This is an article that discusses American society today in relation to the Horatio Alger Myth. The article written by Adam Price argues that while it is true that many working class Americans have achieved a better standard of living and moved up in terms of social status, this success has been more to do with hard work less than luck which is ultimately the main reason for Ragged Dick's success. Ragged Dick did work hard but his big breaks came down to luck and chance for example it was only by chance that he happened to come across Frank and his Uncle. It was through this encounter that Dick obtained nice clothes making him 'respectable'. Once he looked the part he started to act the part. A smart appearance also made him more likable and approachable to older more dignified adults. The advice received from Mr Whitney was a turning point for Dick as the chances are, that without this advice Dick would have continued spending his money on gambling and in the theatre rather than saving it.
The success of working class Americans today is more to do with unions fighting for a decent wage an education system funded by taxes. Society today is more about communities looking after each other more than what they did in the times of Ragged Dick. today if a child lost their parents at the age of seven they would be put in a care home and would not have to live out on the streets , not to mention that fact that it would be illegal for a seven year old to be working. It could also be argued that the fact that there is a so called safety net , it may have lead people nowadays to not work as hard as people did back before there was social security.
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