In every generation words evolve to take on a slightly different meaning and purpose. From biblical historical linguistic studies one can readily see this sort of evolution in word usage development. Thus the plight of the biblical expositor is to not only make sure of the "sitz-im-Leben" or the context and the historical setting, but also to shore up the correct meaning of words in the particular generation discussed and clarify the usage of terms associated with that setting. Failure to do so could result in historical synchronism, in which meanings of words specific to one generation, are either inadvertently or deliberately smuggled into another generation to create a completely different story than was originally intended.
There are words that we currently use in society that have experienced this same sort of "evolution". One such word is "equity".
What Is "EQUITY" And What Does It Mean?
As we will see below, one of the definitions of equity, is simply fairness in treatment. For example: If there is a job to be done requiring a hammer, and hammers are being distributed, one should be distributed to all those doing the job. To provide hammers to only them who appear to need a hammer is not equitable. Distributing hammers to only those who the supervisors want on site is also not equitable. This is where the train seems to come off the rails as I will explain.
Liberal Left Redefinition
For quite some time the term "equity" has seemingly been a theme song of the liberal political and social left. The word, as it is used today in political and social settings, is undergirded by theories of racial disparity and the inescapable boogeyman of "systemic racism" and in particular "white supremacy". When the liberal elite use the term "equity" in modern times, they are all but saying that America is unfair because of racism and her racist history. It is this history that has cemented outcomes in everything that is based on racism (white supremacy in particular) and the only way to be fair, is to assure the same outcomes in everything to everyone because racism has placed insurmountable obstacles, even if invisible, in front of whole groups of individuals therefore making every effort inequitable.
PROOF I haven't seen or read too many Black people, political, religious or not, who undertake the discussion of this issue publicly and outside of politically liberal circles. But it seems that many Black leaders, especially political leaders, have taken on a determination to redefine the word and term "equity" for popularity, social acceptance and political gain.
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