Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt
Many people are familiar with the name Cornelius Vanderbilt. When this name sounds in one’s ears, the words railroads, wealthy, famous, and Captain of Industry are most likely to come to mind. Many Americans are far too ignorant to know the truth of Mr. Vanderbilt and his precious business. However, a few people do know what really lies beneath that slick black suit, but his workers do. Cornelius Vanderbilt is a selfish, arrogant man with nothing on his mind but money, and lots of it.
It is worth acknowledgment that Mr. Vanderbilt made his mark in America and it is true that he is a successful man, but he did not become this wealthy in a way one would hope. Also, by donating what is a very generous gift, Mr. Vanderbilt has hidden his identity and character. Vanderbilt donated $1,000,000 to Central University, known now as Vanderbilt University. Yet, he has never visited the university, nor does he ever plan to and he even had to be persuaded into making this donation. All may seem to be great from some people’s perspective, but it would seem to be a completely different story if it were to be told looking through the eyes of any of his employees. Mr. Vanderbilt has his workers work painfully long and undesirable hours and they still receive very low wages. People can also be easily persuaded that Mr. Vanderbilt is a kind man because he employed so many men who would otherwise be without a job, but bringing innocent people in to those working conditions is no more than a crime, no matter how desperate or willing the individual. To Vanderbilt, the safety of his employees does not matter anymore than a beggar on the sidewalk in his perspective. He believes that spending extra money to save a few lives is unnecessary, a perfect example of his true character. America will eventually fall to its knees if we keep praising men like Vanderbilt. We are encouraging our children to mistreat others and unfairly pay desperate people who know no better than graciously accept the few coins they receive. Men like this will take over our country and there will be nothing we can do, but bow our heads. The only thing left is to seize to buy their products. This will bring Mr. Vanderbilt to the point that he must pay his workers the earned amount and improve all the conditions of his atrocious factories.
America is beautiful and diverse. It is composed of people from all over the world. It is the start to a new beginning of lives both young and old, but that can all change. People come here with hopes to find happiness, but men like Cornelius Vanderbilt will crush those dreams. We must stand up for ourselves, or watch people suffer and America crumble