Meritocracy, defined as an elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class privilege or wealth, is a concept as old as democracy. This is a very similar idea that philosophers such as Plato preached in Ancient Greece, ideas that even Plato but off as idealistic, and unpractical.
America has always been a country in which people come, and are told that they can achieve the dream, and they can have a better life. However, as a country, we fail to live up to our open promises. Perhaps we should place an asterisk next to the welcome sign. For all the good that is found in our country, and was found in our country since it's birth, there is an equal amount of bad. We do not live in a country where anyone can achieve the "American dream". Hell, it should not even be referred to as the "American dream," perhaps "White European American dream" would be a more fitting title.
The fact that third grade teachers, who are divided by the color of their eyes and made out to be either inferior or superior, felt the sting of racism in a day makes it hard to believe that someone who is exposed to this on a daily basis could possibly achieve such greatness. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, and in todays world it is even more common. However, is not the fact that when we see a black, Hispanic, or any other race of people in a position of prominence and are amazed at what they must have had to overcome to get there evidence enough that meritocracy is not here.
Perhaps it can be found somewhere. Perhaps someday. Perhaps.
