I often hear people talk about how things should be fair, as if it’s some sort of inalienable right. Fact: life is not fair. Some people have opportunities, gifts, and abilities that others will never possess. And yet we instill the idea in children that all things should be fair. “Bring enough for the whole class.” “Everyone gets an award for participation.”
We need to make a distinction between fairness and equality. Yes, all people are created equal, in that they have the same value and inherent worth. But that does not mean that everything is going to be fair. And I think we need to be very careful about "leveling the playing field." Instead of giving every kid a meaningless trophy, why not offer additional practice sessions for the children who want and need them? Or help those children find other things that they are good at?
My point is, let's reward those who earn it, while also creating opportunities for everyone to have the chance of finding their own version of success.
We need to make a distinction between fairness and equality. Yes, all people are created equal, in that they have the same value and inherent worth. But that does not mean that everything is going to be fair. And I think we need to be very careful about "leveling the playing field." Instead of giving every kid a meaningless trophy, why not offer additional practice sessions for the children who want and need them? Or help those children find other things that they are good at?
My point is, let's reward those who earn it, while also creating opportunities for everyone to have the chance of finding their own version of success.