European observers have consistently noted some egalitarian characteristics of American society that have fascinated them for a long. They are the principles and the values that shape the reputation of the United States of America.
Egalitarian Features of American Society
Number one is democratic governance. The cornerstone of American egalitarianism is its democratic system. The European observers acknowledged the high level of democracy they witnessed in America. The level at which the country focused on giving equal political rights to all citizens could not be ignored. The second feature is Social Mobil. The concept of the American Dream has captured the imagination of European observers for generations (Hector & Crevecoeur, 1782). This otherwise promoted a hard work mentality among the Americans by portraying that anyone, irrespective of their background, can still succeed in the United States of America.
Thirdly, the Educational Opportunities in the United States of America are remarkable. European observers have outlined the high accessibility to education in the United States of America. The existence of a Public education scheme for all children in America and the level at which the prestigious private universities open up scholarships to students irrespective of their background is an amazing thing that the British observer noted. Similarly, America’s consideration to stick to the implemented laws that protect all citizens through the judiciary is another significant that attracted a great deal of applause from the observers. The Egalitarian Legal System established in America’s commitment to equal protection under the law has been widely praised. European observers recognize the importance of due process and equal treatment before the law.
Additionally, the level of social toluene and diversity in the United States of America is another aspect that has garnered admiration (Hjerm et al., 2019). European observers have observed and taken note of the high level of national inclusivity and tolerance towards diverse populations in the United States. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are considered in the concept of American identity, something that promotes national unity. (Hector & Crevecoeur, 1782). Last but not least is the spirit of Entrepreneurship and Innovation that dominated American society. The United States nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship, allowing individuals to create businesses and shape their economic destinies.
The concept of equality
Thomas Jefferson’s advocacy of equality in his political discourse resonated with the social equality observed by European onlookers despite practical limitations and contradictions in his era. Jefferson’s partial support impacted the social and political space until today. He is mostly known for his declaration of the independence of America and his endowment of the concept of equality as a fundamental idea in America (Jefferson, 1774). European observers recognized this as promoting social equality, while Jefferson is still considered the founder of equality.
On the other hand, Jefferson ardently championed democratic governance, emphasizing a government deriving its legitimacy from the consent of the governed. European observers appreciated America’s commitment to democratic principles, aligning with achieving social equality through accessible political participation. Nevertheless, Jefferson strongly opposed hereditary aristocracy and the concentration of wealth and power (Jefferson, 1776). He envisioned a decentralized, agrarian society with widespread property ownership and opportunity, resonating with Europeans who admired America’s efforts to reduce social hierarchies.
18th-century views of equality are consistent or inconsistent with common views today
The 18th-century views of equality, as articulated by figures like Thomas Jefferson, were shaped by the context and norms of their time and are both consistent and inconsistent with contemporary views of equality:
Consistencies
The belief in the fundamental equality of all individuals remains consistent with contemporary views. The concept that everyone is entitled to fundamental rights is serious in the modern understanding of equality. 18th-century thinkers and modern equality proponents emphasize the importance of accessible political participation and representation.
Discouraging hereditary aristocracy and concentrated wealth attracts a contemporary view of minimizing disparities and encouraging equal distribution of resources throughout America. (Zumbrunnen, 2017). Additionally, the notion of meritocracy and equal opportunity, where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and efforts rather than their social status, continues to be a shared value in discussions of equality.
Inconsistencies
The concept of equality had often taken a short breath in the 18th century when only wealthy white men could consider it. However, in the current time, the view of equality has had an extended range that covers areas such as gender, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Current discussions on equality are now focused on addressing more forms of discrimination. Additionally, revolutionists like Jefferson, who lived in the 18th century, advocated for equality but still participated in discriminative activities such as enslaving other men and contributing to gender and racial discrimination. However, in modern times, all these actions, such as racial discrimination, condemn such inhuman activities and promote anti-discrimination measures.
Furthermore, the current views are now advocating for equality with a wider scope that recognizes several civil rights, such as LGBTQ+ and environmental rights. The discussion of equality currently considers global understanding and acknowledgment that people face many kinds of discrimination, unlike the 18th century, which viewed the concept of discrimination more narrowly focused on specific social and political contexts.
References
Hector , J., & Crevecoeu, St. J. (1782). What is an American? Retrieved from Teaching American History website: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/what-is-an-american/
Hjerm, M., Eger, M. A., Bohman, A., & Fors Connolly, F. (2019). A New Approach to the Study of Tolerance: Conceptualizing and Measuring Acceptance, Respect, and Appreciation of Difference. Social Indicators Research, 147(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-019-02176-y
Jefferson, T. (1776, July 2). Draft of the Declaration of Independence. Retrieved from Teaching American History website: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/rough-draft-of-the-declaration-of-independence/
Jefferson, T. (1774, July 30). A Summary View of the Rights of British America. Retrieved from Teaching American History website: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/a-summary-view-of-the-rights-of-british-america-2/
Zumbrunnen, J. (2017). Jeremy Bentham, A Short Review of the Declaration. Wisc.pb.unizin.org. Retrieved from https://wisc.pb.unizin.org/ps601/chapter/jeremy-bentham-a-short-review-of-the-declaration/
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