Dalton v. Alger

Alger makes the point in Ragged Dick that success can be gained no matter what a person's origins are. Dalton's essay exists solely to make the point that Alger's argument is flawed. Dalton argues that ones social circumstances have an extremely large effect on ones ability to progress up the social ladder.  Dalton makes the point that, as an African-American, he often had to face prejudice in the workplace. There are stereotypes which limit people in certain areas. Dalton noted that being affluent as an African-American often aroused shock from ignorant individuals. This made advancement extremely difficult as people already had preconceived notions about what he could do as an individual. He makes the point that these notions limit us as individuals.