It's probably clear by now
that we all see the world differently depending on our personal
contexts. The values we hold, our personal experiences, and our
education all create a context that changes our perception of the
world.
It's
dizzying, really, because it means we can't neatly divide the world
into neat either/or sides. In "Finding the Good Argument," Rebecca Jones
asserts, "Rather than a either/or proposition, argument is mutiple and
complex" (160). By the way, this is not just about finding the middle
ground. There are endless middle grounds.
Good
arguments, Jones insists, require "research, consideration of multiple
vantage points, and quite often basic logic" (158). After all, without
exploring the various positions, we aren't able to understand the basic
issues, where they rely on flawed evidence or logic, or where they agree
or disagree, and we'll never solve any problems or make any progress
(Jones 160).
And
so here we are, looking at the American Dream one more time. You are
going to do some research, but not yet. First you need to develop a
little background information.
Skim the book and see what's interesting to you, then pick one or two chapters and read them more closely.
The
titles give you some insight into the context. For example, "Dreaming
in Black and White" addresses issues of race and segregation, and "Whose
Dream? Gender and the American Dream" explores how society has limited
women's opportunities. However, "Religion and the American Dream"
doesn't only address the American Dream in the context of religion but
also looks at generational contexts. So read with an open mind. Perhaps
you will find a interesting focus.
In
this blog, identify the context and review some of the author's claims
about the American Dream in that context. Be sure to reference specific
things from the text, and be sure to use at least one quotation from the
text--in context. (By now you're probably tired of that word.)
Most
important, ask questions of the text. For example, if the chapter
examines how Catholic faith complicates some aspects of the American
Dream, you might ask how American Catholics overcome that apparent
conflict to believe in the American Dream. You might ask how other
Christian faiths view the American Dream based on their beliefs. And of
course not all Americans are Christian, so how might another faith
system influence belief in the American Dream or no faith at at all.
And reference other things you know related to that context.
And on and on it goes. Refer to what you know or what you have heard or what you just want to know more about. You're blogging, and this is the last blog.
