All animals are equal, but …

I don’t know quite how to say this without possibly causing offence and without mentioning specifics that I probably can’t discuss. Fortunately, I think I can just about manage the latter - and that means the former probably won’t occur.

We live in a relatively enlightened society that is well aware of issues of equality. In fact, we are so painfully aware of the issues that we can spend hours talking about them. We can draw up grand schemes to make certain that equality is at the top of every business and social agenda. We can look at past mistakes that have highlighted inequality and solemnly vow that such things should never happen again - not now that we are so highly aware of the offence that can be caused. We can watch training videos about equality, featuring vox pops with sectors of the population that are particularly affected. We can nod vigorously in agreement, and then earnestly enter into debate about ways to guarantee equality.

Far too often, however, talking is all we do.

I’m not claiming that we are just paying lip service to issues of equality - that would be a very unfair accusation. Those who take part in these meetings, discussions and panels care passionately about their belief that equal rights should be available to all in society. But sooner or later the talking has to stop, and the words have to turn into action. That’s where the problems occur - otherwise why would the same debates have to take place in the same rooms year after year? The aim should surely be to end these meetings once and for all, because all the goals have been reached. Rather than calling a halt to the proceedings with the implicit suggestion that everyone will be seated around the same table in twelve months to do it all once more, the chairman’s closing words should be: “Right, get out and do what we’ve discussed, and I don’t want to see any of you back here again.”

Maybe I’m just having those utopian visions again. Maybe I should get real. Maybe.