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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Horatio Alger myth (debunked).
Some recent posts made me think about this. I've actually read a number of his books and enjoyed them a great deal. But they are not what the myth says and (side note), he was apparently not a very nice man.
So, presented for your consideration.
Amazingly, a staple of Horatio Alger stories was wealthy benefactors who gave the heroes gifts and helped them on their way, thus contradicting the basis of the idea of a self-made man achieving success through hard work. Dick, the star of Algers Ragged Dick series and his most famous creation, once said in a story, Id like it if some rich man would adopt me, and give me plenty to eat and drink and wear, without my havin to look so sharp after it.
http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2012/11-myths-about-horatio-alger-every-american-should-know/
Please rec this - it's a Republican/conservative/capitalist useful lie/meme that, IMHO, needs to be smacked down.
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The Horatio Alger myth (debunked). (Original Post)
SusanCalvin
Jan 2016
OP
Kalidurga
(14,177 posts)1. Well that explains why RWers like him so much.
They can talk about hard work being a path to success in a facile way. While, ignoring that it's almost always a stroke of luck that saves the protagonist.
SusanCalvin
(6,592 posts)2. Exactly. nt
w0nderer
(1,937 posts)3. but but but american dream...
or american nightmare
cause chance to rise in 'financial levels' in the US is less than most other western industrial countries
Joe Shlabotnik
(5,604 posts)4. K&R
Alger's work is an iconic part of American fiction.
[IMG][/IMG]
SusanCalvin
(6,592 posts)5. It sure is, and there's a very good reason for that.
It's an excellent read.
But it ain't what conservatives (and those who've never read it) say it is.