I've participated in blog action day in the past, with themes such as water, food, and human rights. This year's theme is inequality - which I feel I could easily relate to access to the past topics. When I think of inequality, many topics come to mind. I think of disease and health crises that occur around the world, war torn countries, wealth distribution and poverty. I also think of gender differences, because when I hear inequality, it makes me think fairness, equality, and differences.
We are all different, have grown up in different circumstances, have had different opportunities, but that doesn't mean that some of us have rights and others do not. Inequality is defined as "an unfair situation in which some people have more rights or better opportunities than other people" (by merriam-webster dictionary). I don't have the answers or solutions, but there are definitely things we can do to reduce disparity and the unevenness.
I think a great place to start is how we view males versus females. I grew up as a very athletic female, perhaps not the 'norm', but it instilled confidence and a love of health and wellness in me. I still get caught up in media hype regarding how women 'should' look or act, and it frustrates me, because I see body image issues in so many of the people I work with. I have no idea what it's like to be a man, I only know what it's like to be me, but isn't that the point, can't we treat each other as human?! I know men are often faster and stronger, to which I may have once said "it's not fair", but what is 'fair' anyway. Fair should be avoiding judgment, stereotypes, labels, etc. and letting people be who they are. I've shared an ad campaign video from always below, because I like the message - when did "like a girl" become an insult?
We've just celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada, and it was a time to remind me to be grateful of all that I have - something I continue to work on each year. There will always be people with more money, possessions, and skills, so I will focus on my treatment of other human beings and gratitude for all that I have - because life isn't fair, and if this is my life, then I'm going to live it the best way I can, and hopefully help reduce some inequality along the way.
What does inequality mean to you?
Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
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