Fairness, Not Just Sameness

In the world we live in, a lot of people think that it is by treating everyone the same way that makes it the best way to be fair. That is, they believe in equality. Which simply means giving to everyone the same treatment, same opportunity, same thing, without a recourse to their situation. It is true that equality may sound good by just looking at it on the outside, but it may not produce the best result. This is why I believe that equity, which is also considered as fairness, has a better bet of producing good results.

In the place where I worked some years back, there was this employer that was involved in an accident and sustained a very serious injury. She spent a while in the hospital, then upon resumption, she used wheelchair for about 1 year before switching over to crutches and then to walking stick, before being able to walk unaided again. However, during her period of using the wheelchair, something amazing happened. The company is a two-storey building, and her own office is on the second floor. The only way to access the top floor is through the stairs, which made it difficult for her. This also affected her work and made it very difficult.

The truth is that everyone is expected to use the stairs, but in that situation, equality will not be fair to her, so they had to bring in equity. They installed a ramp for her, and it was amazing. Even before they installed it, the management gave her the freedom to use someone else's office on the ground floor until the ramp was ready. This is equity. It removed the barrier so that everyone would have a fair opportunity to work optimally, including the lady on wheelchair. You see, at that point, equality would not have been fair to her, but equity was where the fairness was.

Fairness considers the different situations that people face in life. The truth is that not everyone has the same point of starting? There are some people that grew up with more opportunities, stronger support system, and better resources. While some others may have been born into poverty, with a lot of challenges, discrimination, and limited resources. So if everyone was to receive the same treatment, those who have advantage already will continue to move forward, while those who are facing difficulties may remain far behind.

Fairness recognises the fact that people's needs are different from each other. It focuses on giving each person the required and necessary support that they will need to succeed. Understand that this is not partiality or favouritism or special treatment without any reason. Rather, it is recognising that true justice actually involves helping people to overcome the barriers that may prevent them from reaching their true potential. Just like the story of the lady on wheelchair I shared earlier. When they provided her with the necessary support, it was easier for her to undertake her tasks to the best of of her abilities, and her productivity improved too.

Some people may argue that sameness is rightness, and the right thing to do. But I tell you, there are times that being right may simply make you unkind. But by being fair, you maintain kindness. Fairness is part of the demands of humanity. In your place of work, in your home, in the community, etc, you should be fair. It also leads to inclusion, and compassion. When people know that their unique challenges are understood, they will feel valued and it will create a sense of belonging in them. This also makes them to participate actively in the society, and also contribute their talents.

It is true that life is a race, but it is not a race where everyone begins at the same starting line. Some start with advantage and privileges, while others start with obstacles and challenges. But when fairness and equity are involved, it will help bridge the gap between the starting points, and give everyone a genuine chance to succeed and make it. Instead of treating everyone equally, fairness addresses real needs, while making room for opportunities. This is what makes fairness better than sameness.

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