The irony of “Equality” we pretend not to see

2 min read

1 hour ago

Listen

We often talk about Equality as if it is the ultimate goal of humanity—something pure, fair, and unquestionably good. But is it really? The more I observe the world, the more I realize that equality is often just a weapon—used by politicians, institutions, and schools to gain attention. Everyone loves to claim that there is equality.
Take coed schools, for example. On the surface, boys and girls sit in the same classrooms, wear similar uniforms, study the same syllabus, and take the same exams. It looks like equality has been achieved—but look deeper. Boys and girls are taught differently. Girls are told to mind their manners, be careful, learn chores, and always be polite. Boys, on the other hand, are allowed to be reckless, loud, and careless—but they are also told not to show weakness. Girls are allowed to cry; boys aren’t.
This isn’t biological. It’s society shaping children to fit its own rigid standards for “their” gender. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, statuses, and situations. No two people are the same. So how is it fair to treat everyone the same?
By the time puberty hits, the differences become clearer. Girls often quit sports, become self-conscious about their bodies, and some even feel ashamed of natural things like periods. Boys are expected to find their voice, speak loudly, and not be shy. It’s okay if they earn lower grades because they have their father’s business to fall back on—their identity starts from their family. Meanwhile, girls are pressured to be independent, to earn good grades, and told that no one will save them.
This is mentality, not a standard. If we want, we can achieve anything—no one can stop us. Equality has never truly existed. It cannot, because people have different needs, challenges, and expectations. No girl needs saving. Boys, too, are expected to be well-educated.
What we need is not equality—we need justice. Justice acknowledges that everyone is different: different needs, different thinking, and different values. Until society changes its mindset, equality will remain a myth.