Equity: A Lesson from a Housewarming Party

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story with you. A story that taught me a valuable lesson about equity. It’s a tale that takes us back to a housewarming party many moons ago.

The Housewarming Party

My dear friend, let’s call him John, had just moved into a new home. It was a modest house, but it was his. John had worked hard, saved diligently, and finally achieved his dream of homeownership. To celebrate, he decided to throw a housewarming party.

John invited everyone – friends, family, neighbors, and even a few strangers. The day of the party arrived, and the house was filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses.

The Lesson

As the evening progressed, I noticed something peculiar. John was treating his guests differently. Some were offered the finest wine, while others were given cheap beer. Some were shown around the house with pride, while others were barely acknowledged.

When I asked John about this, he simply said, “Kev, I’m treating everyone equally. Everyone’s getting a drink, and everyone’s invited to the party.”

But you see, my dear reader, that’s where John was wrong. He was treating everyone equally, but not equitably.

Equality vs Equity

Equality and equity are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Equality means treating everyone the same, regardless of their needs or circumstances. Equity, on the other hand, means giving everyone what they need to be successful.

In John’s case, he was treating everyone equally by giving them a drink. But he was not treating them equitably. He was not considering their individual needs or preferences.

The Takeaway

My dear reader, the lesson here is simple. As we navigate through life, let’s strive for equity, not just equality. Let’s treat people based on their individual needs and circumstances, not just on a one-size-fits-all basis.

Remember, equity is not about giving everyone the same thing. It’s about giving everyone what they need to be successful.

And with that, I’ll sign off for now. Until next time, remember to strive for equity in all that you do.

Yours in wisdom,

Kev