ABSTRACT
Equality means to treat things or people the same. Sometimes it means treating people in similar circumstances the same and treating people in different circumstances differently. Among other moves toward equality of opportunity were two efforts, one unsuccessful, and the other successful. The unsuccessful effort was the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which guarantee equal rights for women. The civil rights movement raised expectations within the African-American community of changes that in practice take long time. Race relations in the United States have always been difficult. The Civil War was fought to determine the nature of the union, but the ultimate cause was slavery. Gay rights touches upon some of the most sensitive issues in American society. It is part of what some see as a culture war. Prejudice is not limited to the United States, but it does run up against important American ideals. The country also needs to understand the implications of demographic changes occurring in the United States.
