Assignment 1: Hillbilly Elegy & Between the World and Me

In Hillbilly Elegy and Between the World and Me, the authors discuss their own lives and the problems they see in America today. Both authors discuss how the American Dream is no longer an achievable goal for many of the people around them. However, they are writing from two very different perspectives and this difference in perspective radically affects the tone and purpose of the books. One writes to educate outsiders on what is happening to the culture of those who are white and poor. The other writes to educate and strengthen his son in the knowledge that living in America will always be a struggle, and as he does this he educates Americans on the reality of being a black man in America today. Reflecting on these books how has your perspective on this American life affected?

In this essay, you are to address all of the following questions:

1. Describe J.D. Vance's conception of the American Dream. Does he see himself as someone that has achieved "the Dream"? What prevents others in his family and in his town from realizing that same dream and what does he think needs to change in order for more of these people to realize that dream?

2. What is Coates' description of "the Dream"? Who is able to experience the Dream? What prevents Coates and his loved ones from realizing that same Dream?

3. How does Coates' and Vance's conception of the American Dream differ? Why? Do you think the changes that Vance suggests need to occur in his community to allow more people to realize the dream would resonate with Coates and his loved ones? Why or why not?

Guidelines: -- Please review the grading rubric below before posting your essay on Canvas. -- Your essay is to

• Include your name at the top of the essay;

• be three to five pages long;

• be double-spaced, using 12 size font, standard margins;

• include a title other than, "Reflective Essay #1"; and

• be posted in pdf or Word format on Canvas by 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 4, 2018.