How do you think the statement "all men are created equal" was interpreted at the time it was written ?

Answer 1

That statement was a reflection of the men that founded this country, white protestants. That statement's meaning has evolved throughout time to be interpreted to have meant the ideals from the founding fathers was to create a melting pot. That was not they're original intention. The original settlers were themselves escaping religious and political persecution. The were setting up a society for people like them with the same values and beliefs that they had. As others have mentioned, at that time women and men that were not white were not considered equals. With the knowledge that is what the beliefs were at that time, how can we say that statement was intended to be applied to all.

Answer 2

Women are men's human, social, intellectual, and spiritual equals. Not superior. Not inferior. Equal. Women are not less important, less worthy of human dignity and respect, and not inferior to men because they're female. Women have minds with which to think and reason. They are individuals, persons, leaders, authority figures, thinkers, and above all, believers in Almighty God in their own right. Women are not at men's mercy because they're female, the so-called "weaker sex". Men and women were created for each other. The idea of woman being created AFTER MAN and FOR MAN gives the perception of woman being an afterthought, a secondary being--someone at man's beck and call 24-7. Woman was created from the same human nature as man. Body structure and reproductive systems differentiate them. Just because men do not become pregnant, give birth, go through a "time of the month", and anything else essentially female does not make them inherently superior to women. Sperm is not superior to ovum. Testosterone is not superior to estrogen. Too many people seem to conveniently forget that Almighty God is The Only Superior One--The Supreme Commander-in-Chief. And The Superiority of The Almighty is all that matters. No one and nothing can compete with Him. Thank God for that!

Answer 3

The prevailing monarchy at the time in Great Britain awarded estate and titles to children and family of nobility and the occasional commoner who had performed an extraordinary service. Normally, a child born of merchant class or the peasant class was doomed to that station throughout his life - no matter his accomplishments or contribution to society.

The framers of the Declaration of Independence wanted it clearly understood that this "birth equals destiny" attitude would not be tolerated. Thus was born the meritocracy and "The American Dream.

Answer 4

The phrase comes from the Declaration of Independence. The drafters of that document meant that all white men that owned land were created equal. There was no consideration of women's rights implied and slaves and native Americans were not considered men.

Answer 5

At the time, I'm sure they intrepreted it as "All White Protestant Married Land-Owning Men are created equal".

Luckily for us, things have changed though.

Answer 6

That American born MEN were equal to the British.

Answer 7

It had it's limitations..You were only "created equal" if you were a white person. That kind of sums it up wouldn't you say?

Answer 8

back in the day it meant that man-anything of human nature was created the same as everybody else starting with the same oppurtunities as another.. it takes may things to make a man not equal... such as the way they are raised, environment, habits(lifestyle) etc

Answer 9

you have to remember at this time slaves,women and children where property. Only men could own property. All Men of legal age have the same rights.

Answer 10

I think it means we are all born in the world equally, and from there it is that you must learn that life is not fair