We hold these truths to be self-evident, that 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 Happiness.
Thomas Jefferson 1776
Thomas Jefferson was an intelligent man. In my opinion he was one of our greatest presidents. But the only thing that bothers me is that he said that all men are created equal. He wrote that while he owned a plantation with slaves on it. And during this time, women were still seen as the weaker sex and Native Americans were being pushed off their land.
So why did people accept that Jefferson was only talking about white men? It wasn't until a century later that slaves were freed. And women had to give up everything they owned to their husbands until the mid 1800s. Native Americans were pushed onto little reserves and a lot of their culture died.
But that all happened and I can't change it.
If you knew me personally, you would know I'm a giant history nerd and into politics. Not to mention a strong supporter of female rights. I speak out loud about all the things that seem unfair to me like unequal pay.
And that leads me to writing this story.
I recently read a book about African Americans during the 50s and 60s. They faced a lot of hardships and it wasn't just having to sit on the back of the bus. A lot had to live in fear. Racism is killer.
So I wondered what it would it be like to live during this time period. How would this have an affect on me? What would a teenager like me have to do with this? So I created a friendship between my character and a black girl.
Now this story may have some crude language so bear with me. It actually happened and I'm just telling a story.
Please enjoy!
YOU ARE READING
All Men Are Created Equal?
Historical FictionAbigail Lane is a white 14 year old girl living in New Orleans. New Orleans 1962. A time where discrimination and racism spreads like wildfire. It has never affected Abby before but since she became friends with Mandy, a black girl, she has to deal...