Essay On Social Class In America

In the land of the “American dream,” it is the common belief that there is a direct relationship between hard work and success and that those who put in long hours are bound for success and move up the social ladder. In the united states we have four major classes. The four major classes are upper class, middle class, working class and lower class. Social class in the United States can be looked at purely from economic factors such as income and also using educational, wealth and job related factors then you are placed into one of these classes. Ever since man has existed there have been issues with class it is something that has existed and divided citizens in almost every nation. America is known for its “american dream” however achieving it is far from an easy task .Although moving up the social ladder is very rare in today's society it still can be done.

It is clear poverty affects some groups more than others and reduces

opportunities. Even though class can be defined by many things one of the major setbacks you may have is family background like for example i did. However there is no stronger human-bond than the one between a parent and child so it is natural for middle class families to invest so much time and effort in improving their children's life chances. It is very true that people of upper class have a great advantage and controlling position in the United States but with hard work and dedication it is possible to achieve the american dream you just won't be receiving a small loan of 1 million dollars from you dad like Donald J. Trump did.

You probably noticed Colonel Sanders in the window of your local KFC branch as you munched on that juicy piece of fried chicken, but did you know that before all that fame he was simply retiree with a fried chicken recipe. Believe it or not the only thing that made him different from the average person was his fantasizing level of determination. Colonel Sanders drove around the country sleeping in his car and knocking on doors simply trying to promote his fried chicken recipe and make his dream reality. Amazingly, he was rejected 1009 times until finally someone said yes and that was the start of the million dollar empire KFC. So even though class comes in between an individual's opportunity to attend college and social circumstance and financial responsibilities may be bumps along the road just like Colonel Sanders many other american dreams can be achieved as well. No matter how hard it may get to have your dreams come true or how many times to have to get rejected sometimes you just have to keep pushing yourself. Many people may also recognize the name of buisssnesman Shahid Khan, owner of Flex-n-gate one of the largest private companies in the U.S, owner of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, and Premier League soccer club Fulham. Now being one of the richest men in the United states with a net worth of 4.4 billion dollars doesn't erase his past. When Shahid Khan first came into the U.S hw worked as a dishwasher while attending the University of Illinois getting paid only 1.20 an hour. If 16 year old boy Shahid Khan could have seen his future it might have delighted him, but wouldn’t have shocked him because after all in a way he came seeking exactly what he found. In an unfamiliar environment most humans cling to others like them but khan took a different route. Khan learned about sports that weren't like the ones he saw growing up in Lahore Pakistan. They had rugby and cricket. Here he had to learn about football and basketball and with little steps like those he became the man he is today.

From those who think they are superior to those who live on the streets there will always be a division between all of us and sometimes minor setbacks provide a hazard for many people living in poverty to improve their lives and it will have us giving up on our biggest dreams.

Could the american dream still be attained when 24.7 % of african americans in the United States were living in poverty in 2008 compared to 11.2 % of whites? Does social mobility really exist in our contemporary american society, is it possible for someone from the deepest depths of poverty to become successful? Could the american dream still obtained based on their wealth and social class? In america it is a common belief that is that one born can work hard to gain anything but for many people living in poverty that's just clearly not the case. Perhaps many people may think that the american dream might just be a myth but until you've done everything in your hands to try to accomplish your dreams like Shahid Khan or Colonel Sanders how could you possibly

know.