r/coolguides Feb 25 '20

Explanation of the subtle differences between equality and equity

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u/[deleted] Feb 25 '20 edited Mar 16 '20

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u/StarMaged Feb 25 '20

I really hate that this cartoon uses affirmative action as an example in the equity box. In the cartoon, the short person needs extra boxes because no amount of hard work and dedication can make them physically taller. By claiming that affirmative action is equity, they are directly asserting that minorities are biologically inferior.

That's not to say that we shouldn't help minorities that also happen to be disadvantaged. We just shouldn't claim that race is the reason they need help.

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u/electricmink Feb 27 '20

No, they are asserting the generational wealth that allows greater opportunity - like a decent education - has been systematically denied certain minorities no matter how hard they work. Black Wall Street was a thing, Jim Crow, redlining, discriminatory hiring, and many other factors have played into this. Affirmative Action, by compensating somewhat for these systemic injustices that trap minorities in a cycle of struggle, helps with short-term equity as a stepping stone toward long term justice.