Cruz Vs. Alger

Stephen Cruz has an incredibly different view of what the American Dream is than Horatio Alger. In fact, they are almost completely opposite. Horatio Alger believes that in order to achieve the American Dream you must work hard or do one heroic thing. In his story, Ragged Dick, his main character was a hard worker and he rescued a small boy from death. Because of his actions the young boy was rewarded with the American Dream. Horatio Alger also believes that everyone, rich or poor is set on a level playing field.  He thinks that you obtain the American Dream based on either how heroic you are or how hard you work. 

Stephen Cruz has a completely different perspective of the American Dream. In his argument Stephen Cruz uses personal experience to persuade us that minorities are in a high demand and if they agree to "stay in line" they will be rewarded with the American Dream. He also stated that certain minorities are in a higher demand than others. I think that Stephen Cruz is basically saying that he feels the American Dream is an illusion that was simply made up. This completely contradicts Horatio Alger who believes that the American Dream will come to those who work for it.