Post by kungfuzu on Oct 29, 2019 18:54:17 GMT -8
Social Justice or a Modest Proposal
For years, the author has been an acolyte of the classical liberal philosophy which supported the idea that every individual was unique, with his/her/its own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, presented with varied opportunities, which others may or may not have. Under this mode of thought, each man/woman/indeterminate is free to determine his/her/
own path, make his/her/ own choices and attempt to achieve or not achieve, success as he/she/fluid personality best thinks fit.
After much consideration and soul searching, I have come to the conclusion that I have been sorely mistaken in my belief and that my previous philosophical bent was unkind to the majority of mankind/womankind/otherkind. From this day forward, I have decided to lend my efforts to righting the many wrongs which have resulted from the many inequities inherent in our system. I will fight for unbridled equality, in all sectors or life.
Please do not think I am naïve’ and believe that the fight will not be hard and bitter or that I will not have many disappointments before victory is achieved. But I know that we will win in the end. That being said, the job before me is so large, the effort so great, that I sometimes quail before the mere thought of the task. I have, therefore, decided to start in those areas where inequality is most obvious and quantifiable. I will leave the more difficult cases for future action.
Let us start with a relatively simple problem with easily quantifiable parameters. Why should some people be taller or shorter than others?
After some research, I have determined the average height of the male in the United States* is 5 feet 9 inches. The average height of the female citizen is 5 feet 3.5 inches. Sadly, I have not yet determined the average height of “other”, but such obstacles should not discourage us, and I have not given up hope of eventually finding the answer.
As I was saying, the average height of an American male is 5 feet 9 inches. If we give this fact a little thought, we will immediately realize the many inequities which arise from this. For example, can anyone consider it fair for a 5’ 9” male to try and compete on the basketball court with someone who is 6’6”? Obviously not! Why should the shorter man’s hopes and desires be dashed simply because of something like a difference in height?
Or let us look at things from the other side of the spectrum. Should an aspiring gymnast be penalized simply because he is 10 inches and 80 lbs heavier than his diminutive competitor?
These two examples are only some of the more obvious scenarios in which height inequities need to be mitigated. There are countless other such inequities throughout nature, which I know the reader will be able to elucidate as well as, or better than, I.
The discrepancies being so undeniably obvious, the community is compelled to determine methods of bringing balance to this horrible state of imbalance.
For those males who are only slightly below the average height, the solution is obvious. A short stretch or two should help erase this physical inequity. Modern science has at its beck and call the necessary tools to perform this vital medical manipulation. Of course, there is the general tendency for gravity to pull one down with age, but follow-up therapy could be given periodically to maintain the average.
The question of what to do with those who are taller is slightly more difficult. For those who are significantly taller, I believe the remedy is clear. Thankfully, we are so medically advanced that we are now able to surgically alter a person’s height without too much ado. Happily, people heal much more quickly today than in the past and crutches will be needed for less than two months. Of course such a remedy would be a burden as far as costs go, but I believe the public, in the spirit of sharing and equality, would be willing to support the burden.
To further inspire the public to adopt my suggestions, I believe it might be worthwhile to list some of the material gains, which might be had by following my plan.
1. The clothing industry would accrue to itself great savings in time and material by not having to make so many different sizes. We could also eventually do away with different styles and colors. What streamlining!
2. The automobile industry could dispense with all of the electronic motors etc. required for adjusting automobile seats as there would only be two adjustments needed, one for the 5’9” man and one for the 5’3 1/2” woman.
3. Airlines, trains and buses could improve the comfort of their passengers knowing they would only have to accommodate two sizes.
4. Buildings could be designed more rationally, architects no longer having to concern themselves with the variable of height.
5. Mattress makers could dispense with the extra inches they must now add to their product due to the present need to accommodate people of various heights.
6. The same point would apply to coffin manufacturers and cemeteries.
I trust the reader will agree with the reasoning of my proposal as there is much work to be done. Think of the many wrongs which must be addressed. This is just the beginning, statistically speaking. There are sets and subsets galore which can be explored. I hope I have stimulated the reader’s imagination as to the possibilities, which are innumerable; waist sizes, BWM, foot size, baldness, bow legs, pigeon toes, my God, I mean dear Marx and Gramsci, the challenges will be enormous and a certain amount of pain will be involved, but our joint reward will be all the greater for it.
The possible rationalizations, which will take place in manufacturing and the service industries, thereby creating more wealth for humanity, boggle the mind.
We much push for complete uniformity; I mean equality, in all spheres of life. The sooner we all get to work, the happier we will be and even better, we will all be equally happy! Isn’t that what everyone wants?
Can we do it, “Yes we can!”
*(Note: To start this great enterprise, I propose to concentrate on the situation in the United States. Although this may not adhere to a strict interpretation of my intentions, I believe that we should keep a narrow focus in the beginning and hope that a steady progress will be made whereby we will eventually to apply the expertise we will have gained, to the rest of the world.)
