The Link between Money and Success in America

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The American culture usually references money and success synonymously. Nearly everyone who has grown up in America has probably, at one time or another, thought "I wish I had that much money!" Similarly, the public usually perceives those with money as the most successful, happy, and powerful. Americans usually limit the term "Money", to simple monetary units; however, "money" encompasses more than simplistic pieces of metal and paper, cash in the bank, or credit. Money includes anything that you can trade for something else including, but not limited to, skills, talents, a strong body witht he ability to work, and essential knowledge. To define the link between money and success using this definition, you must redefine "class". Gregory Mantsios defines the current views about class in America Class in America: Myths and Realities, "We don't speak about class privileges, or class oppression, or the class nature of society" (Mantsios, 1). The people I know and have read about do not like to talk about class, unless they're trying favor a minority. The ability to succeed varies among different people; in my experiences, if someone wants to succeed and has a skill or talent, our culture seems to help them achieve that goal, through scholarships or financial aid, regardless of their monetary wealth, especially for the poor or minorities. I believe a link exists between morals and the desire to succeed. Although Americans usually define success as having monetary wealth, someone can succeed and still not have the world's wealth. On a very shallow scale, money and success balance out as the same; but when we redefine money and success, the worldly definitions become less accurate. The traditional definition of class dict... ... middle of paper ... ...money and success because success comes as a direct result of money; but when you define success as feeling content and having a satisfaction from what you have done, then money becomes irrelevant in the relationship. When we redefine both money and success, then the meaning of the relationship changes; if we define money as anything that you can trade, then the class system also receives a new definition. I certainly don't believe that monetary currency is not needed. There are some things we need to actually purchase: food, clothing, and tools to get our work done. But does the amount of currency you have really influence success? It depends on how you, personally, look at it; depending on how you define success yourself will, in result, determine your success. When you use your skills and talents and achieve your dreams, then you have definitely succeeded.

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