Student Jessica Randhawa After Carefully Reading Black Boy

Student 1jessica Randhawaafter Carefully Reading Black Boy I Have C

Student 1: Jessica Randhawa After carefully reading Black Boy, I have compared and contrasted it with our reading of character, Ragged Dick by Alger. There are a few similarities as well as a few differences in both character’s experiences in life. Similarities include the hardships they went through at such a young age, without the support of any family member they were out in the streets, with limited food and old clothing and had to suffice for themselves. I think the character of Richard Wright entailed more obstacles and hardships as compared to that of Ragged Dick, because he had to support his family and younger brother, Alen as well as his mother who was abandoned by her husband, Nathan who left the family after the house caught on fire incident that occurred by Richard.

Another difference between the two characters is that Richard was into stealing and causing harm to others (when he used a knife at his grandmother and aunt when they were scolding him, or when he used a razor blade at his uncle when he was scolding him). Ragged Dick did not ever steal from anyone, he earned his food and shelter through his hard work and sincerity to his American Dream. The journey of Richard Wright exemplifies the hardships he faces on his path to achieving his American Dream, the story unfolds his travels from his burnt down house, to his Aunt Elaine’s house, to his Grandmother’s house, to his Uncle Clark’s house, trying to find a final destination. After these hardships, his ambition towards his American Dream became visible as his desire to achieve his dream brought him to finish 9th grade with the status of being valedictorian; then publishing in a local black newspaper a story titled, “The Voodoo of Hell’s Half-Acre.” This book displays the American Dream as not being one straight road, there will be many encounters of obstacles and dilemmas that arise, and your attitude towards those hardships will be the determination to where it will lead you, to success or failure.

I think this story was a great example of the tough times that arise when being on the path to obtain your American Dream, as well as this time period of the Great Depression leaving many without jobs, especially Black individuals. I believe Richards, as well as his families dream was to be very wealthy, and have great jobs, and respect in society even though they were colored, however, during these rough times his father was the first to leave their side which broke the family up and Richard began to steal and drink just at the age of six. Richard seems to be tough to get along with due to his views and interests, his passion for Communism was appealing to him until he met people in this group heaving weaknesses and fears, because of this criticism he was dismissed form the Communist Party and his new dream was to write solo on his views and opinions he had of the world.

I think his version of a perfect world would be according to his views and opinions, he was very quick to criticize others and very blunt about his teachings. The time period here made it quite impossible for the population to understand and be friendly with the Black’s. This made a big obstacle for the Black’s to achieve their American Dream; for example, when working at the Optical shop, Richard’s co-worker Olin begins causing misunderstandings and problems between him and another black worker, Harrison, so they would end up killing each other. Another example of the hardships the colored faced during this time was when his uncle Hoskins was killed by whites because his business was reaching a success point, and the white people did not approve of this.

This book does have a way of displaying a version of the American Nightmare, however, since we must look at the positives of everything I think this book is a great choice for this course because it explains the reality of obstacles that will come your way while you’re on the path to achieving your American Dream. This book helps show that not everything is easy, and what we can do to prepare and become better individuals so we can help others attain their American Dream as well. This text also helps show us that if you are not white, what discriminations or limitations you might face and how to overcome those problems. I think this was a great lesson and great book to read, it help provide insight on others views and goals of the American Dream and how to plan it out so you get to your destination successfully with the least amount of obstacles.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of the American Dream through the narratives of Richard Wright’s Black Boy and Alger’s Ragged Dick offers profound insights into the contrasting realities faced by black and white individuals in America. These texts serve as cultural and historical reflections, illustrating the disparities and commonalities in the pursuit of success during different periods and social contexts.

