What is the Dream of Upward Mobility?

 "And like other American Dreams, the power of this one lay in a sense of collective ownership: anyone can get ahead." - Cullen (60)

 In this chapter, Cullen primarily explored three political figures, Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and their relationship to the the idea of upward mobility.  All three of these men did not inherit their privelege, rather they worked for it.  They exhibited "rags to riches" stories of how an everyman could be lifted up to seats of importance and political power.

While addressing these men, Cullen also explores the disparities that exist.  Even within the idea of upward mobility, an equal playing field did not exist for all.  Most notably, Cullen identifies the anguish that Abraham Lincoln (most notably) and others felt as they were living out the dream of upward mobility while realizing the great disparity for others.

"What concerned them most was the way the peculiar institution compromised their view of themselves and their country.  Such people felt the legitimacy of both depended upon not having too great and ideological hap between what actually was and what the Declaration of Independence said should be."   - Cullen (74)

I think that this idea continues on our country, and from my experience, this guilt is an obstacle in actually solving the problems.  I see freedom  and guilt as closely related concepts and, I expect this will always remain true (until the world becomes a utopia or perfect place). This idea of upward mobility and guilt also ties closely with McLoughlin's idea that the United States is a nation of pietists.  I definitely see how Cullen and McLoughlin are related now!  

*My sentence, "For much of American history, then, upward mobility was understood, even defined by a visible alternative of immobility."
-I think this sentence works because it talks about the self-made concept of the American Dream, while addressing the disparity between the idea and the reality.  (I do plan to talk more about this in class.  This simply serves as a note so I don't forget on Monday!)