2. The separation of the classes in America is
alarming. The impact that race, sex, and income
have is significant in your chances for success in
America. The gap between the rich and the poor is
much greater than it should be, with 60% of the
population holding less than 4% of the nations
wealth. Race and Gender are other factors that
can greatly affect social standing. If you are a
nonwhite female head of household in America
you have the greatest chance of poverty and lower
class standing.
3. Do you think that you could be equally
successful in these situations?
• If you were given every opportunity,
endless amounts of money, and a last
name that could open any door.
• If you were born into poverty, had little
to no money, and a last name that was
unknown.
4. “class is not discussed or
debated in public because class
identity has been stripped from
popular culture” (Mantsios, p.178)
The author is trying to convey the idea that
we are made unaware of, or programmed to
not discuss class differences.
I chose this quote because I disagree with it. I feel that the class
separation has been extensively discussed and is a major
debate topic with our leaders. With the occupy wall street
movements there has been a new interest in the unbalanced
society.
5.
6. “The contrast between rich and
poor is sharp, and with nearly one-
third of the American population
living at one extreme or the other, it
is difficult to argue that we live in a
classless society.” (Mantsios, p179)
America is not close to being equal with the
majority of the money with the minority of the
population.
I chose this quote because it gives a brief description of what this
entire article is about, the class separation.
7. Synopsis
• The fabulously wealthy but morally
bankrupt Duke brothers make a one-
dollar bet over heredity vs.
environment. Curious as to what would
happen if different lifestyles were
reversed, they arrange for
impoverished street hustler Billy Ray
Valentine to be placed in the lap of
luxury. Simultaneously, they strip
wealthy Louis Winthorpe III of his
identity and wealth. When Billy Ray
figures out that the brothers intend
send him back to his life of poverty
once their experiment is complete, he
seeks out Winthorpe, and together
they plot their revenge on the Duke
brothers
8. Do you agree with the recent
behaviors of America? Is it time
we had a more egalitarian
culture?
9. • Mantsios, Gregory (2006). Class in America: Myths and Realities.
• Rothenberg, Paula S. (2009). Race, Class, and Gender in the
United States. (8th ed., pp. 177-192)
