Inclusion vs. economic equality: a Toulmin analysis of “The Paradox of the New Elite”

Alexander Stille, a professor of international journalism at Columbia, began his Op-Ed, in the New York Times, like any other classical argument. He begins with an introduction where he sets the stage for his argument as well as sets up the subjects of his claim; original socially unwanted of America, blacks, women, gays. In his third paragraph Stille lays out his claim−that despite America’s recent social acceptance of the originally unwanted; economically   we have become an unimaginably inclusive which in turn makes social mobility difficult.   This claim is supported by several reasons and other minor claims made in his Op- Ed in order to present his argument logically and succinctly  so that the reader is able to follow his logic and as it builds up to his peroratio.

  Stille supports his claims with reasons, evidence and backing. The reasons he makes to support his major claim are as stated…

·       There is a tradeoff between inclusion and equality.

·       That the movement toward meritocracy in America has made social mobility difficult to maneuver.

            Stille presents his argument in 3 parts: an introduction to the issue, an analysis of the issue through both an economic view with quotes from Professor Gary Becker, and the social perspective with quotes from Professor Jerome Karabel, finally a look at the meritocratic system   after years of discrimination.  The evidence provided by Professor Becker shows the profitability of inclusion by explaining the top one percent melancholy attitude towards social issues like gay marriage when they controlled seventy five percent of the country’s economic growth between the years of 2002 and 2006.  Becker gives the reader a new perspective that states that the new elite are “more diverse” than their predecessors.  Mr. Shamus Khan states beautifully that despite the diversity of the elite they still control a majority of the country’s wealth.   I also like Professor Karabel‘s statement that, “Inequality and inclusion are both as American as apple pie.”   With every generation over the last two hundred years there has been a group of people who were shut out of the social circle.

            The  one down side of the argument is that Stille does not at any time come close to qualifying his claim of that inclusion has caused economic stratification or warranting them. Stille believes that the Occupy Wall Street Movement has brought up issue of economic equality in today's society which might be harder to create than to talk about because with social equality there has to be something that sets people apart from each other. In this case its economics.

Stille establishes his ethos as well as logos with the multiple references to professors. His logos is supported by the many historical references which are hard to argue against. In retrospect his argument is clear and well supported though the warrants for his claims are at times questionable he bring up strong and relevant points. He introduces some pathos by playing off the rising minorities in America.

Occupy Wall Street

 

 Roger is Occupying Wall Street

           Over the last few weeks the media has fed with frenzy over the Occupy Wall Street movement.  Beginning on September 17th many believed as with the uprising and protests in the Middle East that they would fizzle out. Despite early skeptics this movement did not die but has continued to grow in magnitude demographically and in political diversity, but interestingly with no articulated direction.  The mere fact that they don’t have a unified thesis and that it has not s fizzled out has caught the attention of people around the world to do the same. Currently there are thousands of demonstrations currently going on worldwide.  Originally based in Zuccotti Park on Wall Street protesters from all back rounds have gathered to protest. 

       They have no set leader but still their voice remains gaining strength with every passing day. Some claim that they protest social and economic inequality, corporate greed, as well as the power and influence of corporations, particularly from the financial service sector, and lobbyists over government.  Some believe that they are just a group of disgruntled citizens.

             When people think of Wall Street, is it of the great financial district, the ever changing stock market, which with a single point can bring a country to its knees? Is it of a bronze Minotaur prepared to gore any threat to the world of changing business?  From one side it’s wrong to be such a nuisance can’t you simply take the normal response and makes your complaints in a courtroom where you can face us without public scandal.

             Or is Wall Street the enemy? A great monument that was the root cause of the Financial Crisis of 2008 that sent the world into an unimaginable tailspin.  Not because of a death or a great heist, but because of the greed of a few.  Goldman Sacs whose capital greed infiltrated the economy and sold fake loans and took out the housing industry costing people their homes, jobs, and their financial livelihood.

I believe that Wall Street needs to be taught a lesson.  After the first surplus in 20 years during the Clinton Era the American people became lax and thought that after the election of the Bush Administration what was there to worry about. Then After 9/11 we were sent into a tail spin. The involvement in two wars, the down turn in the housing market and Financial Crisis of 2008.   It was wrong of the American people to not take a greater action in their politics and economics as millions of job were sent overseas. But it is wrong for Wall Street to take advantage of the economy and should be held accountable for their role in its destruction.  This is our country and we will win it back.   Something this severe needs the consideration of both sides to come together and discuss the issues and complaints. Those on Wall Street need to be held responsible for forfeiting thousands of American jobs in an already unstable environment.