Module 1

Discussion

What does 'equality' and 'equity' mean to me?

@Sep 9, 2020 12:32 PM

Personally, I believe that we should strive for equality, because true equity will be very hard (or even impossible to achieve). But then again, perhaps I am misunderstanding the topics, I tried my best to educate myself on these concepts but if I am missing the point please let me know so I'll be happy to learn!

To me, equality means

Essentially, ‘giving everyone the same thing’
Equal treatment under the law
Equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities
Treating everyone with the respect and kindness they deserve, regardless of their identity, not discriminating against other people’s race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc.

To my understanding, equity means

Giving in portion to how much someone need it, aims to ensure everyone is given the same
Depends on individual status, wealth, etc

But this is a complex subject matter, and there’s more things that come to mind when I think about equality on an individual, institution and a societal level

I feel like in a perfect society, there will be no discrimination or prejudice on the bases of race, gender, sexual orientation, income etc. As individuals, we can try to create this society, we can try to not judge or discriminate others based on who they are, we can try to give equal opportunities, treatment and rights but there’s only so much we can do. I believe that the reality is, many of the systems in our society are created in a way that oppresses and discriminates certain groups—and maybe it will always be this way.

Or maybe not. I’m not too sure what our future has in store; but for me, I find it hard to imagine a world where everyone is truly treated and created equal, even if I want this to be true. That is why, I find it hard to believe in true equity. I believe that there will always be one person richer than another, and there will always be discriminatory and biased individuals in power, and there will always be people born with disabilities and disorders that make life just a little harder.

Who knows, maybe we will get to a point where everyone is given equal starting grounds, but I do find it hard to believe. I guess the best we can do now is treat everyone equally in our individual lives, and encourage institutions to enforce fair, non- discriminatory policies and give equal opportunities. I believe that equal opportunity is the most important part of all of this because even if people aren't born on the same starting ground, and even if some people will have to jump higher to reach the level that they want; equal opportunities gives everyone the chance to jump

Please let me know if anyone disagrees with this, or if I am misinterpreting the meaning of equity and equality, I'd love to hear your opinion or learn more about this topic Thank you for reading!

@September 11 at 3:17 PM

This really resonates with me!

I often think that maybe I won't be able to see change in my life time, and it's very easy to fall into that pessimism! I haven't quite figured out how to combat it yet, but I'm sure this course will give us the opportunity to find things we can do progress closer towards that end goal.

And I think the goal should never be to ensure that everyone is the same, rather it should be to embrace those differences and combat the systems preventing us to have the same opportunities.

@September 12 at 4:06 PM

Thank you for taking the time to read my response :) I love what you said in the last paragraph, you summed up the main ideas of what i was trying to express really well!!

@September 15 at 10:59 PM

I agree, ___. If we were able to switch our mindset from giving everyone the same opportunity, to embracing our differences and supporting those differences as individuals, rather than a society, we would see much more equality in the world we live in today.

@September 15 at 7:09 PM

I really love your view. It is concerning about whether or not things will change in terms of equality because as much as we hope for the best and want this change to be made, we cannot control everyone and make them all see eye to eye. But we can certainly try.

@September 15 at 7:28 PM

Thank you for your response!! And I am glad you understand what i was trying to communicate: the fact that we can try, but we probably don't have the power to change and control everything

@Sep 10, 2020 1:03 AM

Hey everyone,

These are my definitions before reading the definition and terminology module 1.

To me, equality is when people are giving the same amount no matter what their status is. Equity is when people are giving the amount they need depending on their status to be the same as others.

For example, if two people are trying to look out a window but one person is tall enough to see and the other is not, equality would be giving both people the same ladder to stand on. Equity would be giving the shorter person the ladder so that they are the same height as the other person who can already see.

@September 12 at 4:26 PM

Thank you for the very straightforward definition and the interesting metaphor! I really enjoyed reading your response

@September 12 at 11:57 PM

Thank you so much!!

@Sep 10, 2020 1:13 PM

I see equality as giving each individual the same level of support or treatment regardless of their circumstances. This would mean giving a millionaire and a homeless person $100 each. The same amount of money would mean so much more to the homeless person than it would to the millionaire. This would not change the disparity between the two people, the millionaire will still be better off and continue to be in a better position of life.

Equity would mean to give each person what they need so that they are all on the same playing field. This might mean giving the homeless person more resources for them to get on their feet and able to support him or herself while not giving anything to the millionaire because they already have the resources they need to live a comfortable life.

Equity is about giving each person what they require, while equality is giving each individual the same thing.

@September 15 at 7:04 PM

I really liked the analogy you made. It was relevant and interesting to think about. for me personally.

@September 16 at 5:07 PM

I like the analogy you made referencing giving a millionaire $100 and a homeless person $100. Like ___ said, it's super relevant and interesting. It really puts it into perspective the difference between equality and equity.

@Sep 10, 2020 4:29 PM

To me, equality is treating everyone the same in spite of their differences, whether that be race, gender, socio-economic background, etc. Equity, however, is providing everyone with resources tailored to them to bring everyone up to the same level.

@Sep 10, 2020 10:30 PM

I believe that equality and equity are two very misunderstood terms out there. Equality suggests that everyone, regardless of any differences, must be treated in the same way, whereas equity suggests that people’s needs must be catered to in order to have the same end result. I think to best describe the difference, an example can be given: accessible doors are a form of equity because with disabilities are not able to open doors easily on their own, so their need is catered to in order to have the same outcome as a person that does not have a disability. A lot of people strive and fight for equality, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and gender rights, but I believe that equity is a better fight to have a stance with. As a woman that would like to have a baby in the future, I would want a longer maternal paid leave than my husband because I physically birthed the baby and would need to take up more responsibilities for the wellness of the baby - this is not equal treatment of both parents but it is equity.

@September 15 at 5:18 PM

I completely agree with your standpoint on equality vs equity. In the content it was said that at one point women were considered to have power in the family. Birth and topics surrounding it such as menstruation were a sign of power, and its interesting how back then in the times were women were to be thought to be just as important as men in the roles that they preform, women were praised when they created life. Now in the workplace there is this concept called the 'motherhood penalty' were mothers in the workplace get experience extreme disadvantages. Some women especially in the United States, do not have the money to stay in hospitals after birth to receive proper treatment. To sum up, equity is the way to go, because it is understanding who is benefiting and not benefiting from the system and making it so that everyone is able to benefit from the system.

HTTP://WWW.nytimes.com/2013/07/01/health/american-way-of-birth-costliest-in-the-world.html

https://gap.hks.harvard.edu/getting-job-there-motherhood-penalty

@Sep 10, 2020 10:53 PM

The terms ‘equity’ and ‘equality’ - so similar yet so different. I find these terms to often be thrown around, misunderstood, and misplaced. If you were to google the definition of these terms, you might come across 10 variations of essentially the same sentence, explaining what it means to have equity, or what equality might look like. It is true that both ‘equity’ and ‘equality’ have solid definitions but, what they really mean to an individual can differ more than one might think.

Before continuing I would like to state that I am a white-passing, hetero-sexual, cisgender and able bodied Indigenous woman and therefore I have experienced very little discrimination, so, I cannot and will not speak on behalf of those who face discrimination in everyday life.

Equity is seen as “the quality of being fair and impartial” (Oxford Dictionary). For example, it can be the action of giving extra support to someone who is disadvantaged in some way or another, so that they can be as successful as possible and fulfill their highest potential. Equity means ensuring the same outcome for everyone.To me, equity means adjusting yourself, or the ‘system’ to what’s needed for others. You may treat people differently, but in a fair and equal way. I saw many examples of equity when I was young as I came from a low income community and I often had teachers and older figures who would not only support all of the class, but also supported me in the ways that I needed which were different from the majority of my classmates. For example, when we had pizza days, I often had teachers who would pay for my $2 pizza because my parents didn’t have the $2 to give me. In addition, because I am Indigenous and identify as so, I have been reached out to and offered things that other students have not. I have the opportunity to receive extra funding, certain scholarships, certain experiences etc. This is equity - ensuring that I have the same outcome as the non-indigenous people. Equity is letting someone start the race while also helping them get to the finish line based on their needs.

Equality is not the same thing. To me, equality is everyone having an equal chance. For example, the teacher gave everyone an equal opportunity to buy pizza. I had the opportunity to buy pizza. I have an equal chance as everyone else in terms of funding and education as well. Equality to me is treating everyone and everything the same way despite any differentiating characteristics whether that be race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, etc. Equality is letting someone start the race, but leaving them on their own from there - there's a chance they won't reach the finish line.

Definitions from Oxford Dictionary (https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/ )

@September 12 at 6:01 PM

Hey, I really liked your post! Your explanations and examples were very clear and well thought out. I agree 100% to treat people fairly and equally, you have to treat them differently.

@September 12 at 6:05 PM

Thanks so much for your feedback ___!

@Sep 11, 2020 1:50 AM

The concepts of equality and equity are often challenged against each other. Equality is about giving everyone the same amount whereas equity is about recognizing differences and then dividing accordingly. To me, as a person who's a cis-gendered, heterosexual mixed Indian Chinese girl living in a multi-racial country, these topics were at many times a sensitive issue. As my country primarily makes up of Malays, the Chinese and Indians nationals often felt neglected as there's this ideology that the Malays were simply entitled to rule over others. Thus, at times, as a mixed individual I felt ostracized. From having glares to when I enter a Chinese food court because I was "tan skinned" or whether it’s relatives who make fun of when I can't speak neither languages. Equality and Equity are two beings to which I've witnessed as being unattainable. However, with education and awareness I do believe that cultural appreciation can happen and that casual racism can be ceased.

