Richard Land on The Ever-Changing Meaning of Words

Words change meaning over time, usually measured in decades or generations. It is important that we notice the shifting nuances of vocabulary to avoid serious misunderstanding and miscommunication.

For example, “equality” and “equity” are not synonyms and it is imperative that we understand the fundamental difference. “Equality” seeks to level the playing field for opportunities to “get ahead” in our society by being evaluated equally for admission to the most prestigious schools and job opportunities, applying such time-tested tools as bringing ethnic and societal background into the equation. The 1960s attempts to promote such equality often involved racial or ethnic quotas and “set asides,” which were labeled by many as reverse discrimination.

Another word that has experienced radical redefinition over the past half century is the word “diversity.”

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SOURCE: Christian Post, Richard Land