Assignemnt
Write three paragraphs. ( 1.5 pages)
Write a draft of the first paragraph of your final paper in which you:
a. Define the American Dream - you may draw from class activities, readings, or develop your own definition.
b. State your personal position on the vitality of the American Dream. Is it alive? Dead? In transition? Achievable only in certain circumstances or only for certain groups? Give 3 to 5 specific, evidence-based reasons for your position.
c. Select the measure of economic well-being that you will use for your Trend Report and Final Paper. In one sentence,describe why you believe this measure is an important indicator of economic well-being.
2. Write a second paragraph in which you discuss the future that you see for yourself and your peers. What scares you,encourages you, challenges you? What makes you angry, fills you with despair, lifts you up in hope? Do you see yourself and your choice and action as a watching bystander? Part of the problem? Part of the solution?
3. After completing the assigned readings Write the third paragraph.
For Black Community, No Good Jobs is Nothing new
of Five Gets by on Modest Income
a. List what you believe to be the hallmarks of the middle class. What are their characteristics?
b. Summarize the key points of the stories that you read. What is the situation for these families? Compare/contrast their situations. What seems to be most important to them? Is their current situation due to their own choice or to factors beyond their control? What would be needed to change their situation for the better? What advice would you give them?