The Reality of Equality

Is the cry for equality a cry rooted in fallacy and mediocrity? This idea of equality, it is the reason given for most new policies these days, but is equality even possible?

To be equal is defined as "the state or quality of being equal." What does that even mean? I mean equal seems like a nice and neat word, but it really is anything but nice and neat.

What does it mean to be equal? Does it mean that we have the same things? Does it mean that we have access to the same things? Does it mean that we have equal opportunities? What exactly does it mean to be equal?

What I have found is that there is absolutely no way to achieve equality in life. It is a fallacy. Life is not fair, and that is reality. Oh, you can achieve pockets of equality here and there in life, but it usually will not last.

Does equality lead to excellence? I have yet to hear a clear logical argument in support of any type of equality leading to excellence. I, personally, see no way for equality to lead to excellence. A strive for excellence involves effort, experience and education (I tried hard to keep the 'e' theme intact.). Each is different for each person. Some can give more effort than others; some have more experience or education than others. Some have the money and connections to get education or experience that will be out of reach for others. Life is just not fair at times. Encouraging everyone to strive for excellence means that some will reach points that others will not, and equality will not be attained. I see no way for equality and excellence to co-exist; as a matter of fact, I would present them as mutually exclusive.

The reality of equality, in my opinion, is mediocrity, plain and simple. The only way to achieve equality is to lower standards, but here is the dangerous part. This point of mediocrity, resulting from the desire for equality, is not a static point; instead, it is a moving point with its only movement being down. This idea of equality is a downward spiral as it lowers standards to the point where everyone becomes equal, but at that point, when everyone is equal, the reality is this: everyone will not remain equal. Some will not maintain the current standard and the standard will again need to be lowered to capture them. This is the downward spiral of equality, and there is no way for it change its trajectory.

But, here is the really sad thing about this whole focus on equality; I believe it is a focus on weakness. If a collective goal is to make every one equal then that collective goal is also to make everyone the same, which is weakness. I believe strength is found in diversity. A focus on equality actually rejects all difference except that which has been chosen as the standard. If there were a focus on diversity as a strength, recognizing and embracing each difference as contributory to collective strength, then we might make some progress.

So, there you go... more comments from me, the peanut vender. Blessings!