Two odd bedfellows

Would you rather be treated equally or fairly? Some people would say they are the same, and that absolute equality is the only fair way. I would disagree.

Treating someone fairly means treating them in a manner that is consistent with their character, actions, and in a way that they’ve earned through respect or other means. There are many people that have earned my respect and there are those that have lost it, and I personally would not treat them the same.

Treating people equally sounds magnanimous on the surface but ignores the efforts and character of those that have put in the work and similarly ignores the lack of character and efforts of those that could give a shit. Equal but definitely not fair.

In my opinion you cannot point to a time or a circumstance where treating people equally did not result in a sliding scale that ultimately catered to the lowest common denominator. Equal treatment stifles excellence. It lowers expectations and discourages innovation and individuality.

It’s my opinion you can give everyone equal opportunity without treating them equally. I believe in equal opportunity. I believe in fair chances. I believe in a helping hand. I believe we ALL deserve to live our best lives.

I also believe that people will show you who they are and you should believe them and treat them accordingly.

I do not want to be treated the same as everyone else. I want what I’ve earned. I want what I deserve through the way I’ve conducted myself and the work I’ve put in. I want nothing more or less.