@September 11 at 3:07 PM

Colourism sees to be a huge issue in a majority of BIPOC communities.

As an Iranian, I've noticed that there wasn't much of an emphasis on it in our culture/standards of beauty. Doing a little more research, I realized it was because we were never occupied by a European power.

It's interesting to realize that a lot of the issues within our communities are rooted in white supremacy!

@September 12 at 10:20 PM

Thank you for sharing your insight! Yes definitely colorisation has impacted many communities. In Malaysia, there was history in British colorisation within the straits of Melaka and in World war 2 with the Japanese. Thus, I think that it definitely played a role in how Malaysia is today!

I hope that together we can further discover the roots of white supremacy and how it causes some of the issues being faced today.

@September 12 at 4:35 PM

Thank you for sharing your story about growing up as a minority in Malaysia. I feel that perhaps your experience of 'never feeling like you belong or fit into one group' is something that many mixed race individuals feel; and I imagine it is a very lonely and confusing feeling

Although I grew up in Canada--which tends to be quiet diverse, I believe I can understand the feeling of being inferior to another race because of cultural influences and beliefs. Growing up, I was often the only Chinese kid in my classes, and back then, being Asian wasn't 'cool' it was shameful, nerdy and looked down upon by those in my social circle. It's very interesting to see how things have changed in the recent years though, especially with the spread of asian pop culture (i.e., Anime and kpop) suddenly becoming 'cool' in North America

I enjoyed reading your response, and I hope you are enjoying your first year so far!

@September 12 at 10:12 PM

wow thank you so much for your feedback ___! I totally agree that Asian culture was at first neglected but with phenomenons like Kpop or anime blowing up in North American especially, it really is eye opening to know that more and more people are being open to new things. I hope that you are enjoying your time in Canada!

@September 12 at 5:57 PM

I really enjoyed reading this. Although I am white passing, I am indigenous and I often feel insecure about whether or not I can fit in. I feel as though I don't have enough knowledge of my own Anishinaabe culture to completely identify with them, but also feel like I don't resonate with the values and culture of my other (white) side, so in that sense I can relate to you.

@September 12 at 10:16 PM

thank you for sharing your background with me! it’s so fascinating that even as a white passing that we share some things culturally. I’ve had caucasien friends who lived their whole lives in Malaysia and definitely there were culture differences. some struggled and some arrived but in the end we all came together as one and that’s one thing which I hope that we can achieve within our near future!

@Sep 11, 2020 2:49 PM

Equality overlooks the individual needs of others. It assumes we are all positioned in the same space, with access to the same resources. Equity fills that gap, and acknowledges that certain individuals/groups require more support to reach the same outcome in the end.

The ball park illustration perfectly summarized my feelings on both these concepts, and I now have the language to say that although we need equity in the present, we should be working towards liberation. We should see instituntional systems of power abolished, because we cannot reform systems that are built on the oppression of the "other". These systems were designed with the intention of ostracizing and othering the minority.

Why should they exist in the first place?

Instead of putting resources towards an equitable outcome (being able to look over the fence and watch the game), we must use those resources and remove the fence altogteher. Only then will "equality" be within the realm of possibilty.

But even so, to access the resources that would lead to an equitable outcome, there is an assumption that one is able-bodied, able-minded, an English speaker, hearing, cisgender, so on and so forth. Many "accessible" spaces are only accessible to a handful of people.

Snipping off a withered flower does not strengthen it's roots.

We need reform: We need liberation.

@September 13 at 8:35 PM

Nicely written response :) I especially like your quote in the end: Snipping off a withered flower does not strengthen it's roots. It really made me think about the nature of our society and how we tend to treat those who are at a disadvantage

@Sep 12, 2020 10:55 AM

To me personally equality has a lot of meaning and everyone has different perspectives on both equality and equity based on the different walks of life we all come from. Equality in its definition means to be equal in all aspects of life like in status, rights and opportunities. Although it goes much deeper than just those three aspects. As equity touches on, equal opportunities is not the only important thing, equal outcomes are also key in true equality. I find many people say there is equality between minority groups and majority groups within Canada but do people who say this really know? You can say something is present but does everyone one of those individuals feel that same way, when discussing equality it shouldn’t be “majority of people feel there is equality”, all people of the minority group must feel there is equality for it to truly exist. In Canada, equality and equity is still something that needs much more attention and work. It is unfortunate we are not further in this journey due to the amazing diversity we have in this country.

@September 12 at 4:23 PM

Great response ___ :D and I agree, even though Canada has come a long way, we still have far to go in raising awarness about inequality issues and sharing miniority experiences and letting their voices be heard

@Sep 12, 2020 1:23 PM

Growing up, the context in which I usually saw the word "equality" was photos of slogans on signs at protests for LGBT+ rights or police brutality. Sometimes it would appear in social studies textbooks in junior high. It held positive connotations in my mind, but was neatly shelved away in the school vocabulary words section for a long time. To this day, it is still positive, but I sometimes struggle to remember its importance. It's become somewhat meaningless -article after article will use it when describing the murder or assault of a BIPOC and/or LGBT+ individual. "The fight for equality is far from over." Social media, while an amazing tool to spread awareness, also serves as a grim reminder for the hatred and ignorance that inspire violent acts everyday. But my generation has seen many tireless activists, and created a force of youth who will not be told to sit down, to be passive or just take it. It's been very powerful for me to see others like me, marginalized teens and allies refuse to be silenced. I am still working on using my voice, a privilege many cannot afford.

The concept of equity, or rather the lack of it, was something I've been vaguely aware of but never had a word for it. I've seen variations of the image used in the lesson -three people behind a fence, each standing on a box for equality, and then the boxes used according to height for equity, before removing the fence all together for liberation. Another word with positive connotations, but one that I heard very rarely and don't know a lot about. I think it relates to the quote used in Kendi's book, from Lyndon B. Johnson, "You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, 'You are free to compete with all the others,' and still justly believe that you have been completely fair." To me, that sounds like equality, because everyone is starting the race from the same point, but it fails to address how being in chains for years affects the newly freed person and how that race is systematically against them because of that. And I think in terms of race, many white people have and continue to think because there are laws against discrimination, because Canada doesn't have segregated schools anymore, that the playing field is level. Many of us do not want to look further than the surface, to acknowledge that "a system cannot fail those it was never meant to protect" -W. E. B. Du Bois

@September 12 at 4:24 PM

Thank you for sharing your perspective! Your response felt very genuine and authentic :)

@September 15 at 10:52 PM

Beautiful response, ___! I loved your analogy about how can we possibly feel like we have given an individual the same equality by starting them at the same point as others, without taking into consideration the impact that their experiences have had which hinder their opportunity for equity.

@Sep 12, 2020 10:11 PM

There's a common misconception that equality and equity have the same meaning, but results are different.

What equality means to me is treating everyone the same, but it doesn't always end up fair. You are able to give everyone the same amount of something, the same treatment and the same chances but people come with different circumstances and from different situations that can create pre-existing advantages or disadvantages. Equality is a matter of distributing the exact same resources to everyone, without focuses on their individual needs.

Equity is viewing everyone as an equal while catering to each individual persons needs, thus promoting true fairness. It's achieved by treating everyone differently based on their individual needs or circumstances. Equity recognizes that not everyone has the same opportunities, resources or outlets due to uncontrollable variables, therefore, it acts accordingly based on the level of help needed for each person. This way no matter anyones starting position, they are able to get the resources needed in order to be equal with those already ahead.

@September 13 at 8:31 PM

Thank you for your response! It was very straightforward and well written :)

@September 18 at 7:20 AM

Hello, I just really liked the way you explained both the concepts so well and with such clarity. They were just on-point!

@Sep 14, 2020 1:11 PM

Equality to me means everyone in a specific group or setting gets the same treatment and/or resources regardless of the realistic needs of those individuals. However, equity is when the specific needs of individuals are met, possibly differing from each other, so that as a whole, the group has an equal chance of success.

I think that "equality" is definitely a word we hear more often and is used more frequently but a lot of times when we describe striving for "equality" we really mean equity. For example, when we say we want education and school environments to express equality for students, that would mean making sure they all have the same resources. However, let's say there is a student in a class who has an attention deficit, or maybe a learning disability. For that student to have an equitable shot at success they would require extra accommodation of maybe more time on a test, or an aid while completing work. This is a situation where "equity" is key, because students might have different needs to achieve the same chance at success.

An example of the word "equality" being the more correct choice, is in the feminist movement. The feminist movement strives for gender equality, so equal rights and freedoms for all genders, regardless of gender. This means that there are no specific "extra accommodations" needed, the goal is to reach full equality of equal treatment, ressources, rights and freedoms.

These are my definitions and examples of the words "equality" and "equity". I think it's necessary to not only recognize the difference between the two terms but also when and where each idea is appropriate.

@September 14 at 10:47 PM

Hi ___,

in my own thread, I used the student example as well! I completely agree with you that when people express they strive for equality, they actually mean equity in many cases. Your explanation of both are super clear and easy to understand.

@September 14 at 11:29 PM

Thanks ___! I actually want to be a teacher when I'm finished my degree so student equity is a hige thing for me, glad we're on the same page!

