Justice and Equality

Although we are a society that takes pride in the belief that “all men are created equal,” we also celebrate the individual, something you cannot do without first accepting that we are, in fact, unequal and have varying talents and characteristics. When we praise someone for his or her intelligence, athletic ability, or whatever, we are automatically acknowledging that there are people of less intelligence and fewer physical capabilities.

Not only do we understand that people are unequal but we routinely set standards and expectations based on these differences. We mainly see this division in sports and our education system where people are separated based on gender, age, and of course ability. The reason for this unequal treatment is obvious – it would be unjust (and unrealistic) to do otherwise.

I think this process lends itself to less obvious and more uncomfortable situations as well. Just as an NFL coach places only the best on the field each Sunday and cuts players who are too small or too slow from the team, we as a society should not be ashamed to do the same thing when it comes to areas of more social importance. Characteristics such as race, gender, and class background obviously do not determine whether or not someone is qualified to become a doctor, a general, or a judge, but certainly there are some traits that members of these professions should have. This not only benefits those who make the cut, but those who do not as well. Imagine a game where professional athletes lined up against an average American couch potato.

Though it sounds like discrimination, I think this realistic view is equality and justice at their bests. The terms equality and justice for most people boil down to one thing (at least in a social or moral context) – fair treatment. And you cannot achieve true fairness without taking in the whole picture.