The idea that "all men are created equal" has been part of our nation since its creation, and on the surface it sounds like a wonderful doctrine that would benefit everyone if properly implemented. However, the idea of equality does not take into account the fact that humans are diverse in infinitely many ways. A pair of shoes might help a barefoot man, but they wouldn't help a man who already has shoes but needs a coat. Surely, it's more important to make sure everyone gets what they need than to make sure everyone gets the same thing? The idea of equity is that everyone gets treated justly and fairly, but what is fair is not always "equal" or identical.
Picture people standing at a ball game, right in front of a wall that separates them from the players on the field. There's a tall person, a medium person and a short person, and there are three blocks they can stand on to see over the wall. Equality would mean each person gets one block, even if the tall person doesn't need it to see over the fence, and the short person can't see, even with the block. The goal I propose instead is equity, which is defined as fairness or justice in a way that doesn't have to be uniform. Equity would mean that the tall person doesn't get a block, the medium person gets one, and the short person gets two. It's not "equal," but they can all see over the fence now. That should be our goal as a nation, to make sure that everyone gets to the point where they can see over the metaphorical fence, even if some people need more help than others to get there.
I think this sounds great Fabi! :) I think you've done a good job of getting your point across and also I agree with you.
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ReplyDeleteokay, so not only do you have a beautiful point that I totally agree with (mental illness could also be a part of that, for some people with certain mental illnesses being treated "equally" would not help them, maybe they need more help or in a different way)but you do a great job of describing it! The metaphor is AWESOME!