@September 17 at 6:17 PM

I also want to be a teacher! Glad we connected:)

@September 17 at 8:40 PM

___, I loved your example regarding a student with a disability, it really helped me further understand this topic. I completely agree with you, while equality and equity are both important ideas, it is also important to know the difference between them and how to handle certain situations accordingly. Great post!

@Sep 14, 2020 2:11 PM

Equality is about how people are seen. We are all born as equals. We deserve to be seen and treated as such no matter our race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other factor that has been used to divide people. Unfortunately, equal treatment is not the case for many people. Equity is the understanding that we are all different people with different needs and we have not been given the same opportunities to be successful. Equality would be giving someone who speaks french and someone who speaks german the same set of french instructions and expecting them to complete the same task. Equity would be giving them instructions in their own native languages.

@Sep 14, 2020 7:48 PM

What equality means to me is that nobody is acknowledged as superior or inferior based on how they look, how much they earn, where they come from, what they do to where they work. When I think about equality, I think about the jobs that are in today’s society. Jobs are something that I personally look at as equity continues to pay in that role.

Everyone is different in their strengths and interests, but equality is to treat everyone in a way that they would result in the same outcome and occurrence as the next person. Equality is how fair and just society is, which the result can be accomplished by ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities and decision making and is acknowledged, appreciated and respected. Overall, I will argue that the achievement of justice can not and does not lead immediately to equality. What it can do is greatly limit the extent of the transfer of poverty and injustice from person to person.

@Sep 14, 2020 8:53 PM

It was hard to answer this question because it feels like what equality and equity mean to me is not always visible is our world today. To me, equality means that everyone is given an equal opportunity to be who they want to be and do what they want to do. Every person should be able to live without fear, and without the worry of being denied something they have the right to even if they are born with an unchangeable characteristic. However, the notion of equality only works in favour of everyone if equity is visible as well. People were not born to be treated the same way and put in the same box, so when they are it creates and promotes the idea of privilege. So to me, equity means taking into account what makes people "different", so that they are also able to succeed and be given opportunities instead of being treated like their problems don't matter.

@Sep 14, 2020 10:29 PM

Equality is when all individuals are given the same opportunities and tools, regardless of who they are or where they come from. They are treated without difference (Ex. All students are given the same time limit to complete the quiz).

Equity is taking that one step further by giving individuals custom opportunities and tools to ensure a fair outcome (Ex. A student with General Anxiety Disorder is specifically given extra time to complete a final examination).

Equality is not enough in itself, which is why equity is just as important, if not more.

What equality and equity are to me personally:

As an Asian, I hear this a lot from close friends and family: “You have to work harder to be on the same level as white people.” “We are already at a disadvantage in society because of our skin colour. That is why we need to work more diligently.” “Because you are a minority, you need to prove that you are worth respect. The outside world is not nice.”

It’s frustrating, but these words reflect truth. Take the ‘glass ceiling’ as an example. Inequality happens in social environments all the time. Women and BIPOC are always being discriminated in one way or another. To me, true equality and equity starts and comes from a nonprejudicial mind. Without the desire to empathize, I believe that equality and equity is hard to achieve. Here is an article that expresses my thoughts perfectly and explains more in depth of my idea of equality and equity: https://www.keystepmedia.com/equality-emotional-intelligence/

@September 14 at 11:33 PM

Hey ___, I really like your post and the additions of pictures and articles links to connect your ideas, awesome. I totally agree with your definitions as well as your comment that a "desire to empathize" is so neccesary to acheive both equality and equity especially. I think you very clearly conveyed your ideas and I liked how you put your definitions but also your own experience into the examples, great connection!

@September 17 at 6:19 PM

Thanks so much Daisy!

@September 15 at 12:34 PM

I'm a visual learner so I loved that you added pictures to help illustrate your points!

@September 17 at 6:19 PM

I'm also a visual learner! Thanks!

@September 17 at 6:32 PM

Hi ___,

The pictures you used are great examples as to what equity and equality mean. I'm visual learning myself so this helped me to actually see what these terms meant. I agree with your point in how equity and equality does come from a nonprejudicial mind. It is challenging to strive for equity and equality in our society.

@Sep 14, 2020 11:17 PM

Equality, to me, means that everyone is equal. It ensures that everyone is given equal opportunities in life. Equality means fairness in relationships, in rights, and in status. No matter what your age, gender, sexual orientation, race, etc.

Equity, to me, means giving people what they need to be equal.

Equality is creating the same starting line for everyone while equity is to provide what is necessary for everyone to get to the same finish line. Equality focuses on giving everyone the exact same resources while equity involves distributing those resources based on the needs of the receiver.

@Sep 15, 2020 12:31 PM

Truth be told, I didn't know what 'equity' even meant until grade 9. I thought equity and equality both just meant to be equal and fair. However I realized that for everything to be fair and equal, some people may require more or less attention/resources/support to reach the same position as someone else in society. This is what equity means, to give support/resources to people who are less privileged in order to give them equal opportunity to people who are more privileged. Whereas equality means that everyone gets the same resources/support despite whether they are less or more privileged than their peers. That’s how true equality can be achieved, if the needs of those that are less fortunate are met with more resources.

Our current situation during this pandemic is a great example of equity vs equality. The CERB payments are $2,000 and everyone that applies for it receives $2,000. Doesn’t matter if the recipient is a student that is unable to find work, or a single parent that has support children. At the end of the day, whoever applied and receives CERB will get $2,000. Now fast forward to a month ago, I was in a parking lot at a nearby mall when a 14 year old boy approached me selling chocolates. After talking to him, he explained that he was selling chocolates in hopes to earning some money for his mom who is unable to work because of COVID-19. He explained that his family is receiving CERB cheques however he just recently moved to Canada and has younger siblings that their family needs to support. So this is a case where equity comes into play, his family is receiving the same amount of money as the rest of the CERB recipients but is still struggling to stay afloat. They moved to this country as refugees and therefore will need more support/resources than the average family living in Toronto to reach the same stability that his peers are at.

Equality is to have the same as everyone else. However, equity is about being fair in the distribution of resources and support. Which is why, without equity, there’s no equality.

@Sep 15, 2020 4:29 PM

I am a cisgendered heterosexual able-bodied black female. Instead of attempting to fit black women into an already oppressive society, we should structure society in a way that it is okay for everyone. The society we have created is super masculine, even our religious views are seen from the male perspective. This is evident as explained in the content that the heteropatriarchal religious traditions demonstrate that god is a white male. This to me begs the question, do I, as a young black woman, want equality or equity in racist society? In simple terms, equality represents sameness and equity represents fairness. Equity is to think about what someone's needs are and barriers someone has. It is considering what someone needs to gain access to resources that will help them be successful, and in what ways do our different identities expose us to the difference of opinion? Therefore, what solutions can we develop to access equity within our society? The universalism that equality applies doesn't not allow that.

@Sep 15, 2020 6:56 PM

Equality and equity are both important for society to enforce. To me, equality is treating ever individual the same; equally, without difference. Everyone is equal, given equal opportunity no matter what. No one gets special treatment or head starts. There is no discrimination, whether that is based on income, race, religion, or gender. Being nonjudgmental and enforcing fairness is also very important. This is put in place to protect people from discrimination. An example of equality is giving the same opportunities to everyone. Like the right to vote or to have equal pay whether your male or female.

Equity on the other hand, involves giving resources based on the needs of a specific person or group. This focuses on dividing resources in a way that meets someone’s specific needs for them to be able to achieve a fair outcome as everyone else. Equity is a matter of being fair and unbiased. An example of equity can be giving someone who suffers from memory problems a memory aid for a test, which is not given to every student. This helps a specific student do better on a test, giving them a resource to meet their needs, as they cannot retain information as well as everyone else. It makes things equal by giving the student an equal chance at success. I like to think about it as making sure everyone is starting at the same place. If everyone is perhaps the same or similar height, they would all watch a game from the same place. If someone is shorter, they may be given a stool to see the game better. This is making it fair so everyone can see the game. The taller person would not need any extra help in this situation.

Equality and equity kind of work together in the sense of, if there is supposed to be equal opportunity, equity is what gives everyone that fair chance of achieving the opportunity.

I personally hope that people become more understanding in terms of being equal and understanding equity more. Treating people equally should be second nature because it is the right thing to do. It really disgusts me to see the discrimination and rudeness that still happens on a day to day basis and even when we try and make it better, somehow it always seems to backfire in the most negative ways. Whenever I speak to people about anything regarding those kinds of topics, I always get a similar response. Either, "it is not your place to tell me what to do", "your not the boss of me", "wow, cant you take a joke". It is always aggravating but sometimes I know there is nothing I can do. In terms of equity, I can say from experience that people aren't always understanding towards it. In my examples, I used memory aids for a kind of equity, as not everyone needs them in order to succeed. I have needed them in the past and I have been teased for it. People would say I got special treatment for no reason and just make mean comments regarding my memory. However, I did not do the childish thing and feed into it. I know that they were not students who understood that not everyone is the same and just because some people take alternative roots to get where they need to go, doesn't make them any less intelligent. I think it is really important to use both equality and equity in our everyday lives and to really be aware of how we speak and talk to others before getting the full stories and understandings.

