Equality is a hocus-pocus word
Crusades in its name are frankly absurd.
A flight of fancy...a myth...a mystery -
A "never been known" throughout human history.
In reality here's a reasoned reference:
Those who claim it aim for preference.
Better by far for social unity
To strive for equal opportunity!
.....................................................................................
Po - thanks for the link you provided. It looks like the lawyers there
will be getting even more work in that minefield of human behaviour.
JM - thanks for your comment. The starting point for any individual life in human history is agreed:dependent on circumstances beyond the'control of that individual, for good or otherwise. It has
been so through recorded human history, with the occasional instance of eminence being achieved through individual effort
within the system in existence. But is there anyone anywhere
who can define the word "equality" in any recognisable real sense?.
Of course, someone can say "I'm as good as you are" and no one
will think it unusual or unacceptable. But the word "equality" still]
defies definition in practical terms. These days it seems to be the default term for those challenging a society which they see as
not reflecting their own "look" or the lives they live to a degree
that is acceptable to them..
Before God, we are all equally wise, and equally foolish.
Albert Einstein
Anybody made of flesh and blood is equal to all others made of flesh and blood. That's the starting point. However, some people acquire advantages through genetics and inheritance and education. So, this has be compensated for. I suggest the state pays for the children of the poor to attend Eton, Harrow etc with all fees paid by taxpayers. That might move us a little way to equality.
Jennifer - thanks for commenting. You say "All animals/men are equal, but some are more equal than others!" That leads me to ask:
Is a lion equal to a lamb in the biting order? It interests me that two
great countries (USA and France) that have made a big thing of
"equality" in their political manifestos are in constant turmoil
because of it. Trying to realise the unrealistic ? The simplistic
politically adroit "born equal" completely sidesteps the immediate
reality of human existence AFTER our arrival into this world, while
the French inclusion in "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was a high-
minded bit of revolutionary tub-thumping meant to capture the hopes and dreams of a nation that had endured and suffered from dismissive aristocratic idiocy, and was ready to try anything that might be better. To finish with a very basic but real conundrum:
I am a man and cannot bear children. Where is the "equality"
with a woman who can. And in what sense? The premise, like
so many others under the heading "equality" is, in my view, unanswerable and impossible to obtain within its proper definition.
How then to impose the impossible via legislation without indulging
in preferment - thereby contradicting the true meaning of the word itself?
With the acceptance of equal treatment before the law, I stay with "opportunity" as the most logical solution.
.
All animals/men are equal, but some are more equal than others!
Perhaps legislation can help to move people up and down the ladder slightly anyway, but I think that real equality is impossible.
Agree with Brian.
Jennifer
Thanks Brian - I stand by the thrust of my words in their widest meaning.
There is too much twaddle talked about equality - usually to suit a
purpose. But I'll add the following:
How to describe it...how to define?
And does your version agree with mine?
Can someone "legislate" so that I can come into the wealth or power necessary to realise my dreams? Or obtain good health? Or be
accepted as member of a club I aspire to? And so on and so forth.
Equality has so many undefinable aspects, it is utterly nebulous in
its widest sense, and, I submit, beyond any logical possibility to
set it down in law without partiality corrupting the endeavour. That leaves us with "opportunity".
<Deleted User> (18980)
Mon 15th Jun 2020 18:18
I agree Mark, at least to some extent. Equality can be legislated for, but it must also be earned. It also takes a couple of generation for change to become the norm.
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M.C. Newberry
Fri 31st Jul 2020 21:49
Po - Lawyers and bankers seem to be held in low regard in the US
of A - probably based in their historic ties that may have acted against the interests of struggling ordinary folk trying to make ends meet and falling foul of loans and legal proceedings. From my own
distant youth I seem to recall the expression from over there;
"Truth, justice and the American way".. Lately, that appears to have
changed to "Truth, Justice and the American way of manipulating
both". ?