Horatio Alger According to author Harlon L. Dalton, the Horatio Alger myth is not simply a myth because it is about a fictional character, but because people have dangerously believed it to be true as a sociological fact for far too many years. The myth suggests that demonstrating one's merit is enough to allow a person to attain success, and implies that people 'deserve' their position in life. African-Americans, of course, have long been painfully conscious that this is not the case, and institutionalized racism can thwart the ability of the individual to 'create his own opportunities' in the Alger model. Prejudices undoubtedly affect how people are perceived. Moreover, the very notion of 'merit' implies an objective standard of excellence, even though these standards were often created by the ruling classes. An excellent example of this is the SAT. Although the SAT was once viewed as a meritocratic device -- anyone who did well could...

Dick shows frugality and industry, and is anxious to mimic the manners of the upper classes. He is also respectful of his social 'betters.' By knowing how to please well-off individuals, Dick is able to insinuate himself into their society. This is shown to be a demonstration of his 'merit' and Alger never encourages the reader to question if it is fair that boys like Dick live on the streets as bootblacks, while other boys are 'to the manor born' and do…