Liberalism, race, and contract are all extremely broad terms that encompass a variety of implications and meanings. The definition of each of these terms has evolved throughout history and continues to evolve today. Though these terms all have separate definitions, they have common roots. Liberalism, race, and contract are all elements of the political, social, and racial aspects of America. Liberalism is the base upon which race and contract are built. Liberalism is a political ideology that links together politics and economy via the free market. While liberalism may seem to be a favorable philosophy in some ways, there are startling fundamental contradictions within this political ideology that are not so appealing. Liberalism has long
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In order for individuals to be able to have contract, each person must have the “condition of self-ownership” (60). Contract, like race, also emerges from a liberal society. It also relates to both race and liberalism in terms of slavery. Obviously, African Americans who were enslaved in our nation’s past did not have self-possession in the eyes of the state. By definition, slavery was not a fair contract. African Americans did not voluntarily enter into an agreement with their slave-owners and they certainly did not receive a “reciprocal benefit” (60). Liberalism also plays an important role in skewing the potential benefits of contract in its ideal form. Stanley contends that contract contains undercurrents of the inequality within liberalism, and as a result, does not offer universal benefits of being able to exchange freely and voluntarily. However, liberalism’s promotion of equality and freedom tend to overshadow and smooth over this stark contradiction within the idea of contract (62). In conclusion, the terms liberalism, contract, and race are all related. Each concept contains core contradictions and common social, political, and racial roots. Contract, liberalism, and race all have been historically woven together to create inequality among citizens. Studying these terms, together and individually, allow the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how certain injustices and prejudices have been formed and maintained throughout our nation’s
In order for individuals to be able to have contract, each person must have the “condition of self-ownership” (60). Contract, like race, also emerges from a liberal society. It also relates to both race and liberalism in terms of slavery. Obviously, African Americans who were enslaved in our nation’s past did not have self-possession in the eyes of the state. By definition, slavery was not a fair contract. African Americans did not voluntarily enter into an agreement with their slave-owners and they certainly did not receive a “reciprocal benefit” (60). Liberalism also plays an important role in skewing the potential benefits of contract in its ideal form. Stanley contends that contract contains undercurrents of the inequality within liberalism, and as a result, does not offer universal benefits of being able to exchange freely and voluntarily. However, liberalism’s promotion of equality and freedom tend to overshadow and smooth over this stark contradiction within the idea of contract (62). In conclusion, the terms liberalism, contract, and race are all related. Each concept contains core contradictions and common social, political, and racial roots. Contract, liberalism, and race all have been historically woven together to create inequality among citizens. Studying these terms, together and individually, allow the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how certain injustices and prejudices have been formed and maintained throughout our nation’s