America sees itself as the beacon of equality and democracy throughout the world, constantly claiming the title “Leader of the Free World.” It is constantly touted by American politicians that America is the example that all nations should aspire to become, where a dirt-poor citizen can become a multimillionaire with just enough “hard work.” The constant rhetoric today that the “American Dream” is still accessible to all citizens, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic class is horrifyingly ignorant. In theory, anyone can be successful. However, the situation we are born into plays a vital role in our achievement. Some are born with a lot of privilege, starting within strides of
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He observed that, “when inequality of conditions is the common law of society, the most marked inequalities do not strike the eye; when everything is nearly on the same level, the slightest are marked enough to hurt it” (Tocqueville 138). This means that the less equal a population is, the less scrutiny differences in equality will face. However, the more equal a population is, the more important minor details are in defining equality. As Tocqueville has argued that all men are equal in a democracy, this great level of scrutiny is used to examine every facet of American life. In this aspect of American life, Tocqueville is completely correct in understanding American society and the effect equality has on the perception of the rights and privileges of others. In June 2015, same-sex marriage was finally legalized in all 50 states. However, the debate of whether to legalize same-sex marriage was and still is a debate that polarizes some. While some may not agree with a “homosexual lifestyle,” the most important question that needed to be answered was whether or not same-sex marriage should be equally protected under the law as heterosexual marriage …show more content…
John C. Green explains that organized religion is one of the most important sources of tradition, and that “most religious groups in the United States have long believed that homosexual behavior is morally wrong” (Green 2). This means that those who oppose gay marriage on a religious basis are not horrible people, rather these are the moral values they grew up with. While religion plays a role in morals and values, it should not dictate law in the secular sphere of a country. However, that was not the case until quite recently, as in the 2004 election, George W. Bush was re-elected as he ran with similar “moral values,” such as not supporting gay marriage, to some religiously conservative Americans (Campbell and Monson). This shows the power of the idea of equality in America, as once the chance of marriage equality was within reach, strong opposition broke out. Tocqueville accurately described this aspect of American society, as same-sex couples do not gain more rights than heterosexual couples through the legalization of marriage, however, the fear of same-sex couples gaining more rights caused some to fight against its legalization. None of those who oppose same-sex marriage cared to fight against its legalization until the possibility of legalization seemed to be
He observed that, “when inequality of conditions is the common law of society, the most marked inequalities do not strike the eye; when everything is nearly on the same level, the slightest are marked enough to hurt it” (Tocqueville 138). This means that the less equal a population is, the less scrutiny differences in equality will face. However, the more equal a population is, the more important minor details are in defining equality. As Tocqueville has argued that all men are equal in a democracy, this great level of scrutiny is used to examine every facet of American life. In this aspect of American life, Tocqueville is completely correct in understanding American society and the effect equality has on the perception of the rights and privileges of others. In June 2015, same-sex marriage was finally legalized in all 50 states. However, the debate of whether to legalize same-sex marriage was and still is a debate that polarizes some. While some may not agree with a “homosexual lifestyle,” the most important question that needed to be answered was whether or not same-sex marriage should be equally protected under the law as heterosexual marriage …show more content…
John C. Green explains that organized religion is one of the most important sources of tradition, and that “most religious groups in the United States have long believed that homosexual behavior is morally wrong” (Green 2). This means that those who oppose gay marriage on a religious basis are not horrible people, rather these are the moral values they grew up with. While religion plays a role in morals and values, it should not dictate law in the secular sphere of a country. However, that was not the case until quite recently, as in the 2004 election, George W. Bush was re-elected as he ran with similar “moral values,” such as not supporting gay marriage, to some religiously conservative Americans (Campbell and Monson). This shows the power of the idea of equality in America, as once the chance of marriage equality was within reach, strong opposition broke out. Tocqueville accurately described this aspect of American society, as same-sex couples do not gain more rights than heterosexual couples through the legalization of marriage, however, the fear of same-sex couples gaining more rights caused some to fight against its legalization. None of those who oppose same-sex marriage cared to fight against its legalization until the possibility of legalization seemed to be