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Equality of opportunity is a fundamental concept in American culture, encompassing the belief that all individuals should have a fair chance to succeed. In this essay, we will explore this theme through the analysis of Tom McAfee's short story, "This is My Living Room," and its connection to the historical source, "Traditional American Values and Beliefs." Through an examination of the "I" character in McAfee's story and historical facts, we will gain insights into how the American value of equality of opportunity shapes the cultural landscape.
"This is My Living Room" is a narrative that delves into the life of a redneck residing in Pine Springs, Alabama.
The central character, referred to as "I," embodies several stereotypical characteristics associated with redneck culture. He is portrayed as a devout Christian, skeptical of the law, fiercely independent, and deeply passionate about firearms. Despite a potential intelligence, he presents himself as one-dimensional, adhering staunchly to his own beliefs without displaying any flexibility.
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His unwavering commitment to his way of life is underscored by a sometimes irrational and fearless perspective, which can come across as arrogant and even violent.
One of the defining aspects of the "I" character's personality is his lack of trust in others, including his own family. He harbors the belief that "your own flesh and blood will try to run over you, stomp you, steal from you, kill you if they can" (McAfee, paragraph 29). This attitude reflects his dominant and self-reliant nature, with his primary concern being his store, which he values above all else.
Despite limited formal education, he has managed to carve out a livelihood for himself.
The concept of equality of opportunity in American culture revolves around the principle of fair play and providing everyone with an equal chance to succeed. It does not advocate for complete equality but rather a level playing field where individuals have equal opportunities to pursue their goals. This belief is akin to a race where everyone has the same chance to participate and win. It rejects the notion that one's chances of success should be determined by factors such as wealth, race, or religion. Fair play is a crucial component of this value, emphasizing that everyone should have a fair shot at achieving their aspirations.
Abraham Lincoln, in his address on March 6, 1860, at New Haven, Connecticut, articulated this principle by stating, "We … wish to allow the humblest man an equal chance to get rich with everybody else. When one starts poor, as most do in the race of life, free society is such that he knows he can better his conditions; he knows that there is no fixed condition of labor for his whole life." Lincoln's words underscore the American belief in providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of their starting point in life.
The "I" character in "This is My Living Room" exemplifies this aspect of fair play in his own life. Despite his limited education, he proudly claims, "I … make more profit than some people I know of" (McAfee, paragraph 19). His determination and self-reliance have allowed him to thrive, serving as a testament to the belief that individuals should have the chance to better their circumstances through their own efforts.
The pursuit of the American dream often necessitates competition, a fundamental aspect of the value of equality of opportunity. In order to succeed, individuals must compete with others in various aspects of life. Consequently, many Americans believe that striving for success is not just a personal aspiration but a societal duty.
In "This is My Living Room," we witness the spirit of competition when the narrator asserts to Ezmo, "I give you the best prices in town" (McAfee, paragraph 37). This competitive edge is indicative of the drive to excel and achieve one's goals. However, competition can also have negative consequences, as the redneck character mentions the jealousy of others who resent his success. Despite his lack of education and financial resources, he has achieved a level of prosperity that has attracted envy.
While the ideal of equality of opportunity is deeply ingrained in American culture, it faces inherent challenges. Achieving true equality of opportunity is a complex endeavor, as factors like wealth and prejudice can still influence individuals' prospects. The "I" character in McAfee's story indirectly acknowledges this reality when he compares himself to others: "Maybe they've got better houses and ride in finer cars, but maybe they didn't make all their money like I did. Honest. I ain't earned a cent crooked. I didn't inherit my money. I worked for it" (McAfee, paragraph 19).
This passage suggests that while the redneck character values the virtue of hard work and self-reliance, he recognizes that others may have advantages, such as inherited wealth, that he does not possess. Thus, achieving complete equality of opportunity remains a complex and elusive goal.
The American values of equality of opportunity, hard work, individual freedom, self-reliance, and material wealth are interconnected, often reinforcing one another. These values collectively define the American identity and serve as the foundation of the nation's history. As the source "Traditional American Values and Beliefs" notes, "We all share a common set of values that make us American…. Our rights are our history, why the first European settlers came here and why millions more have come here since."
This interconnection is evident in "This is My Living Room." The redneck character embodies these values, showcasing their intricate relationship. His emphasis on self-reliance, hard work, and the pursuit of material wealth all contribute to his success, reflecting the idea that by adhering to one value, individuals often embrace others as well.
In conclusion, the concept of equality of opportunity is a fundamental pillar of American culture, emphasizing fair play and equal chances for all individuals. Through the analysis of Tom McAfee's "This is My Living Room" and its connection to American values, we gain insights into the cultural significance of this principle. While the "I" character in McAfee's story exemplifies the American spirit of self-reliance and determination, challenges to achieving complete equality of opportunity persist. Nevertheless, these interconnected American values continue to shape the nation's identity and history, reinforcing the belief that every individual should have the opportunity to pursue their aspirations.
Equality of Opportunity in American Culture. (2016, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/equality-of-opportunity-essay
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