This statement is perhaps the most iconic one in the entirety of the Declaration of Independence, for it well establishes the altruistic intentions of American democracy and the less-discussed hypocrisy of that establishment. While the signers of the Declaration pointed out the unjust actions of an overseas tyrant, they were oblivious to the inequalities present in the newfound nation they declared to be built on equality and democracy. At the time of the Declaration, women were not able to vote or be present at conventions, and African Americans were kept as slaves. I did not know that these "certain unalienable Rights" applied to only the rich white male.
Disclaimer: this post is not to wage war against the original signers of the Declaration nor against rich white men around the world. The original signers were noble, courageous, and sometimes misguided. They were misguided by the patriarchy that existed since ancient times. They were victims of a self-perpetuating societal view that states women and minorities are not equal to the white man. Furthermore, the white man is not necessarily the common enemy. Rather, it is anyone who insinuates that he/she deserves more rights based on race, gender, religion, sexual preference, and other characteristics that are meant for celebrating individuality, not for causing discrimination.
I totally agree about the ironic part. The founders did, rightfully so, point fingers at the tyranny in Britain and the unjust treatment, but they failed to look in their homes and see the injustice happening towards women and those of color.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, you did a good job. You kept your words about the Beyonce references. I smiled a bit when I realized that your disclaimer was as long as your first paragraph; it reminded me of a medication commercial. I always thought that the DoI was hypocritical, but I never thought about how there was inequality even within the group of white men. It is interesting to think about how there is more than just age and sex to discrimination within a group of people. Maybe it is just instinctive for men to seek more privilege than others. I also want to ask you one thing. Are the discriminatory acts of the original signers justifiable just because the social norm was like that back then? Even though they believed that all men should be equal?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, and I can already see myself coming for more later on.
I loved the read Michael! Very thought provoking and really touches bases on how a just act from the eyes of one individual can still be viewed as unjust or unequal by another. "While the signers of the Declaration pointed out the unjust actions of an overseas tyrant, they were oblivious to the inequalities present in the newfound nation they declared to be built on equality and democracy." (Lin) This quote really does shine light on how the justices the basis of this country was built upon simply distributed the injustices to a different area of our population. I also loved your closing statement and the impact it left. I cant wait to see more content from you in the future!
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