Throughout history America has been viewed as the bastion of justice, freedom and democracy. The United States Constitution and its Amendments establish these ideals, which are in turn defended fiercely by the government. However, the stark reality and history of American slavery and gender inequality speak volumes about a duplicitous system.

In approaching this topic a close examination of ideological theories purported by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Frederick Douglass and Mark Twain will be used. In addition, texts such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Snow Falling on Cedars and The Pact will be discussed as literary expressions of inequality. Further historical and statistical information will be presented to establish arguments about American prejudice and the current climate of race relations and gender inequality.

The conclusion of this work will hopefully shed light on the historical relevance of today’s social problems.