Ragin Kobets

Period 3
English III
9.18.16

Declaration essay

The Declaration of Independence is a document written in 1776 by representatives

from each of the 13 colonies. This document set the United States separate from the British
crown which had overstepped many boundaries in ruling the colonies. This declaration also
outlined what is expected in regards to rights of U.S. citizens. It states, All men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these
are life liberty and the pursuit of happyness. This quote means that all people living as
citizens of the United States deserve to live and be happy, they deserve the same
opportunities to pursue said happiness. This also mean that whatever an individual's social
status, race, gender or any other distinguishing component to their identity, they are created
equally and deserve to be treated as such. What was put onto paper to be the way of life is the
United states has not carried on to modern times. From discrimination to violence, the
original right of an american citizen are not being honored.
An example of how the treatment and rights of citizens is not being honored is the
modern day gender wage gap. According to the Huffington post, currently, a woman
doing the same job as a man is only getting paid 75% of what her male counterpart is
making. This shows the unequal treatment of citizens based on their gender.

A poll taken by USA Today in 2011 shows that the majority of americans
recognize racism to still be a prominent problem in modern america. In recent months
there has been a huge controversy over the police bias against people of color being
innocent until proven guilty. The statement that all men are created equal has been
ignored by many in todays day.
An unalienable right that was outlined in the Declaration of independence be given
to all americans was Life. in june 2016, 49 innocent lives were taken because of their
sexuality. Not only was their right to life taken, but their right to liberty and happiness as
well. All because someone did not believe that they deserved it just because of who they
choose to love.
Overall, what was once the ideal treatment of citizens of the united states and the
rights that they were given is not still present in todays society. Racism, sexism,
homophobia and hate crimes are a fear that is present in the majority of americans lives. If
you are at all different from the people around you, chances are that you will not be treated
the same and that is just wrong. Everyone deserves these basic unalienable rights life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.