The Declaration of Independence, heralded as a foundational document of American liberty, has historically been a beacon of hope for many. Yet, as we approach another Fourth of July, it becomes painfully clear that its lofty proclamations of equality and unalienable rights often exclude the very groups that need protection the most. Marginalized communities continue to suffer under systemic inequities that contradict the essence of this revolutionary text.
Unalienable Rights Remain Unfulfilled for Many
According to Voice of America, the Declaration defines unalienable rights as "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." However, these rights are far from guaranteed for all. In today’s America, the realities of wealth inequality and institutional racism make it abundantly clear that for many, these rights remain a distant dream. The wealth gap has widened significantly, with the richest 10% of Americans holding 70% of the country’s wealth, leaving the rest to scramble for scraps.
Systematic Abuses Under the Guise of Governance
The Declaration speaks to the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive. Yet, as reported by Law Scholars, the U.S. government continues to enact policies that perpetuate injustice. From mass incarceration to police brutality, marginalized communities are systematically oppressed. The over-policing of Black and Brown neighborhoods, coupled with a criminal justice system that disproportionately targets these populations, illustrates a regime that has strayed far from the ideals of liberty and justice.
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Workers’ Rights Violated in the Name of Profit
The pursuit of happiness is often equated with economic opportunity, yet workers’ rights are routinely undermined in favor of corporate profits. Many workers, especially in low-wage jobs, experience exploitation that is antithetical to the principles of the Declaration. As the U.S. grapples with the fallout of a pandemic that exposed vast inequalities, workers are fighting for basic rights—like fair wages and safe working conditions. The struggle of gig workers illustrates how the gig economy often denies basic protections, leaving them vulnerable and without recourse.
Police Accountability Remains Elusive
The Declaration’s promise of justice is rendered meaningless when the very institutions meant to protect citizens operate with impunity. Instances of police violence against marginalized communities reveal a grotesque disconnect between the ideals of the Declaration and reality. Calls for police reform and accountability grow louder, yet meaningful change remains stubbornly out of reach. According to community organizers, without transformative reforms, the cycle of violence and oppression will continue unabated.
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Hope for True Equality Must Persist
Despite the grim realities, activists and community leaders continue to fight for a more equitable society. The principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence still inspire movements for social justice and reform. The fight for Black Lives Matter, the push for workers’ rights, and the demand for comprehensive criminal justice reform are fueled by the very ideals that the founding fathers proclaimed. As reported by Jagran Josh, understanding these rights as fundamental human entitlements compels us to hold our government accountable to the very promises it made over two centuries ago.
