Created Equally

 

Created Equally?

            In “The Declaration of Independence” Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independant,…they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & spirit of happiness.”  Because Thomas Jefferson was a slave owner, I stumble over those words whenever I read that passage.  I know slavery was commonplace at that point in time, and any person who was not white was thought not human.  Our magnificent country has made immense strides in realizing all men are indeed created equally, however, many discriminations and prejudices still exist.  Education is one area we fail our young children, especially minority children

            Latinos and African Americans are just two of the minority groups that make up our blended population.  These two particular races suffer inequality in education, jobs, and power.  They tend to live in poorer neighborhoods, thus receiving a substandard education.  The lack of quality education leads to mediocre jobs.  These second-rate jobs perpetuate a cycle difficult to break free from.  Generations continue to live in poor neighborhoods, receiving substandard educations, and obtaining mediocre employment.  Thus, they lack the power to change this vicious cycle.  They are not treated as equals.

            Until education becomes equal for all of our children, no matter their race, there will not be equality for all.  An education is the only way to break the vicious cycles of poverty and inequality.  With adequate educations, our children can gain exceptional employment.  By way of improved employment, those who are impoverished can break the cycle of poverty.  Only then will we be on our way to realizing the dream of all men being equal.

This essay was written in October 2009 for ENG105.