For years, the author has been an acolyte of the classical liberal philosophy which supported the idea that every individual was unique, with his/her/its own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, presented with varied opportunities, which others may or may not have. Under this mode of thought, each man/woman/indeterminate is free to determine his/her/
own path, make his/her/ own choices and attempt to achieve or not achieve, success as he/she/fluid personality best thinks fit. After much consideration and soul searching, I have come to the conclusion that I have been sorely mistaken in my belief and that my previous philosophical bent was unkind to the majority of mankind/womankind/otherkind. From this day forward, I have decided to lend my efforts to righting the many wrongs which have resulted from the many inequities inherent in our system. I will fight for unbridled equality, in all sectors or life.
Please do not think I am naïve’ and believe that the fight will not be hard and bitter or that I will not have many disappointments before victory is achieved. But I know that we will win in the end. That being said, the job before me is so large, the effort so great, that I sometimes quail before the mere thought of the task. I have, therefore, decided to start in those areas where inequality is most obvious and quantifiable. I will leave the more difficult cases for future action.
Let us start with a relatively simple problem with easily quantifiable parameters. Why should some people be taller or shorter than others?
After some research, I have determined the average height of the male in the United States* is 5 feet 9 inches. The average height of the female citizen is 5 feet 3.5 inches. Sadly, I have not yet determined the average height of “other”, but such obstacles should not discourage us, and I have not given up hope of eventually finding the answer.
As I was saying, the average height of an American male is 5 feet 9 inches. If we give this fact a little thought, we will immediately realize the many inequities which arise from this. For example, can anyone consider it fair for a 5’ 9” male to try and compete on the basketball court with someone who is 6’6”? Obviously not! Why should the shorter man’s hopes and desires be dashed simply because of something like a difference in height?
Or let us look at things from the other side of the spectrum. Should an aspiring gymnast be penalized simply because he is 10 inches and 80 lbs heavier than his diminutive competitor?
These two examples are only some of the more obvious scenarios in which height inequities need to be mitigated. There are countless other such inequities throughout nature, which I know the reader will be able to elucidate as well as, or better than, I.
The discrepancies being so undeniably obvious, the community is compelled to determine methods of bringing balance to this horrible state of imbalance.
For those males who are only slightly below the average height, the solution is obvious. A short stretch or two should help erase this physical inequity. Modern science has at its beck and call the necessary tools to perform this vital medical manipulation. Of course, there is the general tendency for gravity to pull one down with age, but follow-up therapy could be given periodically to maintain the average.
The question of what to do with those who are taller is slightly more difficult. For those who are significantly taller, I believe the remedy is clear. Thankfully, we are so medically advanced that we are now able to surgically alter a person’s height without too much ado. Happily, people heal much more quickly today than in the past and crutches will be needed for less than two months. Of course such a remedy would be a burden as far as costs go, but I believe the public, in the spirit of sharing and equality, would be willing to support the burden.
To further inspire the public to adopt my suggestions, I believe it might be worthwhile to list some of the material gains, which might be had by following my plan.
1. The clothing industry would accrue to itself great savings in time and material by not having to make so many different sizes. We could also eventually do away with different styles and colors. What streamlining!
2. The automobile industry could dispense with all of the electronic motors etc. required for adjusting automobile seats as there would only be two adjustments needed, one for the 5’9” man and one for the 5’3 1/2” woman.
3. Airlines, trains and buses could improve the comfort of their passengers knowing they would only have to accommodate two sizes.
4. Buildings could be designed more rationally, architects no longer having to concern themselves with the variable of height.
5. Mattress makers could dispense with the extra inches they must now add to their product due to the present need to accommodate people of various heights.
6. The same point would apply to coffin manufacturers and cemeteries.
I trust the reader will agree with the reasoning of my proposal as there is much work to be done. Think of the many wrongs which must be addressed. This is just the beginning, statistically speaking. There are sets and subsets galore which can be explored. I hope I have stimulated the reader’s imagination as to the possibilities, which are innumerable; waist sizes, BWM, foot size, baldness, bow legs, pigeon toes, my God, I mean dear Marx and Gramsci, the challenges will be enormous and a certain amount of pain will be involved, but our joint reward will be all the greater for it.
The possible rationalizations, which will take place in manufacturing and the service industries, thereby creating more wealth for humanity, boggle the mind.
We much push for complete uniformity; I mean equality, in all spheres of life. The sooner we all get to work, the happier we will be and even better, we will all be equally happy! Isn’t that what everyone wants?
Can we do it, “Yes we can!”
*(Note: To start this great enterprise, I propose to concentrate on the situation in the United States. Although this may not adhere to a strict interpretation of my intentions, I believe that we should keep a narrow focus in the beginning and hope that a steady progress will be made whereby we will eventually to apply the expertise we will have gained, to the rest of the world.)
