The statement, “Americans have historically been overly concerned with equality, ultimately to the detriment of freedom” isn’t completely true. Based off of history Americans have been more focused on freedom rather than equality for all. A prime example of this would be the freeing of slaves. Tocqueville believed that slavery was necessary for the economy but didn’t agree with the fact that there was no democracy for the slaves. When the slaves were eventually given their freedom they were not treated equally, but treated as second class citizens. This a perfect example of Americans having the right idea of freedom but not equality. Other events over American history like the civil rights movement among others give to this argument.
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One reply on “Debate Question 1”
I agree, to say that Americans have historically been overly concerned with equality would be quite an exaggeration. If anything, it seems as though Americans should have been more concerned with equality in times like you said such as the abolishment of slavery or the civil rights movement.