Chapter 93: Promise Of Stars
2004/2/1
If you don’t mind, I’d like to propose a question.
What is fairness?
People like to think it’s simple. A concept upheld by rules and principles. But perhaps fairness is just a word—dragged across mouths to justify convenience. A multi-faced mirror. Everyone sees a different reflection and calls it "just."
Some say fairness means the same treatment for all. But does that mean a fish and a bird must climb the same tree? Others argue for fairness in results—give more to those who need more. But who decides the weight of need? Then there’s fairness by opportunity: let everyone run the same race. Ignore who was born with a leg disability.
Is talent fair? Is beauty fair? Is being born clever or being born broken fair?
No.
Are human beings fair?
Of course not.
And yet... we build systems, label them with justice, with merit, with equality—and hope it holds. Hope it doesn’t tilt too hard toward the gifted. Hope the ones below don’t notice the cracks.
Today was my first written exam.
My blank expression stared back at me in the reflection of the white page. No name, just a number printed in the top right corner. The paper smelled like recycled dust.