Inequality? What?

Today in a particularly inquisitive and unabashed class, students asked me about inequality in the US. At first, I was quite taken aback by the question. Inequality? Yes, there is inequality, but how is it any different in France? Evidently, French students are under the impression that either Americans are rich or have no money, that few people like Hispanics or African Americans, that Atheists are treated like dirt, etc. This makes me wonder: Why? Why is it that French students have this impression? Is it true? Maybe it is true on some levels - yes, there is a larger SES gap in the US than in France, yes some people are still discriminated against, yes some atheists are looked down upon yada yada. But it is so much deeper than that.

For starters, French history and American history come from completely different points of view. Our concepts of freedom are opposite, even though in the end they may both achieve some sort of freedom. Americans see freedom as anyone doing whatever they want, whenever they want, no matter the consequences (within reason). Americans normally embrace difference and difference is encouraged. I have seen countless numbers of posters, flyers, and slogans that all speak about 'embracing difference.' It is how our country was founded - come and do what you want! France on the other hand, sees freedom as assimilation - if everyone is the same or gives the public appearance of being the same, there will be nothing to discriminate against. For example, the French concept of laicite. Laicite is the French separation of church and state which is supposed to promote freedom of thought and freedom of religion. In many ways, it is a great thing (i.e. no state religion). In other ways, it is very confusing to me and other Americans. A part of laicite is the law against conspicuous religious symbols. This meaning, that large crosses, sweatshirts with a huge verse on the back, Stars of David, hijabs, etc. are forbidden in schools and other public institutions (small, 'discreet' symbols are still allowed). To many Americans, this is seen as taking away freedom, as not allowing freedom of speech. To many French people, this further promotes freedom and equality. In this way, when people keep their lives 'discreet', it is impossible to discriminate against one person or another. We can immediately see the great difference between the definitions of freedom.

So, in order to answer the question about inequality, I first had to address the differences in the word 'freedom' (to the best of my ability without being too biased - that's hard!). Another issue is that teachers and schools are normally 'left wing' in France. Students are told information that the left wants them to hear - 'Americans don't want poor people to have insurance, that's why there are 45 million uninsured Americans.' Of course with hearing information in that way, students are going to be for universal health care in the US! In general, it's hard to fight against years of left wing indoctrination.

So, in the end, I just ended up explaining, to the best of my ability, that France and the US are the same. There are extremes in every country. There is discrimination in every country. It may be seen in different forms, but it exists, unfortunately, everywhere. Most Americans don't discriminate against poor people, minorities, or religions - but of course it exists, just like it does in France.

But what can we do to get rid of this stereotype? Why is this still such a problem in the 21st century? Looking back, my students are right. There are major problems of discrimination in the US. French people have to fix their own country, but what can we as Americans do to improve our attitudes? God loves us all equally. We should follow His example.