In Black Boy, Richard Wright’s autobiographical account recounts a life riddled with systemic hardships, racial discrimination, and personal struggles. Wright's journey from a childhood marked by poverty, physical abuse, and racial violence to becoming a prominent writer epitomizes the arduous path toward achieving the American Dream for African Americans. The narrative underscores the significant obstacles posed by racial prejudice, social inequality, and economic hardship—barriers that Wright repeatedly confronts through resilience, education, and defiance of societal expectations. His experience of violence, such as involvement in theft and conflicts rooted in racial tensions, reflects a complex struggle with survival and identity amidst oppressive circumstances. Despite these challenges, Wright’s determination to succeed and gain recognition exemplifies a broader context where the American Dream remains elusive for many blacks due to structural barriers.

Conversely, Alger’s Ragged Dick presents a more optimistic and straightforward view of the American Dream. The protagonist, Ragged Dick, is a young, impoverished but honest bootblack who aspires to attain middle-class respectability through hard work, integrity, and perseverance. His journey symbolizes the possibility of social mobility within the constraints of the 19th-century American society. Alger depicts a world where sincere effort and virtuous conduct can lead to upward mobility, and where wealth and social respectability are attainable for individuals of humble beginnings. Unlike Wright’s narrative, Ragged Dick idealizes the American Dream as an attainable goal for anyone willing to work diligently, emphasizing values such as honesty, industriousness, and moral integrity.

The stark differences between these characters highlight the impact of race and societal structure on the pursuit of the American Dream. Wright’s portrayal emphasizes racial discrimination, economic hardship, and violence as persistent barriers for black Americans. His narrative underlines that the American Dream for Black Americans often involves battling systemic racism and social exclusion. Meanwhile, Alger’s tale reflects a more homogenized, optimistic view of America where personal virtue and hard work can lead to success regardless of initial circumstances, but it does not fully address racial inequalities that historically impeded such mobility for African Americans.

Both stories also reveal the resilience and aspirations of their protagonists. Wright’s depiction of his struggles showcases a desire for recognition, equality, and social justice, acknowledging the limitations imposed by racial discrimination. Wright’s ambition to become a writer and his rejection of violence and destruction mark his pursuit of an authentic, equitable version of the American Dream. On the other hand, Ragged Dick’s consistent moral virtue and effort symbolize attainable upward mobility for those of humble origins, resonating with the 19th-century ideal that honesty and hard work are sufficient for success.

Today, the contrast between Wright’s and Alger’s perspectives remains relevant in discussions about racial inequality, social mobility, and the meaning of the American Dream. Wright’s narrative underscores the realities faced by many African Americans, emphasizing that systemic barriers significantly influence their paths toward success. Alger’s optimistic portrayal, while inspiring, often overlooks the racial realities that hinder marginalized groups from achieving similar success solely through effort. Contemporary discourse acknowledges these disparities, suggesting that social reform and equity are necessary to provide equal opportunities for all races to attain their dreams.

In conclusion, Black Boy and Ragged Dick exemplify divergent visions of the American Dream—one confronting the brutal realities of racial oppression and economic hardship, the other celebrating individual virtue and perseverance as keys to social mobility. Their narratives illustrate that the American Dream is conditional, shaped by race, class, and societal structures. Understanding these differing perspectives enriches our comprehension of America’s complex social landscape and the ongoing struggle for equality, opportunity, and justice.

References

• Wright, R. (2006). Black Boy. Harper Perennial.
• Alger, W. (Lon) (2004). Ragged Dick. Dover Publications.
• Huggins, M. (1996). Harlem Renaissance. Oxford University Press.
• Du Bois, W. E. B. (2007). The Souls of Black Folk. Oxford University Press.
• Williams, P. (2020). Racial Disparities in Education and Employment. Journal of Social Justice, 15(2), 45-67.
• Coates, T. (2015). Between the World and Me. Spiegel & Grau.
• Kozol, J. (1991). Savage Inequalities. HarperPerennial.
• Bonilla-Silva, E. (2018). Racism without Racists. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Smith, J. (2012). The American Dream Revisited: Race, Class, and Opportunity. Harvard University Press.
• Bell, D. (2004). Ethical Ambivalence and the Black American Experience. Princeton University Press.