Dalton Journal

Edwin Rodriguez
English 16
Professor McCormick
Journal Entry

Judgement

As I read "Horatio Alger," by Harlon L. Dalton I felt the realization of what he was saying. One thing that I would like to discuss is how Dalton mentions judgement of cultures. For example he writes, "I honestly am surprised every time I see a White man who can play basketball above the rim, just as Puerto Ricans and Cubans tend to be surprised to discover "Americans" who salsa truly well. All of which is to say that the notion that every individual is judged solely on personal merit, without regard for sociological wrapping, is mythical at best." Dalton is very true when making this statement. People tend to base a person off of there culture instead of there surroundings or society. This in turn leads to racial segregation and prejudice running through each American. We always identify a person off of their particular race.
One incident I remember was when I was inviting people at my high school to attend one of my birthday parties. There were so many judemental comments made about particular groups of people I was inviting. I gave an invitation to some of my Caucasian friends. My friends that were Hispanic and African American were making fun of the way they would dance. One girl said, "These white girls ain't got no rhythym they won't be able to dance like us." They eat their were because the Hispanics and African Americans were surprised to see how good these "white girls" were dancing at the party.
Overall, We can't just judge someone who is "white" or "black" because you may end up getting the wrong impression of that particular person. The only one who is going to feel bad in the end will be yourself. I can agree with Dalton that most people judge to quickly on personal merit oppose to a persons' sociological surroundings.