I just saw a meme that made me realize why I am so frustrated with the ongoing outcry for “equality” and “justice.” The problem is a fundamental difference in worldview, perspective, and definitions.  Let us start with the latter.  I will use Webster as the reference document – chosen here before looking up the definitions in question – because it is the American English “standard.”

Per Webster:

Equality: the quality or state of being equal: the quality or state of having the same rights, social status, etc.

(related) Equity: fairness or justice in the way people are treated.

Justice: the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments

Now – in reference to the meme shown – the “equality” panel displays people of different sizes on equal size boxes.  They are ALL standing behind a fence, apparently attempting to watch a sporting event.  The meme is an indictment of social “equality” as it attacks that value as being limiting to those that are artificially or naturally limited to attaining a certain level of achievement.

The second panel shows the same three people watching the game from the vantage point of inversely proportionally sized boxes, that place all three at the same overall height – thus allowing for ALL to view the game.  This is a wish for the forced “equality” in result for all regardless of natural or artificial impediments in their personal situations.

This is abhorrent to me on a number of levels – however, it has finally illustrated to me the reason that I – nor anyone else – will ever be able to convince those that support that worldview that they are anything but victims of circumstance, racism, sexism, heightism, weightism, or whatever other -ism that can be remotely blamed for the natural and artificial barriers that must be overcome to succeed and/or achieve.

The fact that justice is equated to forced equality of result is anathema to all that is personal achievement, the American Dream and personal responsibility.  While some may argue that the taller of the group has a responsibility to help the shortest person to the top – this would maintain a moral argument based on altruistic motivation (or forced motivation at the end of the State’s gun) as well as the complete inability of the shorter person to solve his own problems.

Therein lays the basic conflict that apparently cannot be resolved.  Call it what you will – greed, selfishness or whatever –ism comes to mind.  But the fact remains that the person with natural ability – OR THE STATE – is expected to provide for the forced equality of result for the shorter person. 

This person that posted this meme is saying that “justice” is forced equality of result – regardless of artificial or natural impediments.  Thus – society (the State) must accommodate the shortcomings of he that falls short of full potential (pardon the pun).  Hence, I must surmise that original poster feels that there are artificial or natural impediments that prevent her from achieving…

Rudyard Kipling once wrote of the “White Man’s Burden” to be the caretaker and father figure to the undeveloped races – that is “people of color,” and by implication females of all stripes.  Is this to say that the White Man is responsible, nay, beholden to all others to maintain forced equality of result despite any and all impediments?  Is this a tacit admission of an inherent LACK of equality that leads to inequity and injustice?  Is this such a lack of racial, sexual, and cultural self-esteem that one of a minority must rely on the altruism of the White Man to boost his “lesser” to achieve at his level – or lower his own level of achievement to meet those of the minority?

To me this is the worst kind of racism, self-loathing, projection of “White Privilege,” and 21st Century Plantation attitude that one can have.  How can the hated “White Man” – have such power over another in the form or artificial or natural impediments that one is unable to overcome them, rise to any challenge and achieve to the limits of your own potential?  How can he then at the same to be expected to then acquiesce to demands of skewed “justice” and give up any artificial or natural advantage in order, not level the playing field – but to skew it in one’s favor?

If I find an obstacle blocking my path – I find a way to go over, under, around or through it, as would most people.  Sometimes this requires help – to be sure.  However, the attitude that there is NO JUSTICE unless the State destroys the perceived obstacle – or in the case of this meme, skews the field in favor of the naturally inhibited is an abomination.  There is no justice in artificial and forced success.  There is no pride in a handout.

One must attack the problem.  Educate oneself and find solutions.  Work hard and achieve.  If you fail – try again, or try a different way.  OR realize that you are not meant to be a racecar driver, astronaut, rocket surgeon, sports star, or President.  Further, realize that it has nothing to do with your race, color, creed religion, sex, or sexual orientation – it just means that you were not talented, educated, smart or physically capable of performing at the required level.

In closing – I must remind everyone that I am absolutely in favor of equal treatment under the law – and an equal opportunity to pursue success and happiness.  What I cannot and will not support is forced equality of results or denigrating ANY race, color, creed, religion, or sex expressly to the benefit of another for the sake of so-called “justice.”