The thing about equality is this, (its a conundrum!)

[Rosemarie]

If people are not born equal, (as we all seem to acknowledge), and you suggest should not be treated equally, (at least so far as schooling goes), then the off asserted phrase, "All men/women are equal", starts to look pretty meaningless doesn't it.
There is selection in schools though, if only by the wealth of their parents allowing so many children to be sent to exclusive and very expensive schools, (most of our UK prime ministers gaining advantage via this route, of either political persuasion).

You seem to be confusing the words 'same' and 'equal'. Those of us who have more than one child are aware of the differences between them, yet are able to treat them equally,ie. making sure one doesn't get more than the other, making allowances for the differences in temperament. Ideally, parents should be able to make sure each child has the same opportunities to develop by giving them the appropriate schooling and whatever they need for their particular talents.
For instance, one of my sons was always more academic than the other, so he was given the books he wanted. The other was more into sports, so he was given footballs, sports equipment, etc. Therefore they were treated equally, but not the same.

 

[grahamg]

You seem to be confusing the words 'same' and 'equal'. Those of us who have more than one child are aware of the differences between them, yet are able to treat them equally,ie. making sure one doesn't get more than the other, making allowances for the differences in temperament. Ideally, parents should be able to make sure each child has the same opportunities to develop by giving them the appropriate schooling and whatever they need for their particular talents.
For instance, one of my sons was always more academic than the other, so he was given the books he wanted. The other was more into sports, so he was given footballs, sports equipment, etc. Therefore they were treated equally, but not the same.

Okay, but saying "All children are born equal" does equate in many people's minds as "All children are born the same", or else the argument in this notable document would not have stated as it does: "According to the Declaration of Independence, it is “self-evident” that all men are created equal. But, from a certain perspective, it’s our inequality that’s self-evident".

I notice you have not chosen to avail yourself of the opportunity to view the photograph I mentioned earlier, but that's okay of course, you have made your mind up as to my worth to my child, and I can choose to respect your view, or ignore your view, whilst convinced those championing the rights of children to reject decent dads without those in authority being under any obligation to assist us, are in some measure responsible for the children whose lives might have been better, had it been inculcated in them by those around the child, that it is not just their interests that matter, and the world might be a better place into the bargain.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Equality isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Sometimes equity is more important than equality.

 

[grahamg]

This is maybe what "equality" has brought about concerning marriage:

 

[grahamg]

Gandhi on equality
“My idea of society is that while we are born equal, meaning that we have a right to equal opportunity, all have not the same capacity.” “Under ideal conditions, the barrister and the bhangi (sweeper) should both get the same payment.”



https://www.mkgandhi.org/momgandhi/chap55.htm

 

[grahamg]

I've thought of something else in regard to "equality"!

You know when people use the trite comment, "What's not to like", (about whatever it might be, Christmas, Thanks giving, peanut butter etc., etc.), well you can imagine almost everyone saying, "There is nothing at all not to like about equality", can't you, a universal good in other words!

However, inherent in the word equality, or the quest for equality by those feeling they're not getting a fair deal, fair share, and so on, is this issue, and I hope I'm not straying to far into areas I don't wish to here, so bear with me, because I'm only talking about each one of us as an individual, we can all think of ourselves as not being treated fairly sometimes, maybe very often, not getting our fai share and so on.

Hence my suggested objection to an over emphasising of the need for equality, we all become dissatisfied with whatever we've gotten, nothing is ever enough is it, in the quest for equality in our lives, and we can all then judge others as being responsible in some way for the lack of equality we feel can't we(?).