Equality: What the Hell Does that Mean?

“Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, co lour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.” - Section 15.(1) Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, April 17, 1982

“…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…” - Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

There have been debates since the times of the ancient Greeks on what constitutes equality. Are all men created equal? Or are more equal than others? Should the state enforce equality on its citizens? Or should it take a laissez-faire attitude toward it? These questions have been studied, dissected, and argued over for centuries. In the modern western world, it seems we have a hybrid of three basic ideas. It’s proper to understand these three ideas as you, the reader, are under their influence in every moment of your daily lives.

First Idea of Equality: Equality at the Start

The basic form of our ideas on equality at present can be seen best through the American and French Revolutions in the 18th century. Throwing of the yoke of British dominance in America and the people’s successful fight to remove the monarchy in France are two shining examples of the quest for freedom and the removal of privilege by a select few over many others.

The American Declaration of Independence has become the foundation of most western states when discussing the spirit of and implementation of laws to govern its citizens. It has resulted in a state that believes everyone is equal before the law. No one is subject to any law that another is not. This has led to a capitalist style of economic development and a democratic style of government. Simply put it’s an idea that everyone is equal at birth and how they progress in life will only be subject to their abilities and choices as they age. If we compare it to a race, for example, it would be a race where everyone lines up at the same distance from the finish line. When the gun sounds, it’s every person for him or herself; who finishes first will depend on their ability to run and their decisions on when to conserve energy or sprint full out. The law, in this example, would be the rules enforced on the runners to keep them from cheating.