Incidentally, that is a popular myth now - “built on the backs of slaves”. Just like the pyramids! LOL (Of course they also like to say THEY were the Egyptians.)
Anyway, don’t you think the entire “working-class” mantra of “built in US” because it was literally built in the US lays the foundation for this view? I mean, we have been conditioned - by unions, which are by nature socialist - into thinking it’s all about the “working” man. That literal manual labor is the important thing.
In truth, who THOUGHT and PLANNED and DESIGNED is the real linchpin of progress, not mere “building”. Nothing would’ve been built without someone having an idea and feasible plans.
The union myth leads to this new-found pride (sort of) that (black) slaves are the real drivers of progress here.
You are right in your analogy. The communist indoctrination of the working man did it all and the leaders and risk takers were just along for the ride. It serves their propose to have people believe that and that todays élite will show the working class they way out. That way out includes giving up your rights for some safety and security.
“You Will Own Nothing and You Will Be Happy”