“The American Dream: A Closer Look at Social Inequality through the Lens of Home and Race in The Lucky Ones”

Please answer one of the following questions in a double spaced, 3-4 page paper. In doing so, you must reference one detailed, specific example from Mae Ngai’s The Lucky Ones.
No outside research is permitted for this assignment. You can draw on the book as well as our lectures, including any images, cartoons, texts or film clips. Please remember that citations including page numbers are required when quoting directly from a source. I prefer Chicago Manual of Style (Links to an external site.) citations, formatted as endnotes. No bibliography is necessary.
Grading Rubric:
A: Strong argument, complexity and nuance in the argument as well. Detailed explanation of key terms within course context and their significance. Solid understanding of and engagement with readings, critical analysis throughout.
B: To get a B someone must fulfill basic requirements, some good analysis but failure to address complexity of issues, evidence, argument, etc.
C: No analysis, no argument, failure to fulfill basic requirements, and/or demonstrates some misunderstanding or lack of comprehension of material.
D: Fundamental misunderstanding, incomplete.
+/- papers combine elements of these categories.
Tips:
Write deeply not broadly (ex. cut out “Throughout US history…”)
Write for someone who is not familiar with the course material – assume you need to explain things clearly and in detail.
Be sure to define your terms!
Develop an argument! An argument is not a statement of fact, but typically answers a Why? How? Or So What? question. An argument can also be argued against.
We encourage you to reach out to us to talk about your thesis statement and the specific evidence you will be using. While we will not read entire paper drafts, we will gladly look over outlines, introductions and thesis statements.
Question #1: What does a focus on American homes or dwelling places reveal about social inequality at the turn of the twentieth century? Be sure to analyze in depth at least three different homes or dwelling places.
Question #2: At the turn of the twentieth century, the idea that there was a hierarchy of races was widespread. Using specific examples please describe how some people used this idea to justify existing structures of power. How did others attempt to challenge this idea and the forms of inequality it upheld?