Fairness is the true equality
Often, people think that equality and fairness are the same thing, but they are quite different. It is possible to be equal while still being unfair, and it is possible to be fair without being equal. It is all about ensuring that everyone has what they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The idea of equality is that everyone should be treated the same, no matter what. But the idea of fairness is that everyone should have the same chance to succeed, even if they start from different places. So, to be fair, we might need to give people different things in order to level the playing field.
A good example is healthcare. Imagine that one person is healthy and rarely needs to see a doctor. Another person has a chronic illness that requires regular doctor visits and medication. To be fair, we shouldn’t simply give both people the same amount of money to spend on healthcare. Instead, we should provide more financial support for the person with the chronic illness, so that they have the same chance to be healthy as the person who is healthy.
When we live in a society that is fair, everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. But when we live in a society that is only equal, some people are at a disadvantage from the start. A fair society is a more just and equal society, because everyone has the same chance to succeed.
How can we create a fair society?
One way is through public policy. For example, we could create policies that ensure everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and other resources they need to thrive. We could also create policies that address systemic inequalities, like racism or sexism.
Another way is through cultural change. We can work to create a culture that values fairness and equality, rather than simply equality on paper. For example, we could work to change attitudes about people who are different from us, or challenge stereotypes and assumptions.
Also we can create a fair society through individual action. We can all make small changes in our own lives that have a big impact. For example, we can be more mindful of our own privilege, and use our privilege to help others. We can also speak up when we see unfairness, and advocate for others who don’t have a voice. A fair society is not only more just, but also more vibrant and prosperous. It is not about giving everyone the exact same thing, but rather making sure that everyone has what they need to thrive.
