Are All Men Created Equal?

697 Words2 Pages

The Declaration of Independence states that “All men are created equal,” but is it really true? Sadly, the United States has not always honored this quote, and many people have worked hard to change that. Had it not been for civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, America would not be the melting pot it is today. These people worked hard to have equality for all, and their wishes were granted in the amends of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a result of this act, segregation was outlawed and for the first time every citizen of the United States had equal opportunities. My life, in addition to the lives of all Americans, has been greatly impacted by the act’s contents. There are no more segregated schools, and students of different races, religions, and national origins are allowed to mix. Many of my friends are of different races and religions, and my school treats everyone as equals. My morals have also changed upon reading the Act; I knew that judging people by their race was frowned upon, yet I never took it so seriously until now. It is fair to say that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has changed people in more ways than one. I participate in numerous extracurricular activities all over Columbus, and as a result know countless people. My circle of friends is now multifarious and has become a huge part of my life. A good portion are of different races or religions than I, but I couldn’t have asked for better. Those kinds of details never bother me, and if anything, bring us closer together. If it wasn't for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, I would not be as active in the community and my group of friends would be depleted. Desegregated schools or desegregated movie theaters would not be a... ... middle of paper ... ... Civil Rights Act of 1964 has made an obvious impact on the United States of America. All races, religions, and sexes have an equal opportunity to hold a job, can go places in public without being restricted by segregation, and can attend public schools of their choice. My life has been forever changed by the Act, and I cannot imagine what life would be like without it and how people would act. Friends I have made and places I have been just add to the proof of the Act’s deeds, and I know people, both black and white, are finding the same thing. By learning more about the Act, I started to live it, and I think that has caused one of the greatest changes in my life. Though people have their differences, and trust me, I have mine, America, along with the Act’s assistance, was able to look past that. I now truly know what it means to not judge a book by its cover.

More about Are All Men Created Equal?

Open Document