Navigating Identity Politics and Personal Agency

This chapter explores the complex relationship between identity politics and personal agency in the pursuit of the American dream. It emphasizes the importance of fostering hope among disadvantaged individuals while addressing systemic challenges, and contrasts the differing perceptions of success between college-educated and working-class Americans. Additionally, it critiques how elite narratives often overlook the authentic experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly in the context of political identities and media representation.