So, here’s a quick lesson on Equity I learned from a friend.
At first you may be tempted to think that equity is just equality with two letters carelessly left out. In fact even the Google dictionary labels them as synonymous. But in reality, equity and equality mean two very different things. This idea is a lot easier to understand in story form, so imagine you have three people; one short, one average, and one tall. They all go to pick fruit in the forest together. After walking for a while, they come to an apple tree and three crates. Excitedly, each person grabs one crate, puts it below the tree, and reaches up for an apple (an example of equality). The tall person can easily reach the apple, the average person can reach the apple, but the short person cannot reach the apple. For some nonsensical reason, they had all decided that they were to pick their first fruit at the same time, so the two taller people don’t pick the fruit and then help the short one to reach the apple. Instead, the tall person gives the short one their crate so that they can all reach the apple (an example of equity).
Happily, the three pick the apples, shove them into their mouths and walk home.
This is a fine enough example, but let’s put it in perspective.
Black Lives Matter vs All Lives Matter. This is a confusing topic because of course all lives matter, but that is not the message of the slogan. Black Lives Matter is drawing attention to the fact that in the U.S. criminal justice system black lives are not valued as high as white ones. So they are trying to give black people another “crate” so that everyone can reach the “apple”, so to speak. Did that make any sense? Bottom line is; yes all lives matter, but black lives are the ones who currently need the support.
Bottom bottom line is; support equity, not equality!
Perfect metaphor, George!
Interesting piece, George. I’m going to a White Ally Toolkit workshop this week – maybe I’ll be able to use your example.
Interesting piece, George. I’m going to a White Ally Toolkit workshop this week – maybe I’ll be able to use your example.
Dear George,
This is such a fantastic piece of writing explaining the importance of equity beyond equality. You utilized a powerful metaphor and also helped to explain the significance of the Black Lives Matter slogan. Thank you for your important work as a change agent.
Excellent metaphor George!Couldn’t have said it better!
from Betty:
Dear George,
This is such a fantastic piece of writing explaining the importance of equity beyond equality. You utilized a powerful metaphor and also helped to explain the significance of the Black Lives Matter slogan. Thank you for your important work as a change agent.
Love,
Bett
Dear George,
Excellent way to show the difference between Equality and Equity. In my work in many countries we have started talking about Health Equity…need to figure out how to use your apple picking example to talk about Health Equity…the poor does not have the same access to health care as rich folks…so how can the rich (= to your tall person) help others …..
Hugs, Ev