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Thomas Paine's assertion that America is a diverse nation where "the taxes are few" and there is "nothing to engender riots and tumults" may reflect certain ideals, but in today's context, while America remains diverse, his observations about taxes and societal upheavals no longer hold true.
America has long been celebrated as the world's "melting pot," attracting individuals seeking the fabled "American Dream." Across its history, the nation has welcomed immigrants fleeing war-torn, famine-stricken, and poverty-laden regions.
America represents an opportunity for individuals to carve their destinies, a sanctuary dating back to the arrival of the Puritans escaping religious persecution from England in the 17th century. Waves of immigrants, including those fleeing the Irish potato famine, followed suit. This trend continued, drawing people from various corners of the Eastern Hemisphere. The appeal lies in America's absence of a national language or religion and its non-dictatorial governance, ensuring equal inalienable rights for all.
However, while the nation stands as a beacon of diversity, disparities persist.
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Economic inequality remains palpable, as evidenced in cities like New York, where opulent displays of wealth contrast starkly with visible poverty. The affluent promenade through expensive boutiques and dine in luxurious restaurants, while the less fortunate scavenge through trash cans for sustenance or resort to panhandling on sidewalks. Such disparity contradicts Paine's vision of an equitable society devoid of oppression and privilege.
Paine's optimism about a riot-free America also confronts historical and contemporary realities. Instances of social unrest have punctuated American history, challenging the notion that turmoil could be minimized.
Shay's Rebellion in the 1780s, an uprising by Western Massachusetts farmers protesting taxation, defies Paine's assertion about the scarcity of taxes leading to unrest. Moreover, movements such as women's suffrage in the early 20th century and the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, notably led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., underscore societal struggles against inequities and discrimination.
Even in modern times, dissent persists, manifesting in protests against governmental decisions on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion. This continuous discord contradicts Paine's belief that America could evolve into a harmonious nation free from dissent or protests.
While Paine envisioned an ideal America, the reality diverges significantly from his vision. The nation continues to be a beacon of diversity, attracting dreamers worldwide. However, economic disparities persist, and societal discord remains a defining feature, contrary to Paine's hopeful assertions.
Ultimately, America stands as a testament to resilience amid diversity, yet it grapples with societal challenges that persist through time. Paine's perfect vision of America might forever elude reality, but the nation's ongoing journey toward equality and unity remains a constant aspiration.
America's Diversity and Thomas Paine's Vision. (2016, Aug 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/argument-essay-thomas-paine-essay
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