each race and causes them to believe that certain races possess quality traits that others don’t. Overall, Dalton believes that one’s achievements will be acknowledged but their race and social standing will hinder their economic growth. The second principle that Alger believes contributes to ones success is that “we each have a fair opportunity to develop those merits.” Dalton shows that it can be difficult for someone to reach their full potential if they’re dependent on