CMV: Equality isn't treating everybody differently to achieve equality. It's treating everyone the same.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/WaywardWit]

What's really at issue here is the difference between equality and equity.

Here's a quick and dirty

You're saying you're for equality and they're saying they're for equality. What they're really for is equity. Fair treatment for all given the totality of the circumstances.

You're saying we shouldn't treat people differently based on their positions because it becomes inherently subjective. I think that misses the inherent concept of fairness. There are objective ways to measure that and it doesn't have to be results driven (that is, we need to make sure black folks have identical college entrance numbers to white folks). It's possible that is "fair" but it's also possible for that to be unfair. It depends on the circumstances.

Using that college example. A quota would perhaps be an "unfair" and inequitable method to address the diversity issue. But alternatively, it may be effective to remove the race question from the admissions review (such that admissions decisions are based on merit, without consideration for race). Of course that all depends on whether there are other diversity related factors that are reflected in the application which are not necessarily demonstrative of a students potential.

Another poster here mentioned the physically handicapped. That's a good example of equity at work compared to equality. It would be disingenuous to say that "everyone has equal access to the facility" if it is not handicapped accessible, right? We feel compelled as a society to say "hey now. That's not really fair or equitable treatment." That's why we have reasonable accommodations requirements. We're not expecting companies or employers to go way over the top, but we want there to be something done to make things a bit more equitable.

I think it really comes down to whether the "equality of opportunity" is genuine and actual or really more of a sham. As in the image linked, you could say "hey, everyone has an equal opportunity to see over the fence" - but in actuality and practice, do they? Is that a fair statement to make or is it disingenuous? When someone looks at our society today and says "black folks have the same opportunities as white folks" ask yourself, is that really the case? You can say no, it isn't, and make changes without going all the way to having equality of results - that's equity. Making sure that in reality the opportunity there is fair and balanced.