Official "Social Class and Ragtime" Paragraph: Reworking of Earlier Post

      Social Class, as described by Paul Fussell in his article, “Class: A Guide Through the American Status System,” is a “touchy subject,” that plays a critical role within E.L. Doctorow’s novel, Ragtime, which mixes fact and fiction in its examination of  early 20^th century America.  Emma Goldman, a historical figure and character in the novel, says of social class, “I am often asked the question, how can the masses permit themselves to be exploited by the few?  The answer is by being persuaded to identify with them.  Carrying his newspaper with your picture the laborer goes home to his wife…and dreams not of justice but of being rich” (69).  This identification forms a sort of hegemony, a controlling of the poor through the possibility of upward mobility and the fear of never achieving it.   Coalhouse Walker exemplifies the exception to Goldman’s rule, for while he is concerned with appearances, dressing in a suit and driving a Model T, Walker chooses to lose everything: his money, and even his life, for the sake of personal justice.  His dramatic downfall accelerates due to further class struggles.  The Encyclopedia of Social History describes one of these elements, the middle class of the early 20^th century, as,"different and fearful of immigrants because it was overwhelmingly Protestant and native-born; superior to and fearful of workers because it consisted of individualistic property-owners; different from, superior to, and fearful of elites because it was self-reliant and cherished economic and political liberty"(473).   This form of fear, possessed by the middle class, is evident as Coalhouse tries to overcome racial prejudice and appear “normal”.  However, those around him see only that he is entering into a social class “meant” for white citizens.   Father demonstrates his discomfort with Coalhouse’s class, particularly as an African American, when he thinks, “Walker didn't act or talk like a colored man. He seemed to be able to transform the customary deferences practiced by his race so that they reflected to his own dignity rather than the recipient's.” Father finds fear in Coalhouse’s uniqueness, thinking Walker means to swindle him.  He also worries that any association with Walker will damage his reputation as a business owner.  The local firefighters respond with racism towards Coalhouse, but like Father, with a certain class fear.  Coalhouse, according to the protestant, native-born, white nature of their class, should not own a car, should not speak in an educated manner, and should not dress fashionably.   He is a threat to their social class, for if he joins it, he makes it more accessible to others.    These factors, perhaps to a lesser (but certainly important) extent than his race, condemn Coalhouse to prejudice, and spur on his spree of radical violence.