Equal Opportunity, Equal Advantage
Paul and Peter are classmates at a suburban elementary school. Paul lives in the inner city, in a low income neighbourhood and comes to school on the school bus. His dad is a security guard and his mom works at a fast food resturant. Niether of Paul's parents have college education. Paul's mom dropped out of high school and had her first child when she was 19.
Peter lives in the suburbs close to his school. His dad is an executive at an insurance company and his mom works for the city. Both of Peter's parents have university education. His dad has an MBA and his mom has a BA in phylosophy.
When Paul comes home his parents are often at work, since they work shifts. Even when they are at home, his dad is usually watching TV and his mom is busy with household chores. Paul seldom gets help from his parents with his homework. Paul goes to bed without anyone reading him a book. He does not participate in the science fair at school as his parents are not interested in it nor does he subscribe to the special booklet that many other kids in his class receive, perhaps because his parents can't afford the extra expense. Paul seldom visits the local library.
Peter on the other hand gets adequate help from his parents with his homework. His dad was a volunteer at the school for the science fair in which Peter participated as well. Peter frequently gets books from the local library and one of his parents read him bedtime stories almost each night. Peter also has several educational computer games. He has seen his parents use the computer to pay bills, manage family pictures, send e-mail and is himself comfortable using the computer.
Who among Peter and Paul do you think is likely to do well at school, complete high school and move on to get a college education enabling him to earn a comfortable living?
Peter and Paul have equal rights and may even have equal opportunity, but do they have equal chance of sucess? Do they have equal advantage? If you ask me, I think Peter clearly has the advantage and greater chances of academic success and consequent earning potential.
How likely is it that Paul's children may face the same situation that he is in? And the cycle continues.
If only Paul could have the same advantages and chances that Peter has, it would truly be a level playing field. But the type of advantages we are talking about - help with homework, participation in school activities, visits to local library etc. aren't something the government can provide nor can they be legislated. However, volunteers and non-profit organizations can provide this type of help. They can truly make a difference in Paul's life. Is there a Paul out there you can help?
Technorati Tag Equal Opportunity
Peter lives in the suburbs close to his school. His dad is an executive at an insurance company and his mom works for the city. Both of Peter's parents have university education. His dad has an MBA and his mom has a BA in phylosophy.
When Paul comes home his parents are often at work, since they work shifts. Even when they are at home, his dad is usually watching TV and his mom is busy with household chores. Paul seldom gets help from his parents with his homework. Paul goes to bed without anyone reading him a book. He does not participate in the science fair at school as his parents are not interested in it nor does he subscribe to the special booklet that many other kids in his class receive, perhaps because his parents can't afford the extra expense. Paul seldom visits the local library.
Peter on the other hand gets adequate help from his parents with his homework. His dad was a volunteer at the school for the science fair in which Peter participated as well. Peter frequently gets books from the local library and one of his parents read him bedtime stories almost each night. Peter also has several educational computer games. He has seen his parents use the computer to pay bills, manage family pictures, send e-mail and is himself comfortable using the computer.
Who among Peter and Paul do you think is likely to do well at school, complete high school and move on to get a college education enabling him to earn a comfortable living?
Peter and Paul have equal rights and may even have equal opportunity, but do they have equal chance of sucess? Do they have equal advantage? If you ask me, I think Peter clearly has the advantage and greater chances of academic success and consequent earning potential.
How likely is it that Paul's children may face the same situation that he is in? And the cycle continues.
If only Paul could have the same advantages and chances that Peter has, it would truly be a level playing field. But the type of advantages we are talking about - help with homework, participation in school activities, visits to local library etc. aren't something the government can provide nor can they be legislated. However, volunteers and non-profit organizations can provide this type of help. They can truly make a difference in Paul's life. Is there a Paul out there you can help?
Technorati Tag Equal Opportunity
posted by Anil | 6:11 PM
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