Discomforting Truths: The Emotional Terrain of Understanding Difference

A According to the myth of liberal individualism, difference is not an obstacle to achieving the American dream. In the land of equal opportunity, everyone competes on a level playing field. If you work hard, you’ll succeed; whoever reaps the benefits of the American dream deserves the rewards so rightly earned. In the land of the free, difference is either overlooked, tolerated, or celebrated as a flavorful ingredient for the melting pot.