Who and What Is America?

The premise of Lapham's argument hinges on the founding idea that those that live in America are bound by a common thought or hope for life, he explains that the adjectives tend to classify themselves by serving as a method of seperation. These classifications exaggerate the, often physical, differences between the people of this country. We, the people, have begun to agree with the ideas of others based on their similarities with the adjectives we choose to associate ourselves with and not the commonality of our goals and ideals. Lapham believes that the whole of America has begun to inflict a terrible segregation upon itself, an individual, he thinks, associates himself and gravitates toward a group they fit in with. The problem with this is that it takes away from the unity that binds us together as Americans, it takes away from the thought process that we are all fighting/living for a similar cause.
Lapham makes for an interesting argument. He writes to the everyman, meaning the majority of the American populace will sympathize with it. There isn't anyone that would want to prove the promise and hope held in the American dream incorrect. Rather the masses hope to live up to the dream, thus making this a different arguement to rebut. He uses pull out quotes that emphasize the brightest promises of American society. They help enforce his argument by standing out as a seperate thesis'; each describes a thought most would like to be true. I agree with parts of his argument. I do agree that we tend to get caught up in the adjective we choose to associate ourselves with. On the other hand, I have a more pessimistic view of people's innermost desires. I believe that there are plenty of people who would rather they have the upper hand in society than the entire world be equal and stable. I feel like any time you include very single person in America, and leave no room for exceptions, there is a high chance than your argument has some flaws. Lapham does end his argument well by bringing around the idea to let go of the labels and recognize that while we still have a long way to go, if any country can create equality, it would be ours.