Ragged Dick and the American dream

Contemporary statement;Michelle Obamas "Barack knows the American Dream because he's lived it, and he wants everyone in this country to have that same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we're from, or what we look like, or who we love," Michelle Obama said. "He believes that when you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed."

I have chosen this statement because I feel it is very similar to the message of Ragged Dick. Dick worked hard and 'walked through that doorway of opportunity'. He was helped by others such as Frank's uncle,Mr Greyson and Mr Rockwell, these men had all come from poor backgrounds and had made a decent living for themselves. It appears they all saw themselves in Dick and if it was not for their help Dick arguably would not have become "spectable". Dick then goes on to help others to succeed like he did just as the statement says, he helped Fosdick by giving him a place to stay and he also helped Tom Wilkins pay his rent. In terms of Tom Wilkins,Dick saw helping him as paying back Franks uncle for the money he had provided Dick with "when you are a prosperous man,you can repay it in the form of aid to some poor boy,who is struggling upward as you are now".
 Unlike in the book the statement suggests anyone can live the American dream "no matter who we are,or where we're from, or what we look like". The books interpretation of the American dream appears to discriminate against minority groups such as Micky Maguire and Bridget the servant girl, these characters are both stereo-typically Irish. Both characters are not portrayed as being able to achieve the American dream and are arguably obstacles that try and stand in the way of Dick achieving the dream for himself. An example of this would be Micky's constant put downs about Dicks new clothing as he felt "our hero was putting on airs" and the fact Bridget was implemented in the stealing of the bank book; although she was innocent she was the first suspect perhaps because of her position in society.