Visual Update to Land of Limitations

U.S.A. - Land of Limitations
Nicholas Kristof

Kristof felt that America is boasted as the "land of opportunity." Kristof does not believe that America gives us all opportunities. He said that "my friend, Rick Goff was smart, talented and hard working, but he faced an uphill struggle from birth. "Talent is universal, but opportunity is not."

Kristof believes that you are born into a social class and you are bound to that social class for your reminder living. Kristof friend, Rick experienced a less than fortunate life. His mom passed away when he was 5, and his dad was an alcoholic who abandoned the family. His grandmother took over the authority. He was not an excellent student in school so he ended up dropping out at 10th grade from a lack of support and drive.

I do not exactly agree a 100 percent because there are some exceptions to this idea. The site, People Like US that gives resources and stories of how people are affected by social class. One of the stories is about Charles Stoughton. He was raised in Chicago suburb of Lake forest. Charles was the third son of well known local surgeon. Charles is good looking, well spoken and spent his education at private schools. He was suppose to carry on the line of attending medical school within his family as his sister, and brothers had. Charles decided to drop out during his sophmore year at Stanford. He moved to Louisiana, where he worked on a shrimp boat. As time passed, he worked as a housepainter in the area. He lives in a double wide trailer with his wife, who works as a K mart chaser along with their three children. Due to his lack of a degree he only makes $25,000 and his parents do not visit.
Charles was born into a great family of wealth, popularity, and success.

Regardless, Charles was given a choice just like his other siblings. His brothers and sister chose to continue on the line of medical careers in the family while Charles gave up that life. He may have been exposed to a great life but it did not seem to strike his fancy. The whole of idea of being stuck in the same social class according to the "societal system" is not 100 percent valid. There is always an exception to the rules.