Alissa Quart’s article in TIME critiques the longstanding myth of bootstrapping—the belief that individual effort alone leads to success, without help from family, government, or community. This myth, which has shaped public opinion and policy for decades, often blames the poor for their circumstances, perpetuating a harsh individualism. Quart traces the origins of the idiom “to pull yourself up by your bootstraps” and explains how it evolved from a recognized absurdity into a core component of the American Dream, promoting self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
However, Quart points to a growing shift towards a more inclusive and community-oriented American Dream, as originally envisioned by James Truslow Adams in 1931. This new ethos is evident in the increasing number of people joining unions, engaging in mutual-aid networks, and participating in cooperative ventures. For example, mutual-aid groups that emerged during the pandemic provided essential services and support to those in need, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. Worker cooperatives are also on the rise, offering employees better wages and a sense of collective ownership and purpose.
This communal spirit is further reflected in participatory budgeting initiatives, where citizens collaborate to decide how municipal funds should be spent, ensuring that community needs are met. Despite these positive developments, the bootstrapping myth remains pervasive, with many Americans still believing that poverty results from individual failings. Quart emphasizes the importance of continuing to challenge this narrative and promote community support as essential for national prosperity, echoing the sentiments of historical figures like Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who recognized the cruelty of expecting the disadvantaged to succeed without assistance. Read more