Essays / Hi I need some thoughts/ideas for an essay, The Myth of Individual Opportunity [7]

I have to do an essay regarding the American Dream of equal opportunity.
Myth or reality.
Why does the rich get richer and the poorer.
why is there such a huge gap between the rich and the poor?
Does everyone have equal opportunity whether black or white, male or female, to
succeed in America?
Does hard work and individual merit ensure success in our society.
or is individuals judged on what we are instead of our individual achievements?
does being black put someone at a disadvantage to succeed?
does growing up in a low-class hood a good enough excuse to not be able to succeed
in our country?
if a child grows up with foreign parents who can't speak english, what are his chances of success in America?

Basically I need to come up with an argument/thesis about equal opportunity and success, if it's a myth, if it's not....if each of us have equal chances of succeeding

What are your thoughts/opinions on this subject?
I hope this wasn't too much.
any thoughts would be appreciated!!
THANK YOU

Trying to think up a thesis, this is what I have for now:

While other countries are fighting for opportunities, Americans need to do more to also fight and strive for what is rightfully theirs; with hard work and determination, anyone in America is given a chance to succeed as long as they believe in themselves.

I don't think it's a strong enough thesis because I need information to support it and I wanted to talk about education, benefits, hard work and efforts/motivation as my supporting paragraphs.

I NEED HELP!! :(

Stories I'm quoting from:
The Lesson - Toni Cade Bambara
The Black Avenger - Ken Hamblin
and maybe the Achievement of Desire - Richard Rodriguez