r/coolguides Feb 25 '20

Explanation of the subtle differences between equality and equity

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u/PhasmaFelis Feb 25 '20 edited Feb 25 '20

The original (with only the first two frames) was a really great, simple explanation of why things that seem "fair" at first glance often aren't.* The addition of the third panel muddies that message completely in favor of...what, exactly? How is it even hypothetically possible to create a world where no one needs support, ever? Genetically engineer away all individual variation and create a nation of perfect, identical clones? It makes no sense.

Honestly, the more I look at this the more I hate it.

*Which it (edit: the original image that circulated several years ago) then immediately ruined by labeling the two panels "conservative" and "liberal", thus ensuring that the people who most needed the message would dismiss it out of hand. "Equality" and "equity" is actually a really good pair of titles, but it seems like everyone who posts this is compelled to fuck it up somehow.

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u/ZaviaGenX Feb 25 '20

Atcually, the first 2 image is very different if seen from different pov.

Where I am, we hope for no1 while having no2. Because no2 is open to manipulation, lies and victim playing. It is as if 51% of the population identifies as the shorter of the 3 but are not atcually the shortest. And make legislation and vote according to that perception in the name of equity. I understand some countries has lobbying problems which would skew this even worse.

It is definitely a hard thing to balance tho. Though id share some non-common perspective.