@Sep 15, 2020 8:49 PM

The words ‘equality’ and ‘equity’ have a different meaning to me. The position that I am in is not the same as it is to everyone else. I am Caucasian and half Italian, Irish and Scottish. I understand that where I come from is different from where other people’s experiences. When I think about the word ‘equality’ it means having an equal opportunity to do anything just like everyone else. I believe that everyone should have an equal chance to succeed. When everyone does not have the same opportunities, it prevents people from growing and using their talent. I have been fortunate enough to have certain opportunities. The word ‘equity’ means being able to take in another person’s perspective and being fair. Everyone has different experiences and comes from a different place. Being able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see where they are coming from is important. It’s hard to take in another person’s view because we always think our view is right. For example, when I consider my journey to university, I have benefited from having supportive parents and resources to start my degree program. Not everyone has such privileges and we need to strive for systems that enable others who want similar opportunities to also get the support they need to achieve their goals. No matter what their race, religion or culture is.

@Sep 15, 2020 9:46 PM

'Equality' and 'equity' mean very different things to me. Equality meaning the access to the same opportunities/resources, and equity meaning access to the opportunities/resources needed. Equity has always seemed like a more personalized, individual approach. In my current position as a behavior support worker it is important to keep equity in mind. I value a person centered approach when working with clients, which feels almost impossible without advocating for their equity. If I give all of my clients the same tools and resources, some will succeed and some will regress. If I give each client the individual resources and support that may help them succeed, I will see more progress. Equity is incredibly important to me because it takes into account factors such as social, financial and economic status, as well as race, age and gender.

@September 15 at 10:56 PM

I love the way you've drawn on your own experiences and how you've seen success with clients when you give equitable treatment and ensure you are tailoring their needs specific to them, which you've seen results in far more success.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and so beautifully helping us to better understand your personal stance on equality vs. equity.

@Sep 15, 2020 10:48 PM

I heard a fantastic analogy from a friend when speaking about the differences between equality and equity and they said, "equality focuses on the same starting line for everyone, where equity ensures everyone has the same finish line." This really helped me to better understand what equality and equity mean to me. Equality is the act of providing everyone with the same opportunity, regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, etc., but it doesn't necessarily mean everyone is successful or has the means to be successful. Equity, however, ensures that everyone is provided with the opportunities and benefits specific to them to ensure success. You cannot have equality without equity.

@September 18 at 9:06 AM

I agree with the idea that equality is everyone beginning at the same starting line. However, it's impossible to reach the same destination without equity due to everyone's different circumstances. I love that analogy, it really puts into perspective the difference between the terms.

@Sep 16, 2020 11:11 AM

Equality to me means that everyone is given the same chances and opportunities, weather that’s in school or work or within the community. Moreover, everyone has the same chances and opportunities regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation etc. For example, having paid co-op for female dominant programs such as nursing, just as they do for male dominant programs such as trades.

Equity to me means that it’s something that is more tailored toward meeting people’s specific and individual needs in order for them to succeed equal to everyone else. For example, newcomer students need a lot more time with the classroom teacher(s) as well as the English as Second Language (ELS) teacher(s) to learn the language but to also compete fairly with the mainstream students.

@Sep 16, 2020 11:17 AM

Equality, I find, is often misrepresented as ‘just’. We strive for equality, to give everyone the same means to succeed, but this solution is a misguided attempt at remedying inequality. Striving for equality is turning a blind eye to the oppressive systems cemented in the foundations of society. Equality has no meaning if the core of inequality is not addressed.

While equity recognizes circumstance unlike the former, it does not recognize why these differences exist in the first place. It’s a pale-coloured Band-Aid over a bullet wound in the sense that it adapts to systems of oppression rather than overthrow them. Equity is the most plausible solution to inequality in our current system, but the system was not created with the ‘other’ in mind. It benefits the white, wealthy, cisgender, heterosexual, ablebodied man, so no matter what solution we propose, it will never be enough.

@Sep 16, 2020 1:52 PM

Equality refers to access to the same resources and opportunities for everyone. It means that everyone has the same starting line, but people differ in abilities and resources. This becomes a barrier and hurts certain individuals in society. Meanwhile, equity is aiding these individuals to overcome the barriers and helping everyone succeed by providing a range of opportunities and benefits. By focusing on equality, we ignore that other people have more privileges and we end up promoting this. By focusing on equity, there is an acknowledgment that these differences exist, and we help eradicate these barriers by dedicating resources to help everyone succeed. In short, equality doesn’t mean fairness, but equity strives to reach a level of fairness for everyone.

@Sep 16, 2020 3:27 PM

Equality means to treat everyone the same, Equity means to give everyone what they need to be successful. Equality sounds like it would be the best option but not everyone starts from the same place and not everyone needs the same help to get to where they need to be. For example, how would equality work for a 40-year-old white man who was raised in a suburban household with both parents present as well as he never had to worry about how to pay for anything versus a 40-year-old black man who did not get the same opportunities as the other man, grew up in a small home with only one parent present and had to work at a young age to be able to do the same things and have the same opportunities as the white male. Equity must come before Equality so others can all have the same opportunities and futures as everyone else. No one should have fewer opportunities just because they are born different, raised different and live to a different standard to everyone else. I believe that we need equity before we even try equality.

@Sep 16, 2020 3:35 PM

For a majority of my life I grew up believing those who wanted change were striving for equality, to me equality means that everyone would be equal. In a perfect world everyone would be equal no matter their race, religion, gender, etc. But looking back now living in a world where everyone was equal would arise its own problems. Yes people would no longer face discrimination because of their race, religion, or gender as much as they would be today, but what about wages? We'd all have to earn the same, meaning a garbage man, who takes out the trash, would have to make the same as a doctor, someone who saves lives and that would create problems on its own. So while equality is appealing, to me I feel we should strive for equity. Equity to me would mean we all live in a world where we know that there are differences in all of us but we ignore it focus on those who need proper tools to succeed in our society. Because, in the end, we're all made up of the parts and we all function the same way.

@Sep 16, 2020 4:24 PM

Generally, equality and equity are typically viewed as the same thing, however, this is not necessarily true. Equity depends on the context of the situation. The photo shared in the notes comparing equality and equity is an excellent representation. It essentially means that equity requires additional substance or leverage in order for all parties to be on the same level or reach the same outcome. It gives each individual balance, although the method of balance may differ among each individual depending on their needs. Equality to me means everybody is given the same tool and aid, whether or not it is suitable for them personally.

@Sep 17, 2020 6:26 AM

Often, the terms equality and equity are used interchangeably, but it is highly important that people know the distinction between the two words in order to resolve all kinds of issues, especially social and political. Equality literally means giving everyone the same kind of opportunities, resources and rights, without considering their needs and circumstances. On the other hand, equity is concerned with giving opportunities, rights and resources that fit to the circumstances people are in.

For example, there is no point giving a laptop to all the students in a school, when half of them do not have the access to the internet. This just spoils the whole purpose of providing that resource. This is one of the reasons that the government impose different tax rates for people earning different incomes. Had it been equal, it would have been unfair on the part of people, earning both, low income and high income. In my view, people should first evaluate the kind of situation people are in, and then allocate resources accordingly.

Allocating resources according to needs and preferences ensures that they are optimally utilised and minimal wastage is there. Contrary to this, providing resources that don't satisfy peoples needs, imply that the resources are being wasted and under-utilised. Hence, proper evaluation is required. Understanding the difference between the two resolve conflicts and leads to a more satisfied community.

@Sep 17, 2020 11:34 AM

Equality and Equity are important ideas for setting a framework for social change at every level. Although Equality and Equity both promote fairness, they are not the same. To me equality is the foundation for equity. When we can recognize that everyone deserves the same rights and opportunities we can then work on truly being equitable. Equity goes deeper, acknowledging that yes in many ways we are the same but we are also very different. The needs of one group is not the same as the other. For racialized communities, the challenges and experiences we face are not the same as someone from the dominant cultural group. Therefore our needs are different because of systemic racism, different forms of oppression and discrimination. Equity seeks to address the gaps in providing the needs of different groups based on their complex situations. It is easy to say that we are all equal and should be treated the same but in reality, social and economic disparities disproportionately impact BIPOC communities. By acknowledging the way they intersect and differ, we can actually put in the meaningful work to make spaces in our world truly safe.

@Sep 17, 2020 1:16 PM

By definition, equality means impartiality, and ensuring everyone is given equal opportunity, rights and status. I agree with this definition, but I believe there is far more that must be addressed when defining equality. To me, equality means being employed without my gender and race playing a part in what position I get. The same goes for being paid the same amount as my co-workers, ensuring that our pay cheques are not based on our physical appearances. I see equality when I see all people of all races and social statuses being treated the same way by the police and other figures of authority. To me, equality is when someone does not have to see their race, gender or social status as a loss! But oftentimes, equality does not truly make things equal. For example, a student from a lower income family might be able to go to the same school as a wealthier student, but not be able to perform as per their full potential because they might not be able to afford the resources necessary to make the most of their education.

By definition, equity means to give equal opportunities to everyone(to create equality), whilst ensuring that some measures are taken in order to remove obstacles that might stop someone from being able to use a given opportunity to the fullest. So to me, an example of equity would be ensuring that students with special needs or of lower income households have access to the same school resources as students from wealthier households, to enhance everyone's learning opportunities. In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that about 80% of healthcare workers were women, but less than 20% of those women held leadership roles. This is just one of many examples in which men are portrayed as the main decision makers in the workplace. Equity to me would be not only showing representation of women in the workplace, but also showing representation of women through leadership roles as well. To me, equal is accomplished through equality AND equity.

