The Long Fight Against Equality
The United States has long been hailed as a beacon of freedom and equality, but a new book by historian Kim Phillips-Fein reveals a more nuanced history. Country of Lords: Neo-Aristocrats, Social Darwinists, and the Long Fight Against Equality in America explores the ways in which elites have worked to undermine equality throughout US history. From the founding fathers to modern-day tech moguls, Phillips-Fein argues that the struggle for equality has been met with resistance at every turn.
Phillips-Fein's book is particularly timely, given the current state of economic inequality in the US. With the wealthiest 1% of Americans holding an increasingly large share of the country's wealth, the issue of economic inequality has become a major concern for many citizens. The book arrives amid celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence, which famously declared that all men are created equal. However, as Phillips-Fein notes, this ideal has often been more aspiration than reality.
A History of Resistance to Equality
The history of resistance to equality in the US is long and complex. Phillips-Fein's book covers a range of historical figures, from John Adams to Peter Thiel, who have worked to undermine equality in various ways. Adams, one of the founding fathers, was ambivalent about egalitarian claims and feared the consequences of too much equality. In contrast, figures like Andrew Carnegie and William Graham Sumner were more explicit in their opposition to equality, advocating for Social Darwinist ideologies that justified the concentration of wealth and power.
The book also explores the role of race-based inequality in US history. Figures like George Fitzhugh and Theodore Lothrop Stoddard advocated for the idea that certain races were inherently superior to others, and that this justified the institution of slavery and other forms of oppression. These ideas have had a lasting impact on US society, and continue to influence contemporary debates about issues like immigration and affirmative action.
The Modern Fight Against Equality
Phillips-Fein's book is not just a historical survey, but also a commentary on contemporary issues. The rise of tech moguls like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel has led to a new era of extreme economic inequality, with a small group of individuals holding an increasingly large share of the country's wealth. As Phillips-Fein notes, this has led to a deep sense of discomfort and anger among many Americans, who feel that the system is rigged against them.
The implications of Phillips-Fein's book are clear: the fight against equality is not just a historical phenomenon, but an ongoing struggle. As the US continues to grapple with issues like economic inequality, racism, and sexism, it is more important than ever to understand the historical roots of these problems. By exploring the ways in which elites have worked to undermine equality throughout US history, Country of Lords offers a powerful framework for thinking about the challenges of the present and the future.