Index Wealth inequality as influential cultural myths Gender and racial discrimination – as another form of oppression Conclusion Some Americans perceive success differently than others believe success to be. For some, success is having a high school education, getting a well-paying job, and being able to take a relaxing vacation. For others, they believe success is simply being financially stable enough to afford clothing, housing, food and healthcare. Americans often ignore cultural myths, which are beliefs that influence the ideas they think, like, and believe, but cannot escape the impact they have on society. The power of cultural myths can influence Americans' beliefs about education, work, and gender roles based on a culture's expectations. In Gary Colombo's work, Rereading America, the author identifies the idea of ​​how cultural myths play a role in the American Dream, the belief that all Americans have an equal opportunity to achieve success and wealth through hard work. Columbus's idea of ​​cultural myths provides the foundation for success in America. Also included in Rereading America is an essay written by Gregory Mantsios titled “Class in America,” in which he discusses the American class division between the upper, middle, and lower classes. Through Mantsios' research, he captures the true meaning of the impact of cultural myths on society and class position. The flaw with cultural myths is that they give false expectations about the American dream. However, they are part of American culture that we cannot ignore. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Wealth Inequality as an Influential Cultural Myth Poverty, the lack of basic needs necessary to be financially, emotionally, and physically stable, can affect a person's overall well-being. Position in the lower classes can negatively impact one's means to meet one's basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, and safety. In Mantsios' work, he states: “In all areas of health, the poor do not share the same life chances as those of the upper social class” (358). Adequate healthcare is not as accessible to lower-class Americans, leading to poor health, lower life expectancy rates, and lower standards of living. The cultural myth that class doesn't matter in the United States is a disadvantage to the lower classes. If the nation treated everyone as equal, then everyone would have an equal opportunity to access health care. Cultural myths impact all class levels in America. Finding affordable housing can be difficult for low-income families. Mentioning basic needs, Mantsios comments: “The lower a person's social position, the more difficult it is to secure housing” (359). Low-income American families are homeless due to a lack of affordable housing. Living without a home can contribute to illnesses/illnesses and lack of food and clean water. Without adequate hygiene, low-income Americans below the poverty line may experience illness and need health care. The ability to receive adequate health services and living conditions separates the classes and economic statuses of American citizens. Opportunities that differentiate the rich and the poor influence the U.S. economy in ways.