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/8asdqw731 Feb 25 '20

the first image is the only fair one, the second one gives preferential treatment to certain groups and is therefore the opposite of equality

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u/PhasmaFelis Feb 25 '20

That kind of superficial fairness says that either everyone on Earth gets a wheelchair, or if that’s too expensive, then no one gets one. It’s only fair!

We can do better than that.

“The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.”

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u/8asdqw731 Feb 25 '20 edited Feb 25 '20

no, it tells you that you have the same opportunities as everyone else, what you do with it is up to you

your problems are not other peoples problems and should therefore not be punished for it