What Does Equality Really Mean?

That's a good question, isn't it? More importantly what does it mean to you?

Let's find out what some of our top writers have to say on the subject.

I promised I'd continue to share short excerpts from our new anthology, Equality: What Do You Think About When You Think of Equality?

First up is Victoria Zackheim, author, playwright, screenwriter, teacher, and anthologist. Her essay raises some very important questions about the future. What will equality look like for our younger generation?

From "Stirring Frustration Stew" by Victoria Zackheim

"As much as I’d like to write about equality in a positive way, I’m finding it difficult, and every example slides into the murky depths of my Frustration Stew.

At the time of this writing, my five grandchildren range in age from three to thirteen. My daughter’s twin girls are thirteen, and I often wonder what equality will look like when they reach adulthood. Compared to the men, will they receive equal pay for equal work? My son’s twins, a boy and a girl, are six. Will they be treated with the same consideration and fairness when they apply to universities, or launch careers?"

Good questions raised here about equality. What do you think?

Next up is Barbara Jacksha, writer and editor. Barbara creates an Equality Test and examines how she treats others and wants to be treated in return.

From "Everyday Equality" by Barbara Jacksha

"I began to wonder whether I really championed equality on the small, everyday levels as well as the grand—the subconscious and conscious levels. I thought I did but wanted to know for sure.

So I decided to observe my thoughts and feelings, attitudes and behaviours, to see if they reflected my belief that I see and treat people equally. As is true for most people, my perception of self can be a very slippery thing, coloured by a host of factors including a strong desire to see myself as a loving, compassionate person.

The first few days of my Equality Test were smooth and easy, and I thought, all right I’m doing pretty well at this whole equality thing."

But was she? How would you do on Ms. Jacksha's Equality Test?

One more snippet on the lighter side and I'll let you go.

Rob Byrnes takes a look at equality from a slightly skewed and humorous angle. His acerbic and sophisticated wit has never been more engaging.

From "On Equality" by Rob Byrnes

"When I discuss matters of equality, it's important that my audience look not just at me, but also within themselves. Ignore what you see in my professional author photo: White. Male. Still roguishly good-looking even as I age gracefully.

And ignore your assumptions: Cisgendered. Protestant, but from a respectable denomination having nothing to do with mass hysteria or snake handling. Recipient of a decent biweekly paycheck who lives in a cosmopolitan urban environment.

Ignore the surface and try to look inside me. Because there are things you will never see when you’re skimming the surface.

For one example, you can't see my disability. And, yes, I consider occasional moderate arthritis pain to be disabling. Oh, sure, it's not a "sexy" disability, like being blind or deaf or having a missing arm or leg or head, but sometimes that shit really hurts.

For another example, you can’t see that I'm gay.

I'll let you catch your breath.

What? Was it the colour-coordination that gave me away? The cufflink fetish?"

Please let me know if you're enjoying these little excerpts. I plan to keep doing them. For me in today's global and diverse world, equality is more important than ever. Do you agree?

The best is yet to come. Believe it!

All my best,

Paul