Equality and fairness are not the same

Many people don't realize the difference between equality and fairness but among those that do, many want it to be the same. Maybe there's a reason why its called ideals but in practice, these two are never the same.

Putting the politics of our homeland aside, as a parent, how often have you allowed one child to go out at night but not another? From the disadvantaged child's point of view, life is not fair. How can kor kor (elder brother) get more freedom? As as a parent however, you'll argue its not about equality. Its about the safety and survival of your child, and that overrides everything.

Therefore there is no equality in the family. However you hope to make it up with fairness. The younger one gets less freedom but more pampering and attention. The elder one gets more freedom but less pampering and attention. One day when you are confident the child can take care of himself or herself, you will give everyone the same treatment.

Of course the crux of it will depend on how a parent defines "fair," especially when stepchildren are involved but we all survive. And some, very well I might add.

This is just to point out the difference between fairness and equality.

I shan't get into justice, especially when what's just can sometimes be neither equal nor fair.