Equality is the watchword and the catchword of our day. The egalitarian idea dominates the postmodern spirit. The masses approve of it. It expresses the thoughts and feelings of all; it has set its seal upon our time. When history comes to tell our story it will write above the chapter “The Epoch of Equality.”
As yet, it is true, Egalitarianism has not created a society which can be said to represent its ideal. But for more than a generation the policies of civilized nations have been directed towards nothing less than a realization of an equal society. In recent years the movement has grown noticeably in vigor and tenacity.
We are told by the intellectual establishment in the Western nations today that the best way to achieve this desired equality is to recognize and break down entrenched systems of privilege. In this context privilege is defined as:
“…a set of perceived advantages (or lack of disadvantages) enjoyed by a majority group, who are usually unaware of the privilege they possess.”
“…any right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person or group beyond the advantages
of most.”
The set of circumstances in which some people and groups enjoy advantages and benefits that others don’t is a serious obstacle to social equality. It must be addressed and remedied if we are to achieve a fair and just society. Of course the question of why such an egalitarian society is desirable in the first place is never asked or answered. Equality is simply one of the divine mysteries of postmodern liberalism and thus needs no explanation and will tolerate no questioning.
