Ragtime and Hegemony

Hegemony is defined as an, "ascendancy or domination of one power or state within a league, confederation, etc, or of one social class over others."   This is often displayed in ways which are not noticed immediately as any form of oppression or domination.  The concept of the American Dream has been viewed as one such example, as viewed in a cynical light, the American Dream allows the rich to keep the poor from revolting under the illusion that they, too, can someday become rich of their own devices.   Reading Ragtime, I feel as if the concept of hegemony plays a large role in the relationships between social classes within the novel.  Social anarchist Emma Goldman tells Evelyn Nesbit, “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 skewed relationship between social classes, in which the need for wealth supersedes the need equality, is present in interesting ways throughout the novel. For example, Tateh manages to achieve wealth in the film industry, and yet he has to choose this wealth at the expense of his true identity, creating an elaborate false title for himself in order to help prevent prejudice against his Hebrew roots.   On the other hand, Coalhouse Walker gives up his safety and lifestyle so that he can push for justice (albeit an extreme, unforgivably violent version.)   His efforts however, end in his death, ultimately upholding the hegemony that existed in the first place, as his memory fades along with his push for equality.     These characters demonstrate the power of hegemony, that people at the bottom of society are often forced to conform to standards to get what they want- forsaking their identity to gain a happy ending for themselves.  Pointing out the unrelenting confines of society can mean tragedy, losing everything to point out what most people will ignore anyways.