Tocqueville Equality

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As the “Leader of the Free World,” America is seen as the beacon of equality and democracy throughout the world. It is constantly touted by politicians that America is the example that all nations should follow, where a dirt poor citizen can become a multimillionaire with just enough “hard work.” The constant rhetoric today that the “American Dream” is still available to all citizens, no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identification is extremely misleading. In theory, anyone can be successful. However, the situation we are born into plays a vital role in our achievement. Some start within strides of the “finish line,” while far too many start farther back than the “starting line.” In his book, Democracy …show more content…
Aside from former European colonists and, the only other groups in America were African or African American slaves and Native Americans who owned the land long before the arrival of colonists. Policies were established that persecuted all nonwhite inhabitant of America. One facet of American culture that Tocqueville could not have predicted, at least to the extent that it is today, is the lack of religious tolerance in America today. At his time, America was seen as the free world where people had freedom of religion, however, today, the idea of “freedom of religion” is not applicable to all. If one is Christian, they can most likely practice their religion without “upsetting” anyone else. Most Jewish people can also practice their religion, however, to some, the freedom of religion does not apply to all practicing Jews. One thing Tocqueville could have never predicted is the widespread severity of Islamaphobia in American society today. America was built by Europeans fleeing religious persecution in their home countries, which is why freedom of religion is granted in the First Amendment of the United States …show more content…
Bill did not include African American servicemen shows how unequal American society was and is today. All American servicemen in WWII risked their lives fighting for freedom and sovereignty against Germany’s expansion under Adolf Hitler and Japan’s Imperial Army, however, the treatment when they returned home was completely different. White servicemen were given aid in starting their lives in the middle-class, while African American servicemen returned to segregation and racial discrimination. This bill has contributed to the blatant inequality between White Americans and African Americans, as the social divide between the two and the ever-growing wealth gap is partially a result of this discrimination and lack of equality under government bills. After WWII, there was the creation of Levittowns for returning, White, servicemen and their families. These communities offered a life outside of crowded cities, and with the help of the G.I. Bill and other government aid, veterans were qualified to receive housing for a fraction of what rental costs would be The final aspect of American society that Tocqueville neglected to consider is the true importance of class in a democratic society and its effect on one’s ability to succeed in
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