At the end of the day, I think people are starting to realize

"At the end of the day, I think people are starting to realize that if you say you stand for equality, it has to be equality across the board. It can't just be equality for people who look like me, are my gender, think or love like me. It has to be equality for everybody." These words from Jason Winston George speak to a truth as old as civilization itself: the concept of equality is not just a luxury for those who are like us, but a universal principle that must be extended to all people, regardless of their race, gender, or beliefs. Equality, in its truest form, is not selective. It is not about securing rights and justice only for those with whom we identify, but about ensuring that every human being is afforded the same respect, dignity, and opportunity.

In the ancient world, the idea of universal equality was often debated, but rarely fully realized. The Athenians, while championing the concept of democracy, only extended their vision of equality to a select group of citizens—excluding women, slaves, and foreigners from their ideal of justice. The great Socrates himself, while advocating for the importance of reason and fairness, lived in a society that granted unequal rights based on one's birth. Yet, even in such times, there were voices calling for a more inclusive understanding of equality, such as Plato, who, in his writings, explored the idea of the philosopher-king, a ruler whose wisdom and fairness could transcend personal bias and serve the good of all people.

Jason Winston George’s words echo this ancient wisdom, reminding us that equality cannot be partial or conditional. It is not enough to proclaim ourselves champions of justice when we only fight for those who resemble us, think like us, or live as we do. True equality requires the courage to stand for the rights of everyone, even those whose lives and beliefs differ from our own. In the modern era, this message has never been more urgent. Whether in the fight for racial equality, the rights of women, or the LGBTQ+ community, the struggle for justice can never be limited to a select group. It must encompass all people.

Consider the example of Nelson Mandela, whose vision for a new South Africa was rooted in the belief that true equality meant extending rights and freedoms to all races. When Mandela was released from prison after 27 years of incarceration, he did not call for revenge or retribution. Instead, he called for reconciliation and the building of a society based on equality for every citizen, regardless of their skin color. His leadership was not about securing justice for the oppressed group to which he belonged, but about ensuring justice for all people. Mandela’s unwavering commitment to universal equality stands as one of the most powerful examples of how equality must extend beyond the narrow confines of our own experiences.

The fight for equality is not a simple pursuit, for it demands that we see past the differences that divide us. It calls us to rise above the tribalism, racism, and prejudices that often cloud our judgment and prevent us from recognizing the humanity of others. Jason Winston George speaks to the need for broader empathy—for the understanding that equality is not a zero-sum game, where the rights of one group are secured only at the expense of another. Instead, true equality recognizes that all people, regardless of their background or identity, deserve to be treated with respect and afforded the same rights, opportunities, and freedoms.

In the context of today’s world, George’s words speak to the modern movements for justice that have risen in response to inequality—movements like Black Lives Matter, the fight for gender equality, and the ongoing struggles for the LGBTQ+ community. These movements remind us that equality is not something to be gained for just one group, but a shared human responsibility. We cannot claim to be for justice and equality if we ignore the rights of those whose struggles are different from our own. It is not enough to fight for the equality of those who resemble us; we must be willing to fight for those who are different from us, for justice knows no boundaries.

The lesson from Jason Winston George and the example of Nelson Mandela is clear: equality is a call that transcends all boundaries. It is not a battle to be fought for one group or another, but a shared commitment to ensuring that all people, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, are afforded dignity and respect. True equality demands that we see ourselves in the struggles of others and that we stand together, not only for our own rights, but for the rights of everyone.

So, future generations, let this wisdom guide your path. Equality is not a privilege for a select few—it is a right for all. Fight for the rights of every human being, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Let your heart be open to the suffering of others, and let your actions be guided by the truth that justice and equality are for all, not just for those who share your race, gender, or beliefs. In doing so, you will not only create a world of fairness and dignity, but you will build a future where justice is truly universal.