@Sep 17, 2020 3:02 PM

Personally, equality means to me is to been seen and treated fairly like other citizens as well as having the same rights and freedoms as them without being discriminated from different groups. As a female with a cultural background, I have witness and experience inequality from others and I believed that all citizens should be treated and seen as the same even with their difference. What equity means to me is to have the same opportunities as everyone else and being treated with respect even if they are from a different culture, country, race, etc.

@September 18 at 11:22 AM

Hi ___,

I definitely agree with the point you have made about equality. I also believe that everyone should have equal rights and that no one should be discriminated. We all should be able to have equal opportunities no matter who the person is and where they come from. Do you think there is a way in which we can achieve this ?

@Sep 17, 2020 6:24 PM

Equality: Stating everyone is equal without evidence and proof to back up the statement

Equity: Providing resources and giving an extra boost for everyone to have equal chances in the end

A current example for equality is “all lives matter”, the actual statement seems like a great concept but in the end, it does nothing except spew hate into our communities and lead to no further improvement or solution.

A current example for equity is “Black Lives Matter” this statement formed resources, education, and helped grant these individuals better lives by enforcing change through actions and by bringing the situation to the surface.

The concept of equality is quite a bias, as most of the time we have white men preach “equal rights!” but they have a layer of selfishness and hatred amongst their statement. How can the most privileged men want equality but when equity is given, resent towards the ones in need has risen. Voices than will claim “they’re lazy and don’t work for it” but at the end of the day they have to work extra hard just to get to the position those of privilege was born into. Equity grants resources and methods to solve where inequality is shown. A good example would be the organization Hxouse that was done by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and La Mar Taylor that was created to support black entrepreneurs. Justin Trudeau and financial institutions provided Hxouse a massive donation of 221 million. This example strongly backs up the saying I was raised around “actions speak louder than words”. Minority groups of any race, gender, religion, or sexuality should not feel bad for getting resources that grant them a better chance at life. Once again without equity, there is no equality, as a society, we need to do better and make sure minorities feel worthy and not guilty when receiving help.

@Sep 17, 2020 6:49 PM

In my opinion, equality and equity can relate to the concept of sameness and fairness.

Firstly, Equality to me means the same equal opportunities and treatment are given out in society, where everyone is treated the same way and not put at a disadvantage based on race, gender, religion, nationality, and so on.

Secondly, Equity to me means fairness. Where people have the access to resources to adapt in society. Fair is everybody getting what they need to be successful.

Furthermore, when applying these definitions to social structures, like education, politics, and government, we see in our world today how equality and equity can be shown in many ways. An example is shown through our education system some may disagree on this but, teachers and educators' roles are to ensure every student has the same experiences, but many do not follow through with their role. To achieve equity in education educators must understand each student has different learning abilities (I.E.P, Autism, ADHD, etc.) and coach/guide their students through challenges they may experience with support and resources to further exceed their learning.

@Sep 17, 2020 8:36 PM

A few years ago, if someone were to ask me for a definition of equality, I would have probably give them a standard dictionary definition. The term "equality" never had the same emotions attached to it as it does now. These past few months, as the Black Lives Matter movement gained media attraction, I learned a new definition of equality that opened my eyes to the reality of our society. To me, equality does not mean treating every person in the same manner. I know that this sounds harsh, but in my opinion, it is important to acknowledge someones differences to treat them accordingly. For example, allies of the Black Lives Matter movement may say something along the lines of "I don't see colour". To say something of that manner means that you do not see someone for who they are because it makes you uncomfortable, or you don't want to acknowledge it. When someone refuses to acknowledge your identity-whether it be your race, your job, or your disability- they take away from a part of who you are for their own convenience. To me, equality means acknowledging someone for their differences, appreciating them for what makes them unique, and treating them accordingly.

My interpretation of equality flows right into the definition of equity. Equity revolves around the fair treatment of an individual regardless of things like their social status, race, etc. To me, equity revolves around respect. I strive to treat everyone with respect, and treat them the way I would want someone to treat me. Furthermore, the objective of equity is to create equal opportunities for each individual. I apply this outlook in my everyday life, for example, at my part time job. I work at a fragrance story, and sometimes I interact with customers who have disabilities. I once helped a woman who was deaf, and I made sure to accommodate her with anything she needed to make her experience at my store as enjoyable as possible. I acknowledged her difference, and I made sure to treat her with the same respect as any other customer, while also giving her the proper instruments to satisfy her needs. In conclusion, to me, equity means nothing without respect.

Goodwin, Kiara. What I Hear When Someone Says "I Don't See Color". 12 June 2020, theeverygirl.com/i-dont-see-color/.

Fleras, Augie, and Jean Leonard Elliott. Unequal Relations: an Introduction to Race and Ethnic Dynamics in Canada. Pearson Canada, 2010.

@Sep 17, 2020 9:17 PM

From discussing this in the past, I've come to the understanding that equality is giving each individual the exact same "thing". Whether that be rights or the pay you get at your workplace, equality means getting the same thing everyone else is. Essentially giving everyone the same starting line. To me, this doesn't always mean equality is fair. Equity on the other hand aids people who differ in their abilities and resources to help them reach efficiency which creates an even playing field. Before understanding this I never knew the importance of equity and what differentiates it from equality. This image gave me a better grasp of the two, the image on the left represents equality and the right represents equity.

@Sep 17, 2020 10:01 PM

I define equality as giving everyone the same resources and opportunities, and equity as accommodating and giving each individual the resources they require to be equal to everyone else. The example picture with the three men and the fence is effective at portraying the different challenges that society presents. As much as society does meet some equity standards in schools, such as giving IEP’s or building ramps for people with mobility challenges, there remains a significant problem with the racial equality and equity. I am a white female and reading the book “They said this would be fun” upset me and opened my eyes to the unnecessary racism and struggles Eternity Martis goes through in her university experience. I understand as the person I am that the system benefits me and I have the privilege to be treated equally which everyone deserves, but not all get. In Martis book, she describes how institutions are generally not accepting of people of color and that they are seen as threatening. The reality is these minor features such as the colour of someone’s skin or heritage creates a disadvantage which is conveyed in the picture (the three men and the fence) as what reality is truly like. People who meet societies‘ standards are able to enjoy the privileges that people of colour don’t, which leaves them to feel isolated and constantly judged. Even with the BLM movement currently taking place, more needs to be done about the issues Martis brings up in her book. It’s not just the violence that needs to change, it’s the constant disadvantage people of colour face , when the public should accept and embrace everyone as a Canadian, not an outsider. In my opinion, society sees equality as treating only certain people which they consider meet their standards, with respect, however everyone should be treated equally regardless of heritage. If I offended anyone in regards to this thread, I welcome feedback as I want to to educate myself on this topic. Thank you.

@Sep 17, 2020 10:30 PM

When asked about the difference between equality and equity, we all have the same answer - equality is treating everybody the same whereas equality is treating people differently depending on their needs. Although fairness is promoted in both scenarios, the difference between the two is primarily how the aid is provided.

To me, these two words go beyond their definitions. We throw the words “equality” and “equity” around without thinking more about the true meaning of the two - the distribution. For the sake of this discussion I will be using the BLM movement as an example.

The BLM movement is promoting that the life of every race matters. Some argue and say that this movement is trying to put black lives first, on top of everybody else, but that is not the case. BLM has been a movement since 2013 but it was not until this year that it has gained more recognition, as we call this year the “tipping point”. After the tragic death of George Floyd, communities all around the world have joined forces to protest and fight for equality among everyone. Distribution of equality is shown in this situation as we are all fighting for the equality of each and every race that has been discriminated against.

Equity is shown throughout the BLM movement as well. Globally, people have been showing equity towards BLM because the black community deserves recognition. The reason why the black community has been one of our main focuses in the BLM movement is because innocent black lives have been lost due to ignorant, racist, homophobic, people. In this situation, the distribution of equity is much needed as we need to raise more awareness for the black community, and future generations.

To conclude, equality and equity, to me, means taking into consideration how we distribute the two, in certain scenarios

@Sep 17, 2020 10:38 PM

I believe that equality means all individuals have the same opportunities no matter their gender, sex, race, financial situation, etc. Equity, however, has a larger focus on groups having equal outcomes. It understands the complexity of each person’s situation and offers different responses that lead to equal outcomes. Without equity, you cannot achieve equality, and today I believe the terms are becoming more and more prevalent.

An example relating to modern society:

Those in positions of power, such as the government, offer a variety of laws/human rights that they believe encourage people to be fair and treat others equally. Yet to this day, unfortunately, we still experience discrimination and prejudice. Why is that when we’ve clearly been told how to treat others properly, and furthermore why is it that it’s usually those in power who deliberately ignore the laws they know so well? To easily answer my own question, it's because the system has been curated to create “equal opportunities” for everyone. They insist that no matter your race, gender, etc., you have a right to apply for any job, receive an education, etc. What isn’t necessarily considered is the fact that every individual is different. Starting from the way people are brought up, not everyone has the same credentials, and therefore they understand that although the opportunity is there, it’s impossible to reach without altering the system to benefit their needs. So yes, we have equal opportunities given, yet without equity, we don’t always have equal outcomes. Therefore, how can we really be equal when we are not reaching the same destinations, leaving many with either advantages or disadvantages? This lack of understanding leads us away from unity, giving little to no chance for liberation. Yet they insist we’re making progress by signing away at more laws. If my understanding is correct, isn’t it laws that were created AGAINST people that started tearing humanity as we know it apart? What we need is a new system to understand and empathize with people. To realize there IS a difference between equality and equity and one cannot be achieved without the other (in my opinion).

