Equality in Law Vs. Society: the Ongoing Disparities

The ideal of legal equality in the U.S. is often at odds with the realities of systemic inequities. Disparities in racial and gender equality remain at the forefront of American debates. Some argue that governmental measures have been insufficient in addressing the economic empowerment and wealth distribution necessary for achieving true equality for all Americans. Despite well-established laws promoting equality, inequality persists, particularly within the labor market and across racial and gender lines. This essay explores the historical and ongoing human rights challenges faced by Black Americans, highlighting how societal inequities persist despite legal frameworks aimed at equality.

For many years, the Black community in the United States has encountered systemic racial discrimination. This is evident in disparities between whites and Blacks in access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. Additionally, the Black community faces higher rates of infant mortality compared to their white counterparts. Discrimination and segregation have historically fostered inequality, threatening democratic values and hindering socio-economic development. Despite both groups having historical roots in America, Black individuals continue to face contempt from segments of the white population. It's crucial to recognize that equality is far more complex than mere legal equivalence.

Historical Perspectives on Equality

Benjamin Franklin was among the first Americans to articulate the concept of equality and inequality in the nation. He emphasized the unique identity of America, advocating for values such as science, reason, free thinking, and respect for human rights and morality. At the core of Franklin's philosophy was a deep understanding of human diversity. He believed that while individuals are inherently different, a sense of citizenship, federalism, and constitutional governance could respect these differences and promote equal opportunities. Franklin's vision for a democratic society laid the groundwork for equality and democracy in America. He argued that reason and virtue are essential in actualizing the equality enshrined in the Constitution.

Franklin's views can be juxtaposed with those of W.E.B. Du Bois, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. Unlike Franklin, Du Bois's political views were more radical, focusing on the social transformation of Black Americans. Despite not experiencing slavery firsthand, Du Bois championed Black human rights and equal rights for all Americans. His ideologies, rooted in American conservatism, emphasized the necessity of change and continuity in American values to achieve equality, especially for Black communities. While Franklin and Du Bois both advocated for self-empowerment among Black Americans, Du Bois stressed the importance of addressing social inequality as a barrier to achieving comprehensive economic and human rights.

The Role of Capitalism and Moral Society

From the perspective of thinkers like Ayn Rand, capitalism is seen as the only system capable of safeguarding individual rights. Human rights are moral constructs, and individual rights serve as a means to balance societal power. The United States, with its ethical standards, has succeeded in integrating moral principles into its social system, creating a society where personal rights limit national power. Although the nation has strived to establish equality, racial discrimination and gender issues persist. A moral society must discern between good and bad, advocating for justice without making moral judgments about others. This responsibility often deters individuals from political engagement, yet moral neutrality is unattainable. The absence of gray areas in ethical principles necessitates clear moral judgments.

American equality, lacking rationality, is illustrated by the alt-right's rise within conservative American politics. This ascendancy, epitomized by Ronald Reagan's policies, promoted American conservatism and republicanism, fueled by fears of socialism and moral relativism. While alt-right proponents champion individual liberty as a core American value, this contradicts modern calls for social justice and equality. The alt-right's moral stance has exacerbated inequality and racial discrimination, underlining the need for Americans to prioritize social equality and governmental action to achieve this goal.

The Future of American Politics

By 2050, the American political and social landscape will have undergone significant transformations. Between 2020 and 2046, the population of racial and ethnic minorities is expected to rise substantially. Despite efforts to limit immigration, controlling population growth remains challenging. As Stein (2015) suggests, the political future will likely hinge on the views of current racial minorities. Social and economic equality will be pivotal in shaping the political discourse. Presently, many Black Americans align with the Democratic Party, suggesting a future of Democratic ascendance. Politicians are increasingly distancing themselves from overt racism, recognizing its global repudiation as a "devil."

Media and politicians must continue to communicate moral judgments, yet the press often struggles to confront reality. Political conflicts exist in every nation, but the endorsement of racism is deplorable. Addressing this issue is challenging, as accusations alone cannot resolve the underlying grievances. Understanding why such grievances arise within the social structure is imperative. In an ideal society, discrimination based on skin color, language, origin, race, gender, or religion would be nonexistent. Embracing diversity and shared dreams requires ongoing interest and effort, alongside comprehensive measures against all forms of discrimination.

In recent elections, the Democratic Party has garnered substantial support from Black, Latino, and Asian-American voters. Demographic trends indicate a decline in Republican politics, suggesting increased polarization. As individuals face hardships related to race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual identity, inequality remains a pressing concern. If racism persists, it will amplify discrimination across broader issues. Research indicates that the driving force among minorities is not merely political affiliation but socio-economic inequality. Achieving equality among all individuals will define American politics. Parties advocating for multiculturalism, human rights, equality, and gender balance in socio-economic opportunities are poised to dominate the political landscape.

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