Equality in America
The authors of this week's essay argue whether or not America is becoming more equal. But the assumption underlying this argument is that equality is a good thing. And, of course, based upon Thomas Jefferson's statement that "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal..," this has been our mantra even if we didn't always apply it...equally.
What about our treatment of other nations? Does our mantra of equality apply to them? This week your written assignment is to resolve the apparent conflict between Thomas Jefferson's statement "that all men are created equal" and the concept of "American exceptionalism." Should we accept one and not the other? Is American exceptionalism - exceptional?