but i think in a very provocative way, myrdal offered a particular interpretation of southern culture. and by extension, american political development. he developed an argument that he called, "the american creed." right? in his telling, and this is a quote, "there's a basic homogeneity in this nation's evaluations. americans of all origins, creeds, classes, colors, have something in common, a social ethos, political creed." he continued, "it is difficult to avoid the judgment that this american creed is the cement in the structure of this great and disparate nation." now the ideals contained included notions familiar with us if you have read our founding documents. right? they include the recognition of the dignity of the individual human being. the fundamental equality of all men. certain inalienable rights to freedom and justice. and fair opportunity. we can read these sentiments and the declaration of independence, and the u.s. constitution, in various state constitutions. he recognizes the recurrence of these themes in all these documents. now because he was doing a study of ame