Rex Nutting: Privileges of race and class perpetuate inequality, limiting America’s potential
“All Americans have been promised the right to pursue their own happiness. Implicit in that promise is a guarantee that we should all have the opportunities to make the most of our abilities and our effort. The promise of the Declaration of Independence isn’t the certainty that we will all live happily ever after, but that we’ll have just the chance to pursue our happiness. It’s the opportunity, not the outcome, that’s an inalienable right. But, sadly, our nation is still a long way from providing equal opportunities for everyone. The circumstances of birth still matter more than they should. Being born into poverty — or being born black, or female — is still a handicap, no matter how brilliant and hard-working you are. And being born into privilege (such as being born wealthy, or white, or male) still gives some people a head start. Race and class still matter a lot in America.”