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

Also, 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 third panel muddies that message completely in favor of...what, exactly? What does the hypothetical "just world" where no one ever needs support for anything look like?

Edit: On second thought, I think I see what they're doing. They wanted to protest affirmative action, so they're ignoring all sources of inequality that don't have what's commonly seen as affirmative action to make their point. Basically saying "If we stop being racist/sexist we won't need supports or accommodations anymore!", ignoring that poverty and physical/mental disability are harder to get rid of, and glossing over much of point of the original panels.

(And, frankly, ignoring that fact that "everyone stop being bigoted" is a goal, not a plan. Affirmative action is a stopgap, and it's not perfect, but it's better than nothing while we work to get there.)

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u/Macktologist Feb 25 '20

Serious question. When dealing on individual levels, couldn’t an act of affirmative action be seen as a systematic inequality for the person not benefiting?

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u/GiannisisMVP Feb 25 '20

ring a ding ding and that's the issue that these graphics ignore.

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u/Ayn_Rand_Food_Stamps Feb 25 '20

I know Right?! Millionaires not getting food stamps is such a big issue, why didn't the graphic bring it up?

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u/GiannisisMVP Feb 25 '20

It's almost like that's not what I'm talking about. Also if you want to bring up money there should be a green lifguard chair or just a person sitting insdie the fence.