While it is necessary to recognize that Tocqueville presented his ideas about American society in the 1830s when reading his work, specifically Democracy in America, many of his intuitive declarations and impressions remain beneficial when considering contemporary problems. In the several readings that have been addressed, Tocqueville provides an outside perspective on the unique establishment that is the United States. As a Frenchman, he is most familiar with aristocracy, but makes an effort to comment objectively on American democracy and its distinction from aristocracy. He describes in depth the ways in which America’s geographical aspects influence the lives of those who inhabit the land, the primary reasons for the Anglo-American migration to America, and the peculiar situation of the three races which exist in the country. All of these elements are omnipresent in certain ways in American society today, however Tocqueville’s sentiments on the condition of the three races in the United States is especially applicable to the substantial issue of racial prejudice that the country currently faces.
Although the United States is a democracy, it is not, nor has it ever been, a pure democracy. There is great social stratification among the people, and continuous contempt between those that are in power and those that are not. To put it plainly, the people who currently and always have held the power in America are the white citizens, specifically males. Through Tocqueville, the origin of this disjunction and the reason for its persistence is clear. In chapter 18, he speaks on the significant institution of slavery. Through slavery, the black race was born. Africans were stripped from their homes and grouped together as one identity even though they came from different cultures and places. Although slavery at the time was not yet abolished, Tocqueville predicted that it eventually would be, however he pointed out that “there is a natural prejudice that prompts men to despise whoever has been their inferior long after he has become their equal” (357). Even though slavery may cease to exist, Tocqueville insisted that inequality and disdain would remain. This is due to the idea that those who hold power usually do not want to give it up, and when it is possible that they may lose their higher status, they feel threatened. Additionally, because slavery created the black race, without slavery, free slaves do not yet have a place in society. As Tocqueville asserts, those in power will do all that they can to maintain their place of privilege.
Considering the issues that America is facing today revolving around race, Tocqueville’s theory is spot on. It allows readers to better conceptualize the issues of race in America today. Power remains in the hands of the white people and distaste is still felt by some toward other races. This is illustrated through the fact that almost all of the American presidents have been white. Additionally, the pushback that occurred when Barack Obama, an African American, was elected as President of the United States conveys the aversion towards black people that many white Americans unfortunately continue to hold. Therefore, Tocqueville’s ideas about the future are relevant when attempting to address these issues. At the end of the chapter Tocqueville indicates that “the Negroes and the whites must either wholly part or wholly mingle” (373). He suggests this because of his understanding that if America is to be a true democracy, equality must be entirely present for all races. Everyone must be on the same level in order to erase the damage that slavery and other cruel acts have forced those not classified as white to endure. Unfortunately, while there has been a notable improvement in the relations between the races in America since the 1830s, inequality still remains. Through Tocqueville one can understand why this is occurring and recognize that change must take place.
It can be stated that while many years have passed, Americans are still facing many of the same societal problems. While Americans pride themselves in democracy and equality, these ideas do not exist for all who live in the country. This was the same in the 1830s as it is now. Race serves as an impediment to true equality. As seen through Democracy in America, Tocqueville recognized these foundational issues at the start. They have persisted into current times because they are deeply ingrained in the country’s roots. Therefore, Tocqueville’s point of view and suggestions for the future are beneficial and necessary when attempting to address certain contemporary issues in American society, specifically that of racial prejudice.
De Tocqueville, Alexis. 1990. Democracy in America. New York: Vintage Books Edition.