Supported by

Animation

When the Poor Turn Against the Poor

Jul 03, 2018 | 72 videos
Video by The Atlantic

The American fairytale is far from enchanted, argues Matthew Stewart in his June 2018 cover story for The Atlantic. Power and wealth are concentrated in an anxious aristocracy, comprised of 10% of the population, that reigns by dividing the lower classes and pitting them against each other. It’s how most aristocracies throughout history have worked. It’s also how the American elite convinced 25 million non-slaveholding citizens to aid and abet them in slavery.


Can America ever live up to its promise of a government by and for the people?


We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.

Author: Jackie Lay

About This Series

Short, animated videos from The Atlantic

Series