@Sep 17, 2020 10:45 PM

Everyone has their own frame of reference of what “equality” and “equity” means to them. For me, equality means everyone has the same equal opportunities as everyone else. In that, no one is superior to another no matter their race, gender, class, socio-economic status etc. In my opinion, we all deserve to be given equal opportunity to participate in society, and to be treated equally.

Equity to me means that everyone should have the resources that they need in order to have the same advantages as everyone else within the society. This is important since not everyone has a fair and equal start to their lives. Therefore, everyone has their own specific individual needs that are required to be met to have an equal starting point to have the same chances of succeeding in leading a healthy life.

@September 18 at 2:44 PM

I resonate with your reflections, especially those regarding equity! Different communities are disproportionally disadvantaged and so there is a requirement to consider this when discussing equality. Diversity is valuable and individuals have unique needs and attributes to account for, hence why we should strive for equity.

@Sep 18, 2020 12:52 AM

Hello!

Having studied economics in high school, I had actually seen the picture that illustrates the concepts of equity and equality in a class. So I've been seeing these two words from an economics perspective. Equality is essentially everyone getting the same amount or quantity of resources. Whereas, in Equity, everyone gets what they need. Equality does not take into account any other factor, other than the resource itself. While in equity all relevant factors are considered and then everyone gets what they need in order to get to the same outcomes. Going through this module, I found that these concepts aren't that different in context of race and ethnicity.

@Sep 18, 2020 3:25 AM

I see equality and equity as two very separate qualities. Though equality provides equal opportunities and treatment, it neglects the various differences there are among people. It neglects the importance of giving more to those who are in more need of it. Equity, on the other hand recognizes this and ensures that everyone has equal results and outcomes. The result of equality does not always provide a fair outcome for everyone. Even though both may have the intention of promoting fairness, equity is able to truly achieve this by considering the situation and differences of people's.

@Sep 18, 2020 5:31 AM

In society, equality is an illusion of equal treatment. While both equality and equity promote the same idea of balance and fairness, in reality, equality is about giving everyone the same tools, while equity is about giving everyone specific tools based on their needs.

For example:

A group of people are sick

Equality: Giving everyone the SAME medication without considering the fact that they all have a different illness.

Equity: Giving everyone medication based on factors such as what type of illness they have, age, existing medical conditions, past medical history, etc.

@Sep 18, 2020 11:11 AM

The global distribution of wealth, resources, tools, and quality of life is creating large disparities and hindering liberation. These growing extremes have created a world where the equal allocation of resources does not mean equal opportunity or success. I acknowledge that it is necessary to recognize the privilege that is associated with where I was born and the opportunities that provided. I believe that equality means the equal treatment of all people, and equal distribution of resources and opportunity. However, with such national and global inconsistencies, equality is not enough. Equity allows for these differences to be accounted for and I agree with the statement that “equity acknowledges the primacy of equal outcomes, not just equal opportunity”. An equitable society is only achieved with the universal understanding that we will not go far until we all go together. Moving forward, it is my hope that we place communal needs above our own and recognize the importance of equity.

@Sep 18, 2020 12:09 PM

To me, equality is what we would achieve in an ideal world; somewhere where everyone has an equal chance at success. However, because we do not live in this ideal world, I think that striving for 'equality' is ignoring the bigger picture. The idea of equity, on the other hand, takes into account the systemic barriers, injustices and other disadvantages that minority groups already face in our society. So, I think that to have any sort of equality, we must first focus on equity so that no one has to fight harder to achieve the same success as their peers.

@Sep 18, 2020 1:15 PM

It is undeniable that we must ensure to offer everyone equal opportunities regardless of their identity, in whatever game they are playing. Whether that is career advancement, education, social interaction and integration, or even recreational sports. It is only right to make the rules fair for everyone. As in all of those games, there needs to be challenge, and their needs to be balance. Their needs to be a degree of difficulty that would trigger our motivation and unharmful competitiveness, this is where our individuality and uniqueness can shine and be appreciated. It is only right, for everyone to have a chance to be their best selves.

But it is also true, that some people are disproportionately disadvantaged. Some people spend their whole lives untying knots that they don't have any time left to play any games (of life). Like Eternity mentioned in the introduction of They said this would be fun, "I didn't even get a chance to know myself before I had to fight for myself". Maybe the first step is to educate society so they would stop tying any extra knots in someone's life.

Naheed Dosani says, "Equality is giving everyone a shoe, equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits".

@Sep 18, 2020 1:16 PM

To me, equality is when there is no hierarchy or supremacy within society. It means for everyone to have the same privileges, equal access to opportunities, and to be granted the same rights and freedoms.

On the other hand, my definition of equity has to do with treating everyone in a way that is fair. Every individual and every group of people are different in some way. Therefore, equity involves giving each individual or group certain things based on context, that way everybody can eventually succeed and have the same outcome.

In today’s world, because of factors like history, culture, status, etc., giving everyone the same things will benefit some people much more than others. Hence, I believe equality and equity go hand in hand. Equality should be the ideology that serves as a foundation. From that foundation, we can build upward and make equitable decisions to achieve that equality and to allow everyone to be on the same playing field.

@Sep 18, 2020 1:41 PM

When I think of equality and equity there is one main thought that comes to mind.

Equality is for somewhat of an idealistic society, one where everyone has exactly the same needs and nobody is different to anyone else in anyway.

But this isn't how the world works. Equity in my mind is what is actually needed for society, as not everyone is born equal. Some people have physical disabilities, others might have cognitive disabilities. The needs of people can change as they age, or if they experience life-altering injuries or illnesses. If the world was more equitable, then these needs would be addressed in order to actually give everybody a level playing field.

@Sep 18, 2020 1:59 PM

To me, the terms 'equality' and 'equity' are extremely different things that desperately need to be addressed and explained in our society today. As we know, 'equality' means that everyone is given the same treatment whereas 'equity' provides specific treatment to those that need it the most. A metaphor that I often use in my head when thinking about this topic is of a running race. Now, when we think of races, we often think of it as a competition where everyone starts at the same starting line and has an equal shot at winning right from the beginning. This is a perfect example of equality, where everyone is given a fair start. However, when we think of 'equity,' the goal isn't to have a fair start, but rather to have everyone finish at the same time. In order for this to happen, the people who need help getting to the finish line will be provided with the appropriate amount of resources they need whereas those that don't need help crossing the finish line won't be provided with any resources. In our society, there are numerous amounts of people groups that struggle crossing the finish line that need our help, however, they are not receiving this treatment. We need to bring this topic to the forefront and raise awareness in our society.

@Sep 18, 2020 2:35 PM

My understanding is that equity refers to fairness and equality in outcomes, not just in opportunities or support. This is significant since it accounts for contextual differences. As outlined in module 1, positionality and power are extremely important when discussing equality. It would be ineffective to provide everyone with equal opportunities and not consider the differences in their current "starting points" (ie. their power and position).

An anecdote towards this topic is that I recently watched the film "Crash" and felt extremely frustrated by the messaging. The film acts to demonstrate how all racial groups can hold prejudices towards one another, however, it does this without accounting for the institutional power differences amongst the white characters and the people of colour.

@September 18 at 2:57 PM

I agree with your idea. If you want to think about it metaphorically as if life is a race, equality is related to the start line, while equity is related to the finish line.

@Sep 18, 2020 2:48 PM

Equality means to me that you're giving everyone the same thing no matter where they stand, where as equity not everyone gets the same but they all end up in the same place. Equality in my opinion has more to do with fairness at the beginning, but the results of it are not. Where as equity some may not see as fair at the beginning but again in the end you all end up in the same place, therefore; having the same opportunities. I think that equity is more far. Not everyone is in the same position and some need a little extra help or resources than others. An example that I think represents this situation is taxes. For example the Ontario Trillium Benefit, not everyone in Ontario gets this; but it's given to those who may not make as much as others. This is an attempt and helping those out who may need a little extra help.

@Sep 18, 2020 3:24 PM

Equality is equal opportunity and rights to all people. Although equality is reflected in written laws, the follow through by law-enforcers and members of society doesn’t always match. Equality doesn’t account for the brutal history of our country, and its lasting effects. It doesn’t acknowledge the privilege of some people and oppression of others. Equality is treating everyone the same despite differences, perhaps even in ignorance to them; this is where the importance of equity comes in.

Equity is the understanding that our society isn't fair to begin with and people aren’t born into the same positions and circumstances. Opportunity and experience cannot be assumed similar for every person, which is a fundamental part of functioning equality. By acknowledging this fact, we can accommodate the people who have a delayed spot or extra barriers when they run their race; instead of blindly setting a general finish line for everyone.

Education and awareness are necessary to create equity. Acknowledging the challenges that face those of us who aren't straight, wealthy, able-bodied, white, or cisgender men. Also recognizing the effect of a society built on colonial ideals has on the individual.

Understanding variables like gender and race wage-gaps, oppression, stereotypes, systematic racism, and generational traumas will create validation as well as proper societal support for the people carrying those burdens. Instead of shrugging off these conditions and giving the excuse that everyone has equal chance.

Equality means giving equal status, opportunity, and rights to all; equity must be unquestionably present in order to do that.

