Brandon Wu, Period 8, 11/16/21

 Brandon Wu, Period 8, 11/16/21

What is inequity? Inherently, inequity is defined as the state of being unfair or unjust, usually caused by systematic disadvantages. This is not to be confused with inequality, which simply refers to unbalanced conditions/circumstances. In other words, inequality is caused by a state of inequity. But there is a key difference between these two. Inequity can be solved. Think about the issues of homelessness or child hunger. These issues could be completely solved if enough resources were allocated to them. But of course, we sit around on the sidelines doing more arguing about how to solve these issues or who is going to pay for them rather than working to solve them. I find it dreadful that countless lives are suffering, in many cases, due to factors out of their control. That anything from the country that you were born into to the color of your skin could affect your future. Take education, for example, a topic that we are all familiar with as we all go to school. Across the country, minority students are less likely to graduate high school than their white counterparts. Now, what is the explanation for this inequality? Inequity in school funding. It may not be common knowledge, but school funding largely relies on local property taxes. But homes in predominantly minority neighborhoods are often valued significantly less than similar homes in neighborhoods with fewer minority residents (the reasons behind this are for another time). The disparity in funding between schools means fewer teachers, textbooks, and overall lower quality of education. By tackling problems like these, and many more, we can ensure a brighter, better, and more equitable future for all those who are less fortunate.

Looking around, it is easy to find examples of inequity in our everyday lives, from the homeless man down the street to the high school senior who can’t afford to go to their dream college. It has made me reflect upon my past experiences and realize just how privileged I am compared to those who are less fortunate. Privileged to be born into a middle-class family with enough money to put food on the table and a roof over my head. Privileged enough to have tutoring outside of school, which likely helped get me into Staten Island Tech. In more recent times, I was fortunate enough to have a computer to partake in online classes, a privilege many others don’t have. Even a vacation is often a luxury many cannot afford. I know I can’t take these things for granted when others would do anything to be in my situation. And for that, I am grateful. For the fact that I was born in the United States, for the fact that I have such a

 supportive family, and for the fact that I could not only survive, but thrive in a world that many others cannot.