The Illusion of Independence: From Feudal England to Modern America
Unveiling the Persistent Legacy of Exploitation and Inequality in the Pursuit of True Freedom
As we celebrate the 4th of July, a day that marks America's declaration of independence from British rule, it's essential to reflect on what independence truly means. While the narrative of freedom and liberty is central to this celebration, a closer examination reveals that the legacy of feudalism and indentured servitude has evolved, persisting in new forms in modern America.
The Roots of Inequality: Feudal England
Feudal England was characterized by a rigid hierarchy where power and wealth were concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority lived as serfs and peasants. This system ensured that landowners maintained control over resources and labor, creating a cycle of dependency and exploitation.
Indentured servitude was one mechanism through which this system operated. Individuals, often impoverished and desperate, would enter into contracts binding them to work for a landowner for a set number of years in exchange for passage to the New World or the promise of land and freedom afterward. However, this promise was frequently unfulfilled, and many found themselves in conditions that were scarcely better than outright slavery.
The Birth of a Nation: An Incomplete Independence
When the American colonies declared independence in 1776, the rhetoric of freedom and self-determination resonated deeply. Yet, the new nation was built on the backs of enslaved Africans and exploited laborers, perpetuating systems of inequality and oppression.
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that "all men are created equal," but this lofty ideal was far from reality. The economic and social structures that emerged in the newly formed United States bore striking similarities to the feudal systems of old. Wealth and power remained concentrated, with landowners and industrialists dominating the landscape.
To explore these themes further, consider reading:
"The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism" by Edward E. Baptist, which reveals how slavery was integral to the economic foundation and growth of the United States, challenging traditional narratives of American history.
"White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America" by Nancy Isenberg, which examines the history of class in America, focusing on the marginalized and often overlooked "white trash" population to reveal deep-seated class divisions.
"A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn, which offers a perspective of American history from the viewpoint of marginalized and oppressed groups, providing a critical examination of the nation’s development.
Modern Parallels: Economic Inequality and Labor Exploitation
Fast forward to today, and we see that the promise of true independence and equality remains unfulfilled for many. The wealth gap in America is staggering, with the top 1% holding more wealth than the bottom 90% combined. The modern labor force, particularly those in low-wage and gig economy jobs, experiences conditions reminiscent of indentured servitude.
Workers in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction often face exploitative practices, including wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to legal protections. Migrant workers, in particular, are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, echoing the indentured servitude of the past.
America: A Business Model
To understand the persistence of these inequalities, we must recognize that America operates much like a business. From its inception, the country was built on the exploitation of labor and resources, driven by profit motives. The founding fathers, many of whom were wealthy landowners, designed a system that protected their economic interests.
For a deeper understanding of these systemic issues, the following resources are invaluable:
"The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander, which explores the racial caste system that has emerged from the War on Drugs and mass incarceration in the United States.
"Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram X. Kendi, which traces the development and perpetuation of racist ideas throughout American history.
"Capitalism and Slavery" by Eric Williams, which examines the connections between the rise of capitalism and the Atlantic slave trade, arguing that the exploitation of enslaved people was essential to the development of capitalism.Creation of a Business: Founding a Nation
When a business is created, it begins with a vision and the establishment of foundational structures. Similarly, America’s founders crafted the Constitution and other governing documents to lay the groundwork for the new nation. However, just as businesses often prioritize profit over people, the early American system prioritized the interests of wealthy, white landowners over those of marginalized groups and continues that legacy today.
Company Culture: The American Way
Company culture in a business sets the tone for how employees interact, the values they uphold, and the goals they pursue. America's culture has long been one of competition, individualism, and the pursuit of wealth. This culture has perpetuated systemic inequalities, fostering an environment where success is often measured by economic gain rather than collective well-being.
The American Dream, much like a company's mission statement, promises opportunity and success for those who work hard. However, this dream is often unattainable for many due to entrenched systemic barriers. The culture of capitalism that defines America leads to a focus on short-term gains and the exploitation of labor, mirroring the feudal and indentured systems of the past.
Dissolving a Business: Reimagining a Nation
In business, when a company is dissolved, it undergoes a process of liquidation and closure. This involves addressing debts, distributing assets, and ensuring that all obligations are met. For America to truly dissolve its legacy of exploitation and inequality, a similar process of reckoning is required.
This means acknowledging the historical and ongoing injustices that have shaped the nation, addressing systemic inequities, and reimagining the structures that govern society. It involves a shift from a culture of exploitation to one of equity and justice, where the well-being of all individuals is prioritized over profit and power.
Reimagining Independence
True independence requires dismantling the systems of exploitation and inequality that have persisted for centuries. It demands that we address the root causes of poverty, provide robust protections for workers, and ensure that all individuals have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
As we celebrate this 4th of July, let's challenge the traditional narratives and strive to create a nation where independence is not just a historical event but a lived reality for everyone. Let's honor the spirit of the Declaration of Independence by working towards a society where all people are genuinely free and equal.
Conclusion
The journey from feudal England to modern America reveals that the struggle for true independence and equality is ongoing. By understanding and addressing the historical and contemporary forms of exploitation, we can move closer to realizing the ideals of liberty and justice for all. This 4th of July, let's commit to building a future where independence is not an illusion but a shared reality.
Quote of the Day
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin
A Special Note
As we reflect on these themes during Disability Awareness Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge the intersectionality of disability with race, class, and other identities. This article serves as a sneak peek into our upcoming Black August series, where we will delve deeper into the creation of the Business of America and its enduring impacts.
To support this ongoing work and help create equity, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your subscription ensures that we can continue to provide valuable insights and resources to our community.
In Solidarity and Empowerment,
Desireé B Stephens