@Sep 18, 2020 4:35 PM

Equality and equity are looked at correspondingly because the components of each points towards the same goal - equal rights amongst individuals. To me, equality means exactly that. Regardless of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and other aspects of individuality, everyone should be treated the same. This means no more racial profiling, no more glass-ceiling, no more police brutality against minorities. No more targeted and state-sanctioned injustice towards a certain group of people. However, I realize that this is easier said than done, which is where equity comes into play. I believe equity recognizes all social contexts that have a role in reaching equality. There are aspects such as understanding what different individuals need in order to acquire equality, and equity takes these parts into consideration, in attempts to bring a balance to our society. Hence, for equality to be applicable to society, the balance required for equity must first be acknowledged, and understood. To me, equality and equity means a just society, and although some may argue that’s a fantasy, I believe it is in fact achievable.

@Sep 18, 2020 5:47 PM

I believe that both equality and equity are two very different things in terms of definition. Equality means fairness for everybody, while equity wants fairness while taking into consideration of what an individual needs. However, I personally believe that both seem just as important, and in fact, go hand in hand with each other. As far as equality goes, every individual deserves an equal opportunity to surpass great success regardless of their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity. However, this is where the importance of equity comes in, because although characteristics should not be used to discriminate someone, it is what makes them who they are, and therefore should be assisted accordingly (how they live in day to day situations). But going back to equality, what makes a person who they are based on their actions, talent and skill; that is what defines and criticizes the person. Unfortunately, the number of disadvantages people face today under analogous grounds is high, not only in society but in the world as well. If I recall correctly, from the Ted Talk given to us in the module, it mentioned that although the United Nations has created a legal document called the Universal Declaration of independence. Because the document is not hard law, it is not easy to universally enforce rights (2:38). So when it comes time to address the issues going on in the world such as the issues of discrimination, ethnic cleansing and wars, very little can be done by the UN. As society progresses, it is up to the youth to educate and put the ideas of equality and equity into practice. It doesn’t make sense to me how the most basic needs under human rights are neglected by power-hungry politicians. It is always easy to announce something, but it’s another to turn words into action. Equality and equity to me, means human rights, and the right to live a just life.

@Sep 18, 2020 5:53 PM

To me, I knew about equality but had never really heard or focused on the aspect of equity. However, now reading about it and coming to understand what it means makes me think that maybe society sometimes mixes up the ideas of equality and equity because they both promote fairness . Equality to me is making sure everyone gets and receives what everyone else gets and receives, but equity is taking into consideration everyone’s differences and then giving to them according to what they need in their life to help them meet the rest of society. It's recognizing who needs the most assistance or help or acknowledgment in society to be able to be on the same playing field as everyone else. The visual in the lesson of the three individuals standing behind the fence made me come to a deeper understanding and provided great insight into what equality and equity actually mean. Both depend on fairness, however, equity highlights the needs of individuals in society who need more than others in order to be treated fair within society.

@Sep 18, 2020 6:35 PM

EQUALITY

Growing up in Pakistan, surrounded by a male-dominated society, there was never a single day that I did not go toe to toe with toxic masculinity and misogyny. The difference in the two sexes' treatment demonstrates that men were considered to be at the very top of the social hierarchy and thus enjoyed quite a few privileges. As a child, I was always told to cover up, hide my body and my skin, as it would tempt men. It was as if my very being was simply a vessel of temptation and desire. To protect myself from sexual assault, I had to hide from the world's preying eyes, while men paraded around shirtless without a care. A couple of days ago, I was engaged in a conversation with a friend about jogging and adopting a healthy lifestyle. He described late-night jogs as peaceful, serene and blissful. As a nineteen-year-old woman, late-night jogs for me are fueled with terror, fright and paranoia. This stark difference of emotions regarding the same activity, in my eyes, would be deemed as inequality. Inequality is the fear of being a victim of an acid attack every time you reject a romantic advance or being told by your relatives that the sole reason for your existence is marriage. At the same time, your male counterparts are encouraged to strive for higher education. Rape culture, justification and victim-blaming all stem from power dynamics that restrict women from grabbing opportunities and protesting for their rights. This is where feminism comes into play; the sole purpose of the movement is to achieve a state of equality. A world where all individuals are given the same opportunities, the same resources and the same support is what equality truly is.

EQUITY

Equity focuses on providing every individual with the full range of opportunities and benefits. While treating everyone the same is applaudable, it is also essential to keep in mind that every individual differs when it comes to abilities, resources and experiences. In an attempt to stay in a state of equality by ignoring these differences, one can face barriers and privileges introduced by power dynamics starting up once again. As an individual diagnosed with generalized and social anxiety, it is difficult to perform everyday tasks that may not seem daunting to others. Having to rehearse an order ten times in my mind before speaking out is one of the minor issues. Conducting presentations and participating in group discussions usually always triggers a panic attack. This is why, throughout high school, I would always do my presentations during lunch, or my teachers would let me opt for a written assignment. My teachers recognized that the system set in place would restrict me from reaching my full potential. They then introduced more equitable options, which allowed me to catch up with my peers at my own pace. Equality does not always mean fair, which is why equity is so significant and essential when striving for a better world.

@Sep 18, 2020 6:52 PM

Equality and equity are related concepts but still require to be distinguishable in our societal systems. Equality to me means equal opportunity to all people in society regardless of your differentiating attributes. Racial equality to me means institutions of our society recognizing your physical traits, respecting them and offering you equal opportunity to succeed as a human being. Despite your physical composition institutions should be treating humans equal as it is the right thing to do legally, morally, and politically. Equity on the other hand is all about being fair and just. It requires everyone obtaining everything we need to live a wholesome life based on the position we are in currently and the position we strive to be in, in the future. Equality means everyone having the same levels of support in spite of their individual needs. What differentiates Equality from equity is the fact that it offers you different levels of support depending on the individuals need or ability.

@Sep 18, 2020 7:07 PM

Equality to me means a utopia where everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race etc are treated fairly, with no prejudice or discrimination whether it be in every day life or in institutions. On the other hand, equity to me is providing support in institutions and every day life that help minorities and marginalized groups receive equal treatment in society. Things like affirmative action and the Women's Centre at the University of Waterloo are what I perceive to be equity programs. Equality seems like a distant dream where equity seems more like a solution to the problems of today until we get to true equality. To me, equity is the stepping stone to equality.

@Sep 18, 2020 8:02 PM

Equality is when resources are distributed equally to everyone without taking into consideration any other factors that may affect the distribution process. On the other hand, equity is based more on the idea of distributing resources based on who needs what, not blindly distributing resources. Recognizing the difference is very crucial because it could affect every aspect of a person's life.
A simple representation between equity and equality is the picture that has been used in this module with the boxes; in the first square, a box is given to each person when clearly not all of them are in need of a box; this represents equality. Moreover, in the second square, it shows the first person with no box, the second person using one box, and the third person using two boxes. This shows an equal distribution of resources based on who needs what. For example, in the educational system, say computers are needed to learn at school. A specific number of computers are disturbed evenly to all schools, which is, in fact, equality. However, if a closer look is taking its proven that some schools may not need all those computers depending on the location, salary the students' parents get. Some students may be able to afford it, so therefore if people take into consideration these factors, people would see that there are in fact, computers going to waste in some schools which could be used by students in other schools which are in more need.
In conclusion, to me, equity is a more fair approach than equality, regarding basically anything in today's society, because dividing resources equally is less critical than dividing resources with correct proportions, so the outcome is equal.

@Sep 18, 2020 8:39 PM

Equality is “the state of being equal”, while equity is giving everybody fair opportunities that result in equal outcomes. To me, equity and equality cannot be separated. We need one in order to achieve the other. I believe that equality is a destination that we have not traveled to. It is a place where everybody is stable, safe, and treated without bias. I think that equity is the map that will guide humanity to this destination. Every person is different and faces different struggles, as such, every person should be provided help tailored to their areas of struggle and given a true chance at success.

@Sep 18, 2020 8:45 PM

I have never been exactly sure about what "equity" means but after reading the terminology, I believe I am starting to understand how both of these terms differ. To me, equality means you and I get the same opportunities; the same chances to succeed in life, no matter what our circumstances are. On the other hand, equity does take each of our circumstances and capabilities into consideration, providing everyone with similar and beneficial results. Equity truly puts us all "in the same boat."

@Sep 18, 2020 8:58 PM

I remember when I first saw the word ‘equality’. It was painted on one of the concrete walls by the entrance of my elementary school, along with other words such as love, peace, hope, and many others which were never spoken about in very much detail in our classes. I’m thankful my family was able to not only explain what these virtues meant but how they are carried through our actions. I was able to look up to close people in my life seeing how they treated everyone with kindness, respect, and fairness regardless of any difference they had from each other. Equality is acknowledging that you as well as everyone in the world, regardless of sex, race, religion, and ethnic background are all equal. More often than not, this can be damaging because some individuals then disregard the histories of those racial and religious backgrounds and the injustices they have experienced. They feel that if one race or group is being treated a certain way, that they also need to be treated as so.

An analogy that has helped me understand the distinction between equity and equality is imagining a few children playing together in a park. One of the children gets hurt and is in need of a bandaid due to the scab they got from falling. The second child notices this and helps the hurt child get up and offers him a bandaid. The third child then asks why they can’t get a bandaid as well. Aren’t they equal too? The second child then begins to explain of course they are equal but if they aren’t hurt like the other child is, why would they need a bandaid? That is to say, equity is acknowledging the differences we all have to truly achieve real equality.

