Memes are not enables of Justice!

The famous meme contrasting equality and equity using crates and people watching a baseball game provides an effective illustration of equity as "equality of outcome." In this meme, each person stands on as many crates as needed to see over a fence and watch the game, regardless of their original height. This approach contrasts with equality, where everyone receives the same number of crates, irrespective of their height.

However, this visual metaphor has limitations that can obscure more nuanced understandings of equity. The depiction implies that equity relies on external aid (crates) to level the playing field, which suggests dependence on handouts. Furthermore, it assumes that the fence or barrier remains fixed and unchanged, focusing on distributing crates rather than addressing the barriers themselves.

In real-world contexts, organisations often have different interpretations of equity, leading to varying policy approaches. Understanding these differing perspectives is crucial for decision-making because different sectors and cultural contexts may prioritise different aspects of equity, such as:

1. Redistributive Equity: Prioritising the reallocation of resources to under-served communities to ensure fair opportunities.
   
2. Procedural Equity: Making sure decision-making processes consider the voices and needs of marginalised groups.
   
3. Structural Equity: Dismantling systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing opportunities and achieving fair outcomes.

Instead of simply providing crates, a more transformative approach to equity would involve rethinking the structures that restrict access to opportunities in the first place. This could be achieved by tearing down the fence or putting windows in it, metaphorically representing the removal of systemic barriers. In practical terms, this could mean advocating for policy changes that provide universal access to essential services like education and healthcare.

In sum, while the meme offers an accessible introduction to the concept of equity, it's essential to grasp its nuances and consider alternative approaches for achieving long-term systemic change. Simplisitic solution rarely word to address deep rooted and complex issues.