Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The Rags to Riches Cycle


One idea I found to be particularly interesting from this week’s reading was the concept of a classless society. Discussing the “rags to riches” story forced me to begin looking at my own situation. I am fortunate enough to come from a family that pays for my college education and wants me to focus on my studies. I am not pressured to take out student loans or to work full time in addition to my coursework. This is a reflection of the socioeconomic class I was born into.

In light of my more fortunate situation growing up and through college, there will come a point where I must establish my financial independence. Upon reflection, I realize that I have created a dream for myself where I will graduate from college, find an amazing job and buy a condo in the Loop. Despite my awareness of the media and its influence on all of us, I have fallen for the allure of that lifestyle. While I think it is okay to dream and to imagine an ideal life for myself, I have come to realize this is because of the illusion of a classless society.  Everyone can see themselves in their “dream” situation, but that does not always make it a reality because of our illusion of class. Most people like me will find themselves in the same situation. We might be fortunate enough to start off a life on the “riches” side but can easily find ourselves starting the story our parents lived all over again.

No comments:

Post a Comment