“You do not have to be me in order for us to fight alongside each other. I do not have to be you to recognize that our wars are the same. What we must do is commit ourselves to some future that can include each other and to work toward that future with particular strengths of our individual identities. And in order to do this, we must allow each other our differences at the same time as we recognize our sameness.” - Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider, pg 142.

@Sep 18, 2020 10:11 PM

To me, equality means that everyone are treated fairly and get the same opportunities regardless of race, gender, religion etc., and equity means to be given resources and opportunities depending on the certain circumstances a person might have in order to 'level the playing field with everyone and be the same' in order to be successful in life. An example of equality would be the desegregation of African-American and White schools when they were found to be unequal and unconstitutional in the case of Brown v. Board of Education, which lead to racial integration of schools and later lead to more social equality laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. An example of equity would be financial aid given to students who come from low-income households, and although it is unequal for everyone who gets financial aid, it is considered to be equitable because it offers an opportunity for those students to pursue a higher education. While both promote the idea of fair treatment, I feel that equity should be focused on more because not everyone is at the same starting line, and systems should be put in place so that people who need more help to 'level the playing field' get the support they need to do so.

@Sep 18, 2020 10:14 PM

Equality refers to the universally “equal” treatment of all people. It strives to promote ‘sameness’ or ‘fairness’ but is an unrealistic goal that cannot be accomplished based on the unequal standpoints that P.O.C (people of colour), PWDS (persons with disabilities), Women, Non-highly educated persons etc..that are currently placed in modern society. For the aspects of equality to be implemented, each and every person ( regardless of their race, religion, creed, age, sexuality etc) must uniformly encounter the same challenges/rewards given to one another. This ideal is nearly impossible, and frankly ( in my opinion-- stupid ). The idea of everyone being given the same set of ‘tools’ is not as ideal as it may appear. The tools required for people to succeed is subjective,everchanging, and dependent on the situation of each person respectively. For example, giving a rich man 100$ vrs giving a poor man 100$; to the rich man the money may hold little value compared to the fortune they already possess, but to the poor man 100$ could be the deciding factor between life and death.(that 100$ can be used to pay medical bills, buy food, afford rent, etc). I wouldn't treat someone who’s openly racist the same as someone who is not, this one minded mentality not only diminishes originality ( insinuating that EVERYONE should be treated the same), but blindly promotes an unattainable dream. In place of equality, equity is what we as a society should strive for. Conversely, the foundations of equity refer to the idea that there ARE differences among people in our society and works instead to not only identify these differences, but to diminish any unfair bias (e.g slurs,stereotypes, financial barriers, physical barriers, inaccessibility etc) that play a hand in the obstacles placed among people that defer their success. Due to the reality that not everyone begins in the same place (point A) and different people have different needs in order to reach (point B; to create a uniform path to get from point A to B for everyone is to exclude those who require a variant path in order to become successful or ‘equal’. To conclude, equality means to provide the exact set of tools to everyone, despite if that's what they actually need or not, whereas equality assesses the needs of each individual and provides the tools accordingly.

@Sep 18, 2020 10:33 PM

In a perfect world, liberation would be the goal. Right now, that seems almost unachievable, or at the least extremely far away, so equality and equity are the closest attainable options for the time being. To me, equality means that everybody is given the same opportunities, or resources, regardless of their circumstances. Equality is generally not ideal as not everyone comes from the same circumstances. Giving everyone the same resources will result in some people being able to achieve more with the resources given than others. People who already come from a privileged situation will be able to utilize a resource better than someone who comes from a disadvantaged situation, as they will not be able to go as far as the privileged person with the same resource since they began in a ‘lower’ position. On the other hand, equity, to me, means giving people opportunities based on their need or circumstance. I think that equity is preferable as it means everyone will be able to end up in the same position. Equity does not mean the privileged receive no resources, it means the privileged receive less resources than the disadvantaged since they are not as in need of them – hence ‘privileged’. Privileged people already have quite a lot going for them, so to give disadvantaged people the same resources as them means they will continue to be disadvantaged; the privileged will continue to be one step ahead of the disadvantaged, if they receive the same resources, as they did not start in the same position.

@Sep 18, 2020 10:44 PM

The google definition of equality is as stated " the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities " whereas equity is " the quality of being fair and impartial ". Both definitions fail to take into account social and racial impacts in society, these are textbook answers that lack the complexity that is modern society. To me, equality for a black woman and a white male is different yet should theoretically be the same based on the definition. For there to be equality among races and or sexes equity must be taken into account. I picture this idea as a race, as of right now races are staggered at the starting line, with white people being the front runner. Even if the race starts at the same time for everyone there is still a clear disadvantage to people of colour. Now take that same scenario, but everyone but white people get a head start, now all standing at the same spot the race begins. Not everyone got a head start, but it created equal in terms of the race and for that equity had to be considered. It's needed for the realization that white people don't need the head start as they were already leading to begin with. This is a simplified way to look at the two and is what I pictured when posed with this question. The head starts for who and for how long is dependent on the situation. Equity is the head start in the race and equality is everyone starting at the same time but for equaliy to work equity has to be taken into account.

@Sep 18, 2020 10:49 PM

The terms 'equality' and 'equity' sound similar however, they have different meanings. I did not know the true meaning of equity before reading and learning Module 1: P.P.E.E.

According to the dictionary, the term 'equality' means 'the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities' (Dictionary.com), and the term 'equity' means 'to treat everyone fairly and impartially' (Dictionary.com).

Now when I think of the term 'equality' I think of the word 'equal', everyone having the same rights, treatment, opportunity, and freedom no matter the race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality. Equality also means not judging a whole community based on one person's actions/decisions. People not receiving an equal opportunity for a job opening is one example of inequality. Fortune 500 is a list that ranks 500 of the largest United States corporations by total revenue for their respective fiscal years. There have been only 18 black Fortune 500 CEOs since 1999, which is just 0.036%, despite African-Americans representing 13.4% of the United States (fortunes magazine). This is just one example of many regarding a lack of equality amongst Black, Brown, Hispanic, and Asian communities. Equality is something that is yet to be implemented in many places.

The term 'equity' to me means giving everyone the same chance in any situation. It is ensuring that everyone has the chance to accomplish the same thing given the same resources. If someone needs a little more because of their situation, you give them enough for them to come out the same as the others.

@Sep 18, 2020 10:56 PM

When considering the terms “equity and equality” it is important to note that they are not the same.

In a nutshell, equality to me reveals an ideal situation where one is not limited in the number of opportunities they may have due to the way they were born, the colour of their skin or even where they come from but they should be allowed the freedom of expression of their talents, ideas and thoughts and be accommodated with the utmost support for them to learn and grow as individuals.

Whereas with equity, I have come to the conclusion that it is not only focused on “the fair and just treatment of all people” but it also heavily relies on we as individuals doing everything in our power to do away with the unfair biases ever-present in our societies (schools, workplaces and communities). In addition, I believe we should be devoting our time to truly understand where these issues come from so that we are able to prevent them.

@Sep 18, 2020 10:57 PM

I am a cis, black, female muslim and to put it in simple terms, Equality is treating everyone the same no matter race, gender, sexuality, religion and etc whereas, Equity is giving certain people the resources and opportunities they need to be able to finish at the same line. Despite how easy it sounds, it is so much more complicated. We live in a world where women have to work twice as hard to be able to stand on the same ground as men. A world where people of colour are constantly belittled and told they are less. A society that judges individuals for not being able to control who they love and so much more.These issues are happening constantly and are not being addressed. In my opinion, Equality and Equity are goals in which society makes it seem it’s impossible to reach. Everytime we try to take a step forward, we somehow end up 10 steps back. A prime example is Police Brutality. 87% of Black adults say the U.S is more unjust towards Black people. Black People are 5 times more likely to be stopped without just cause than a white person. Despite fighting these issues for decades these statistics alone showcase the inequality African Americans alone continuously face. If we as a society want to reach Equality and Equity we must first tackle the root of these issues and slowly build our way up.

@Sep 18, 2020 11:07 PM

The concept of equality focuses on giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed, whereas equity ensures there are equal outcomes for all. In the module, equity was referred to as 'true equality' because it takes differences between individuals and groups into account. I think these are important concepts to understand, because it reminds me that even if everyone is provided with the same equal opportunity as a starting point, not everyone will be able to reach the same finish line. Privileges such as as race, gender, religion, sexuality etc. allow some people to get further ahead, while others have many more obstacles in the way. To me, equality means that differences that give some people an advantage in life and hinder others, are ignored once everyone is given equal access to opportunities. However, equity acknowledges the very real privilege that some people have in society and that will make it easier for them to get further ahead, and works to repair these differences so all people can achieve equal outcomes.

The image of the people standing by the fence really spoke to me. I have seen the equality vs. equity image before, however I have not seen the reality vs. liberation image. Specifically, the reality image really spoke to me. It reminded me that our system is built upon things such as institutionalized racism, and the reality is that those who already start with more privilege (eg. white, male etc.) continue to move further ahead (tallest with stack of boxes), while those who are already behind due to their position in society are pushed further back (shortest in a pit). Our society continues to benefit those with privilege, and disadvantages those who are already oppressed.

I think by educating ourselves more on how our society is built to benefit the privileged, and disadvantage the oppressed we can be more aware of the very real issues, such as racism, that are prevalent in society. The more educated we are, the better allies we can be, and the more we can work to create change in our world.