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Benjamin Siu, 16

St Joseph's College

We never read about ordinary people on the front page of a newspaper.   Yet we know  tiny, private details about top government officials,  and  every catastrophic decision Richard Li makes.

In our society, the life a person lives is  dictated by the background  he or she was born into.

Those  born rich will   probably die rich,  while those born poor will continue to live in poverty.

Social prejudices  prevent humans from being equal.  People with physical disabilities are looked down on:  deformed limbs  are magnets for curious  glances and  cruel laughter.  Those who are mentally handicapped  are treated as inferior.

If there is no disability, people look  at  family background. Children of parents from the mainland China are discriminated against. After all, who wants to befriend people who don't dress smartly?

Children are warned not to play with those  from poor families. People who are less attractive socially or physically are always at a disadvantage.

On the other hand, people born into rich families  gain prestige and privileges  automatically.  Kind words from politicians and gifts from rich friends come flowing in  the moment a baby is born.

People  step on the poor to worship the rich. Greed and selfishness rule out any chance of equality among humans.

Jocelyn Heng, 15

Maryknoll Convent School

Yes, all humans  are entitled to basic equality in terms of human rights and freedom.

In the most fundamental  sense, humans are born equal, as they are equal before the law.

Everyone enjoys the same rights in court,  and bears the same legal responsibility,  regardless of  gender, race, profession or social status.

However, humans are  not equal when it comes  to  social obligations.  We may all have equal rights, but  not equal duties.

The  leader of a country has far more responsibilities than someone who manages a local business.

A president's son and an ordinary student have different roles to play.

People  have different abilities,  but this does not make one person superior to  another.  We all contribute to society in our own, different way. Perhaps this could be seen as inequality. Everyone does things differently.

But fortunately, the most important aspect of equality is equality before the law.

In this sense, we are all equal and have to be responsible for our individual actions.



Are humans born equal?