Essay on "Social Contradiction"
Essay 3 pages (1066 words) Sources: 3
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Social ContradictionThe contradiction between America's promise of opportunity and freedom on the one hand and its inherently unjust capitalism system on the other plays itself out in literature, both fiction and non-fiction, as a seemingly unbridgeable divide between the two sides of any capitalist endeavor, namely, management and labor. This divide appears so insurmountable precisely because the moral and political legitimacy of one side (management) ultimately depends upon an insistence that such a divide does not exist. Because there is no way to justify the inherent exploitation of capitalism without an appeal to some kind of divine right on the part of the privileged, capitalism and its representatives in management have simply been forced to pretend that no such exploitation actually exists. Both the appeal to divine right and the seemingly willful disavowal of any injustice in capitalism can be seen in the work of Benjamin Franklin and Herman Melville, because one of the central arguments of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography depends upon a kind of divine right, while the narrator of Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener is woefully unaware of his own privileged position and the inherent injustice of his position. By discussing Franklin's autobiography alongside Melville's Bartleby, one is able to see not only how American capitalism attempts to justify itself, but also the somewhat counter-intuitive way in which this form of capitalism has been challenged.
Capitalism is inherently unfair, in that profit is by definition the product of an unequal transaction, and capitalism is dependent on profit as both its means and end. However, modern capitalism finds itself deeply ro
download full paper ⤓
He reveals as much when he tells his son that one of the major "inducements" for writing his autobiography is the fact that he, "with the blessing of God," was able to find economic success, and thus feels a kind of duty to subsequent generations to share with them the secrets of that success (Franklin, 2008, p. 3). While Franklin was obviously quite successful, not only in business but in politics and philosophy, he misidentifies the source of his success, simply because he attributes it to a god, rather than the fact that he was a relatively well-positioned white male in a society created by and for white men. While Franklin undoubtedly worked hard for his success, the fact remains that any challenge he faced was immeasurably lessened due to the fact that he happened to be born a white male,… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Social Contradiction" Assignment:
WRITE ABOUT ONE ISSUE BUT DISCUSS TWO READINGS. You may write more about one reading than about the other, if you wish.
IN YOUR WRITTEN DISCUSSION, stick to the readings by the primary authors (rather than the instructor*****'s introductions) that is, choose among the work by Franklin and Thoreau, Frederick Douglass*****'s *****"Narrative,*****" *****"Bartleby,*****" *****"Ragged Dick,*****" *****"The House of Mirth,*****" and *****"The Grapes of Wrath.*****"
HERE*****'S HOW TO PROCEED to write your essay:
State a problem or issue which the readings address (or made you think about) and which you will discuss. Then, state your main idea: your main idea should focus on how the authors*****' work has expanded or influenced your understanding or concern for the social issue or problem. This main idea should appear in your introductory paragraph. Be clear and specific.
Continue your essay with the specific points you will make, explaining how the works have shaped your thoughts on the problem or issue. You may include your own interest or involvement in the issue, and your prior thoughts on it. Structure your discussion carefully to support your main point. Illustrate points in your discussion with examples from the authors*****' work, as well as from your own knowledge and experience.
Conclude with a clear restatement of your main point, and any additional reflections on the issue, or additional reactions to the author*****'s work.
WRITE YOUR ANSWER TO THE QUESTION IN ESSAY FORM: at least 5 paragraphs including introduction and conclusion, a main idea clearly stated in the introductory paragraph, smooth transitions between paragraphs, and correct grammar and spelling. *****
How to Reference "Social Contradiction" Essay in a Bibliography
“Social Contradiction.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2012, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/social-contradiction/8662020. Accessed 28 Sep 2024.
Related Essays:
Social Justice Essay
Social Justice
By saying that social justice is a "mirage," Friedrich Hayek has raised the question whether the concept of social justice has meaningful content. This provocative statement implies that… read more
Essay 5 pages (1450 words) Sources: 9 Topic: Economics / Finance / Banking
Social Security How the Social Security Insurance Term Paper
Social Security
How the Social Security Insurance Works
The Social Security is an organization is that is commonly known to anyone especially to those who are in the labor force.… read more
Term Paper 4 pages (1075 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Economics / Finance / Banking
Social Media on the Advertising Competitiveness Literature Review
Social Media on the Advertising Competitiveness of Small Businesses
Marketing is a complex issue (Joshi, 2005; Christensen, 1997). Because of the complexities surrounding it, it is very important that every… read more
Literature Review 15 pages (6921 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Advertising / Marketing / Sales
Theory and Social Policy Essay
Social Policy: KiwiSaver as a Social Policy
A vitally important social / economic policy that the New Zealand Government launched - thanks in part to the progressive influences of the… read more
Essay 10 pages (3323 words) Sources: 9 Style: APA Topic: Government / Politics
Social Engagement Through Images in the Online Sphere Article Critique
Social Engagement Through Images Online
The author of "Comments about Social Engagement through Images in the Online Sphere" asserts that digital photography combined with online social networks has wrought a… read more
Article Critique 2 pages (663 words) Sources: 2 Topic: Computers / IT / Internet
Sat, Sep 28, 2024
If you don't see the paper you need, we will write it for you!
We can write a new, 100% unique paper!