Equality means correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability in the words of the dictionary. Put into more simple terms equality means to be the same as someone or something according to your ability, looks, etc.
Equality is a significant value in a society because without equality people would feel either superior or inferior and would treat each other differently. For example, years ago African-Americans were seen as not equal to other races, specifically Caucasians, and were treated unfairly. They were slaves due to the color of their skin, and that made them unequal. When the law was passed that African-Americans were just as equal as Caucasians, they were to be treated like human beings. That paved the way for all human beings to be "equal" and obtain the same rights.
In my opinion true equality cannot be achieved because we as humans do not know the true meaning of equality. People say they want equality but it needs to be specified in what way. All people do not have the same opinions. I believe that as we are born into this world we are equal but as we grow and progress into adolescences we tend to develop our own opinions, morals, and ideas which classify us in the world.
1 comment:
Interesting response.
First, why do you put equal in quotation marks in the second paragraph? This implies that the idea of all being equal is an ideal, but not reality. Is that what you meant?
Second, I disagree with your paraphrase of the dictionary definition in paragraph one. I interpret the dictionary definition as focusing on the sameness of position, power, status. Your definition takes to more superficial values such as appearance. In my experience, it is this extension of equality into sameness that creates the difficulties you mention in your final paragraph.
I am intrigued by your inclusion of the idea of humans being born as a blank slate into the discussion of equality, compounding the complexity of the issue with the nature vs. nurture debate. I hope you present this in class discussions.
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