Although it seems like recent modernization has created enough opportunities for anyone to get rich, the inequality between the American working class and the wealthy upper class has only intensified during this shining era of affluence, socioeconomic upheaval, and jazz. It astounded me that the vast amount of wealth presented to me could be concentrated to such an extent in any one place. It was upon my entrance to the Gatsby residence that the detestable inequality of American society reared its ugly gold-plated head and made itself known to me. The stark difference between the desolate plains of the dismal Valley of Ashes and the scene of opulence before me was as irrefutable as the difference between moon and sun, and yet no one in attendance …show more content…
I looked on as the bejeweled crowd busied themselves with chatter and dance and intemperate consumption of drinks. Attitudes on the value of wealth to the individual differ, however. In an interview around three years ago, philanthropic millionaire Andrew Carnegie expressed his fervent belief in the existence of a Gospel of Wealth. This Gospel of Wealth dictates that it is the duty of the rich to use their resources to their fullest extent to assist the poor and alleviate suffering wherever possible. In Carnegie’s opinion, failure to do so is ruinous and he asserts that “the man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” While some may share this perspective on wealth’s place in society, the subject is highly polarizing as it seems the majority see no function for wealth beyond their self-servile purposes. As American society becomes increasingly seduced by the concept of engagement in consumer markets and high society, wealth becomes little more than a tool to help the American public reach the aforementioned and fulfill their entrepreneurial desires. Attitudes on the value of wealth to the individual differ, …show more content…
In Carnegie’s opinion, failure to do so is ruinous and he asserts that “the man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” While some may share this perspective on wealth’s place in society, the subject is highly polarizing as it seems the majority see no function for wealth beyond their self-servile purposes. As American society becomes increasingly seduced by the concept of engagement in consumer markets and high society, wealth has become increasingly intertwined with the concept of the American dream. It was upon my meeting Mr. Nick Carraway in the throes of the festivities that my point was further validated. Mr. Carraway and I were at once caught up in a discussion about wealth’s place in American society and Mr. Carraway asserted rather astutely that “Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry.”(Ch. 5. To the American public, wealth has become little more than a tool to help the individual avoid being perceived as part of a lower social class and fulfill their entrepreneurial