In the decades following the Declaration of Independence, Americans began reading the affirmation that “all men are created equal” in a new light. This simple yet powerful statement has had a profound influence on the course of American history and the fight for equality and justice. While the Founding Fathers may not have fully lived up to these ideals in their own time, the phrase has served as a rallying cry for marginalized communities and social justice movements throughout the years.
Thomas Jefferson helped immortalize the expression, but he didn't invent it. The words in some form date back centuries before the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. They are rooted in the Enlightenment ideals of equality and natural rights that were circulating in Europe at the time. Jefferson's use of this language was a reflection of the broader intellectual currents of his era.
Jefferson's vision of equality was not all-inclusive. But we cannot ignore the fact that the most famous words Jefferson wrote were a declaration of universal principles that have resonated with people across the globe. The phrase has been invoked in struggles for civil rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and more, demonstrating its enduring relevance and power.
This Fourth of July, the United States of America celebrates its 247th birthday. Our still relatively young nation has endured for almost a quarter of a millennium, and the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence continue to shape our national identity and aspirations. While we have not always lived up to these ideals, they provide us with a moral compass to strive towards a more perfect union.
Afrofuturistic projects have established a safe space for queer artists to express themselves in the mainstream while also pushing progressive thought. By reclaiming and reimagining the phrase "all men are created equal" in new and innovative ways, artists and activists are challenging traditional notions of equality and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Three years after the creation of the United Nations, world leaders decided to complement the UN Charter with a road map to guarantee the rights of every individual. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, draws on the principles of equality and human dignity that are at the heart of the Declaration of Independence. It serves as a global affirmation of the idea that all people are entitled to the same fundamental rights and freedoms.
We all agree that inequality is bad, Joshua Rothman writes. But what kind of equality is good? The question of what true equality looks like has been a subject of debate and contention throughout history. The phrase "all men are created equal" has been interpreted in various ways by different people and movements, reflecting the complexity and fluidity of the concept of equality.
Several South Florida high school educators are alarmed that a new state civics initiative designed to prepare students to be “virtuous citizens” does not adequately address issues of social justice and equality. The phrase "all men are created equal" serves as a reminder that education plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of equality and justice, and that it is essential for students to learn about the history and legacy of this powerful declaration.
