Equality Means?

In the search for a definition of equality I decided to shift focus from government and policy makers to my peers.  I have posted some of the responses below.  Thank you to those who were kind enough to participate in my not too scientific piece of  research.

I shall post more as I get them.  In the meantime please feel free to respond to any of the posts or, take the poll, or even both.



  "every one is equal in every way__some hope!"
Peter, retired film editor.


  "every one is the same"
Michelle, Community volunteer.


  "never thought about it that much. But if I said what I thought it probably wouldn't be liked"
Lee,tyre fitter
  " Asking - What the term Equality means to me is one treacherous question its a bottomless pit in discussion, one persons equality is another persons route to oppression.

In my job as a firefighter the term equality has been sidelined and replaced to some extent by the concept of Fairness: Fairness at Work is an attempt to protect the worker against the employer the minorities against the majority. Although progress has been made and tolerance has increased the tendency is to force prejudice underground under the banner, often, of Political correctness gone mad.
Equality may mean treating everyone the same, without favour with justice rather than a set of laws. It is about accommodating difference or tolerating difference with due regard, respect and dignity
.Structurally society is at odds with fairness and equality ours is an unequal world wealth, power and control over ones own life go hand in hand, discrimination exits at all levels the law can only lay down behavioral limits which can be easily pushed aside or circumvented. Some religious groups could never be reconciled to homosexuality, or the role of women. Justice and fairness for all is but a slogan not a reality.
In conclusion, equality has a social and political edge, a secular Trinity always in conflict always being redefined and accommodated by the structure it exits in its strength ebbing and flowing in a constantly warring sea of conflicting needs. Reconciling those needs often requires a fight were there are winners and sore losers."

 John -Fire fighter

  "Never really thought about it, But, if I said what I think it probably wouldn't be liked"

Lee, Tyre fitter.