Reap the benefits of equality
By Jean Ricot Dormeus
Sally used to work as a domestic worker with a well-off family in a rural area. Aida, the mistress of the property always treated her with respect saying often: “we all share the same human nature, but just play different roles in society”. Then one day, misfortune swooped on the Aida’s family causing her two children to move in with relatives after her husband suddenly passed away. Aida ended up moving in Sally’s apartment in the city where she took a job. This reversal of fortune signals the importance of treating everyone on an equal footing regardless of our position.
Free and thriving societies appreciate the value of equality. When we level the ground in our families, schools, courts, public offices, businesses, we create the conditions for the full expression of genius, talents and individual efforts. A leadership gifted woman in a male controlled country would have no opportunity to uplift her community. A well educated immigrant would have little chance to serve successfully in a xenophobic society.
Liberty, fraternity and justice lie on the bedrock of equality. Equality promotes learning, sustains growth, and supports private initiatives. It is in our best interest to treat others as equals although our good breaks may lead us to think otherwise. Our good attitude will pay off, especially if we get the short end of the stick at some point.
When Bernard became CEO of his company, his friend Jake told him: “You must be better than the others to reach the pinnacle”. However, he retorted: “Actually, I got there because people way better than me supported me”. Sage Solomon said, “The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong”. If we uphold equality, we will reap its benefits.
Jean Ricot Dormeus
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