Equality is a utopian dream rarely achieved because it disregards one fundamental reality which is this we are all different! In the sense of equal rights under the law it does not necessarily follow that one law is equally applied for similar reasons hence the often quoted "the law is an ass".

When charging into the fray of equal rights for one group or another, an undisclosed agenda can be quite different. Disguised as grievances from a minority these vocal protests often mask their real goal of imposing special rights that extend above and beyond equality. This is true of some aggressive religious groups whose followers rarely hesitate to demand respect and recognition on equal terms with other faiths yet there is no tolerance for the converse. The same can be said for the homosexual cause the argument for their freedom of choice in lifestyle was over many years ago yet some continue agitating for special recognition as if their choice of sexuality is in some way a disability.

Equal rights for women was a notable phenomena of the 1960's featuring some unusual demonstrations of defiance, burning of bras and of course the infamous Germaine Greer and her acerbic provocative style of gaining public attention. In so many ways this was a good concept that unfortunately became skewed with the insidious idea of affirmative action'. It is ludicrous to suggest reserving places for women somehow represents equality, far from it; it is hypocritical and demeaning.

Women competing on equal terms with men require no advantage otherwise the competition is not on equal terms. Women with whom I have discussed this issue are quick to make it clear they would not like to think they achieved success in their careers based on some kind of politically correct ideology that made them the token female'. They competed for positions based on merit and their personal skills this is about as close to equality as it gets.

Universities are a hotbed of inequality dressed up as student rights, fights for the disadvantaged along with a plethora of assorted causes and ideas yet we find the inevitable reserved places for selected ethnic representation. How this makes the institution equal is beyond my understanding but choices rarely enter into the power of student union or activist agendas.

Indeed as an undergraduate I was significantly disadvantaged by the fact I attended part time, had no time to use any of the free or subsidised services on offer yet was compelled to pay $300 for voluntary' student membership. University education can be tough and require a lot of effort and research in order to comprehend many complex subjects yet no amount of comprehension gave me the remotest idea of how this was fair and equal.

Equality is seen from a different perspective depending on which side of success you are sitting. Take a group of people and deliver precisely the same training then give an exam. The results are going to be invariably different because each of us is a little different. Given this fact how is it then possible to even begin arguing about equality? What the real issue should be is about fairness this at least can be achieved with a little thought and some honest negotiation.

Learn more about this author, Ian Loft.
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