Equality

One obvious historical example that illustrates the debate and struggle over the concept
of equality is the tragic institution of slavery once affirmed in the United States. Slavery has
existed in many cultures over many centuries throughout history, and still exists to this day, but
thankfully our nation found the ending of slavery important enough to engage in a civil war that
ended this evil practice. There were debates over states rights and the immorality of slavery. In
the end, however, the North won which abolished slavery. And because of this, we became a
better nation.
Another major historical example that illustrates the debate over equality is that of
womens rights. Over the course of history, some societies regarded women about as valuable as
cattle and other property. However, beginning in 1848 the womens rights movements began to
take place which focused on making social, political and economic status equal to those of men.
They fought for the right to own their own property, the right to access a higher education and
most importantly, voting rights. The 19th Amendment was established in 1920 which gave
women a step forward in this battle, the right to vote. The battle has continued and overcome
many obstacles ever since. Although some may argue that women still have a long way to go in
the fight for equality, it is promising to note that at this time we have two female candidates for
the upcoming 2016 presidential election.
A contemporary example on the ongoing concept of equality is the issue on gay marriage.
People debate and differ on this issue but all should respect ones personal decision if they want
to marry someone of the same sex and not deny same sex couples legal rights in matters of
estate, insurance, inheritance etc. At the same time, people should respect someones religious

belief and be conscious if, for example, a pastor or church does not believe in performing and
condoning a same sex union. Marriage licenses were originally issued back in the 1920s to keep
whites from marrying blacks. Why have marriage licenses at all? Let each person follow his or
her own morality and live at peace accordingly. That would be acting on the concept that All
men are created equal.
The goal of equality is good and necessary to live in a civil and free society and yet some
of these issues will continue to be debated for years to come. If everyone is to be considered
equal, we should start truly listening to each other and stop all the shouting, name calling, hate,
and fear of having opposing opinions. People can disagree on issues while having equally valid
points. If someone disagrees with our point of view, we often say that person is intolerant but
arent we also being intolerant of the intolerant? As author Tim Keller says: Tolerance isnt
about not having beliefs. Its about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with
you. Some issues of equality are not up for debate but at other times we may just have to agree
to disagree on certain issues and treat each other with the love and dignity that we all deserve
and want in return. The debates and struggles for equality will continue as long as life on earth
continues. There is no utopia that can be achieved on earth. There never has been and there
never will be. Our struggle for equality will always exist but that is not the issue. The issue,
however, is a matter of how we handle it.