We have read many pieces that demonstrate the notion that people can be demoralized
by society because of the positions that they are in, even if they put in great effort
towards their cause. Society tends to ignore that factor and instead focuses on
the helplessness and struggle of hard workers. It deems them unfit to be appreciated
or understood and—instead of extending a helping hand—throws them out to drown
in their burdens. In Barbara Ehrenreich’s essay, "Serving in Florida", she places herself in the position of
a waitress receiving minimum wage to test this idea and finds it to be true. While
the job of a waiter is essential to the success of a restaurant and is often a
frustrating task, people target their faults like messing up an order or
tripping over someone’s foot and spilling a drink. Another example is "On Dumpster Diving", by Lars Eighner, who describes
his personal experience with the aftermath of being abandoned by society. He is educated, but he can be viewed as unworthy of social status as a result of his dilemma.
I noticed that the underlying
concern in both cases relates back to one of our main focuses in the first semester
of class. We analyzed the flaws in the American Dream, one of which was the
fact that it does not have a place for people who work hard, although it states
that effort brings forth success. These kinds of people deserve to have a
proper place in society and be respected.
Your post is very insightful! I love how you were able to find a common theme from both pieces, and connect it to society and the American Dream.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It's cool to see the similarities between the two pieces, and it's so sad that sometimes the most hardworking people are the most underappreciated and disrespected. It's also interesting and kind of sad to think about how other people might have changed their views of the authors of both pieces if they knew who they actually were and that they were, for example,formally educated.
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