United States Declaration of Independence as a Cultural Artifact



Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion1

United States Declaration of Independence2

Slavery and Declaration of Independence2

Future Generations and Declaration of Independence3

Conclusion3

References5

United States Declaration of Independence as a Cultural Artifact

Introduction

The 'cultural artifact' is a social science term particularly derived from, ethnology, anthropology, and sociology (Richard 1981). It refers to anything that is created by humans, and provides information about the creator(s) and the users. The archeological artifacts are also included in this term as it is wider and covers the archeological and modern artifacts. The artifacts are the blue print of evolution of society and the reason to believe in past in some cases. It holds the legacy of those who passed and that which led the present day individuals and society to this place. This paper discusses the United States Declaration of Independence as a cultural artifact that has had a very profound effect on the culture of America. The value we hold of equality in terms of color, race, religion, gender and nationality is largely based on the declaration of independence, and this is the reason for taking this once piece of paper, now as one of the most important artifacts today.

Discussion

We are surrounded by cultural artifacts, each having its history and influence on the culture one lives in. It is very difficult to segregate one single artifact to call it most important in terms of its influence on culture. However, the Declaration of Independence in United States has profound effects on the lives of Americans. The slavery existed for so long and equal rights were just a dream with open eyes. The Declaration of Independence made that dream come true. No single community can be isolated to say that it benefited from it in the best manner. The black, colored, poor, and women all felt relieved with equal rights. It is one thing to say and very different to do it. Declaration of Independence has been owned by the community, however, it took some time but finally it happened.

United States Declaration of Independence

Continental congress adopted a statement on July 4, 1776, which is commonly known as “Declaration of Independence”. The declaration announced that thirteen American Colonies in war with Great Britain are no longer part of Great Britain and should consider themselves as independent states (Armitage, 2007). These independent states formed what we today known as “United States of America”. The declaration was ...