Is equality achieved by treating people the same or differently?

Question

Is equality achieved by treating people the same or differently?

Answer 1

doesn't matter - equality is rarely achieved through interpersonal interaction because it's more about systemic problems (poverty, racism, sexism, etc - things that cannot be changed by being nice or overly nice to someone when you meet them on the street.)

Answer 2

No such thing as being equal. Fairness is possible.

Equal means no head start, no affirmative action, no government set asides. Forcing people to be equal is folly. All the government should attempt to do is make things fair.

Answer 3

Differently. Sometimes it is necessary to see differences and to act to make opportunity more equal even if it means more action on behalf of some people.

Answer 4

Same, respect is the what equality is looking for.  Everyone has the same level of respect for each other then badam, we go sing kumbaya.

Answer 5

The question is too general, so the answer will be too general as well:

If you treat different people the same, it´s gonna mean different things to them and imply different consequences for each of them.

So to treat people appropriately, you have to treat them differently.

Answer 6

Equality is treating all people equal under the law.  Plain and simple.  Any attempt to "equalize" people by treating them differently inherently discourages productivity and creates dis-incentives to hard work.

The great thing about America is that you can work your way to success through your own blood, sweat, tears, and natural, God-given talent.

It's not the government's job to make my life better.  It's my own.  If I don't seize that task, why should the money, time, and effort of others be spent on my behalf?

Answer 7

The same.

I treat people the same regardless of s*x, race, religion, and disability. No special treatment. If people want special treatment then they do not deserve equality.

"Equal rights for all;special treatment for none."--Thomas Jefferson