"From the beginning, human civilization has been characterized by acute contradictions. All human advancements derive from the original sin of civilization, namely expropriation and exploitation. Without an exploited people toiling on expropriated land, there is no surplus to allow for material, intellectual, and technological progress. Thus far, civilization has proceeded on the basis of numerous social hierarchies legitimized by various myths. These legitimizing myths facilitate denial of various forms of expropriation and exploitation. In America, these have included "whiteness" vis-a-vis Indians and black slaves, , , , , , American exceptionalism, and "humanitarian" interventionism."