Can we stop with the use of "equality" already?

Question

Can we stop with it men and women are "equal" just say, "don't discriminate." Don't show partiality, be fair. Something other than "equal."

We are *not* equal. Neither inferior nor superior. But, certainly not equal. It is not accurate and creates confusion.

Despite chanting equality, feminists (and others) will cite endless examples and articles about how different men and women are. "Women are better friends, men are more violent, men don't ask for directions, less emotional, women are physically weaker, etc."

Then, the same individuals will insist that you can't treat women like men. I don't. They aren't "equal."

Pls check the top several definitions of "equal" and that is precisely what the word means. Number 9 is "impartial."

So, why not simply demand non-discrimination fairness, and impartiality? Isn't that what is really wanted?

If most people can't even agree on what the word means in this context, it has little value.

Stormsinger1:

Valid point. But, no one misunderstands the use in that context because it is so general. However, when used specifically , taken literally, it precludes women ever being treated differently than men. And that is often undesirable and not always possible.

Answer 1

Sounds good.
Yeah of course men and women are not equal, we are different in so many ways. It all balances out, so one gender is not really better than the other or worse.
I think that alot of people associate 'equal' with being treated equally and with respect, without discrimination in any form, that's probably where it comes from. But I do agree, it's better to treat our own and the opposite gender with fairness.

Answer 2

It seems to come down to semantics... do we really understand what the words mean and are we using the correct words to say what we mean? There is a qualitative equal and a quantitative equal. When it comes to gender discussions, people are very quick to point out the qualitative differences between men and women.
1+4 = 2+3 is a good example to illustrate qualitative difference coexisting with quantitative equality. Can we all agree on that, at least?

This was conveniently pasted from another question I answered in Gender Studies :

I can embrace the word impartial in place of equal, but you gotta admit, "gender equality" rolls off the tongue better than "gender impartiality." So for the purpose of our discussions, I'm with you, but it might be hard to get the masses on board with you. As soon as you post a question or statement attacking equality, you get backlash, and it rarely ever progresses to a meeting of the minds. More often, it deteriorates into personal attacks.

Nisha also made an excellent point.

Answer 3

Its too hard to gauge equality for both sides if they aren't identical in shape form and awareness etc etc.
Its like measuring the achievements between a biologist and a talk show host.
Different, but how would you measure their success ?? Give them both a nobel prize ?? See who has earned more money ?? Or what ??
For example, people can say
1+4=5 where A+B=5
2+3 =5 where C+D=5
but in reality based on different interpretations, 'A' can really be 20 to a person, or C actually -999 to another.
And which person's interpretation would be better ?? The perception of someone who sees too much from one side, or the view of someone who doesn't care in the first place??

Answer 4

KISS-- Keep it simple stupid!

yes most humans are stupid because of that more humans will use the easy way out -- changes of more people understanding you and the message your saying!

It's easer to say i want to be equal over can i have non-discrimination fairness and impartiality!

But overall i think everyone is just playing these card for attention. It bugs me I'm female I can vote i can do for themost part anythign any guy can do! I work hard and i stand up for my self.. I haven't really seen sex discrimination in my life so i don't see what the big deal is!
i just wish all the race and sex discrimination would stop dude we are human must when pin point every freaking thing that serperates our idententy or should we all become clones!

Answer 5

Men and women are just not equal (in any understanding of the word) in regards to society or the law. Trying to push this square peg into the round hole just will not work.
Men and women are not treated equally, identically, fairly or any other descriptive word used because men and women have different roles, demands, rights, and aims. One person's utopia is another's prison, which seems to be a main ingredient of the current problem in regards to "equality".

I agree with the idea of giving all adult humans the same rights and opportunities, living under the same laws, rules and regulations. *Any* alteration (and I do mean "any") from this results in some form of discrimination, which is inequality.

Answer 6

It does not confuse me.

Relying on negated forms of other words like prejudice, discrimination, and seems far more confusing. Why go through the trouble when we have a perfectly good word already?

From Mirriam-Webster Online (which first defines equality as the state of being equal):
"1 a (1): of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another
(2): identical in mathematical value or logical denotation : equivalent
b: like in quality, nature, or status
c: like for each member of a group, class, or society "

The first google hit for equality is the Sanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, which moves onto social equality in the 4th paragraph:

"In the case of descriptive use of equality, the common standard is itself descriptive, e.g. two people weigh the same. A prescriptive use of equality is present when a prescriptive standard is applied, i.e., a norm or rule, e.g. people ought to be equal before the law."

To ask a forum to abandon a commonly used term that is universally associated with the subject at hand for your personal convenience seems a bit much.

Answer 7

Men and women _are_ equal. We're different, sure, but equality doesn't imply sameness at all. Equality means that, whatever a man can do, there is a woman who can do the same, and vice versa (barring obvious biological issues- I can't produce sperm, and men can't bear children). And that is true. For every supposed difference between the sexes, the average man and woman are much closer than either extreme is within one sex. The strongest man is far stronger than the weakest man, but the average man is only a bit stronger than the average woman.

I mean, the Constitution wouldn't keep going on about equality if the founding fathers really thought that meant we all had to be the exact same.

Answer 8

Using the term "equality" isn't the problem. The problem is when "equality" is understood only in a literal sense, and people assume it means man=woman.

The equality we're actually talking about is equality of *power.*

That means having the same rights to make the same choices in our lives, regardless of gender, without having to fear adversity and societal pressures. It isn't about not holding doors for each other, or being gender-blind.

Maybe you're right, though. I wish the mainstream could realize what we actually mean, but maybe it would be better to just use different terminology since the term "equality" is so misunderstood. Thanks for the new options: to me, "equality" and "non-discrimination" and "fairness" are very much the interchangeable.

Answer 9

Does the word "Sameness" mean the same as 'Equality" within a legal definition?

Answer 10

I beg to differ it is about equality because you can only think about being fair,just or indiscriminate if you beleive in equality.

However i do agree that there is a an issue with this term equality and that is absolute application versus selective application and that is an issue which will have to be tackeld on the road to 100% equality.

A god thought out question.Good!!!