Equality can divide.

"Equality: The History of an Elusive Idea" by Darrin M. McMahon explores the concept of equality throughout history, examining how different societies and ideologies have approached it. The book highlights that many ideologies of equality have been predicated on the exclusion of certain groups, leading to divisions and contradictions. The author discusses the American and French revolutions as well as the civil rights movements in the United States, emphasizing the complexities and limitations of equality. The book also touches on contemporary issues such as identity politics and the contrast between national and global equality. Overall, the book suggests that history teaches us that while there may be progress in some areas, there can also be greater divisions between people in other areas. [Extracted from the article]