We've had it instilled in us since we were young children. Everyone is equal, everyone is the same and we should treat them as such. No child left behind and all that hoo-ha.
I think by using this broadened definition of equal that we have overlooked and undermined what makes humans so special, one of our most positive defining qualities. Our uniqueness.
We are not equal. We are all different, very different at times. This is a seriously good thing. This allows for our world to develop, to have depth, to create beauty and productivity. If everyone were truly equal then it would be a rather boring party.
I think what we mean to say is that everyone equally deserves the same respect and opportunity. That I can get on board with. That makes logical sense to me.
In an ideal world every child would have access to the same quality education. Every person regardless of his or her intelligence, income, career, race or nationality would receive respect. This is a completely different concept than saying we are equal and therefore should study the same things, live the same way and be held to the same standards.
Um I'm pretty sure Billy sucked at drawing and there's no way on earth I would have passed chemistry without a cheat sheet. Not every person has the same ability to learn math with ease. Not every person can accurately draw a horse. Some people are natural listeners; some don't know when to shut up.
Each person is born with particular gifts and innate skills, a tendency to be better at some things rather than others.
Yes given enough time and attention it's likely anyone can become proficient in a certain skill but why waste time trying to become "proficient" when you could become a master at something else.
I believe it's so important to gain a strong understanding of core subjects. But does everyone really need to climb the rope in gym class, study 20th century poetry, physics, calculus? Oh God please not calculus.
Not everyone has the same interests or skills. Not everyone can become a doctor, not everyone can become Beckham. Not everyone wants to. Perhaps we should spend the better part of our time and education making the most of our individual attributes rather than wasting time forcing things that we'll never master and never cared about in the first place.
Humans naturally have unique abilities. They have different qualities, skill sets, and priorities. Let's stop pretended we're all so equal, we're not. You have brown hair I have blonde, she likes cats, he likes dogs, Hilary's intelligent, Donald's... well you get the picture.
By trying to throw everyone in the same boat we're glossing over what makes us interesting. We're limiting some and forcing other's down unproductive paths.
Equality is a nice idea. It's a total people pleaser. But it's not reality nor it should be.
Our inequalities are precisely the things that make us impressive. They're precisely the qualities that should be embraced.
By embracing our inequalities we're that much more likely to get stuff done, to grow and achieve more. By not trying to squeeze into the same mold we'll not only accomplish more but also feel happier in the process. We'll have the permission to stay true to ourselves to follow our own lovely paths. A total win win.