Being fair

Fairness is one of the universal values that bridge the cultural differences among us. Fairness is also such a constant theme in student speeches that it may qualify as a motive. Our desire for fairness epitomizes the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It envisions a perfect moral balance in the world, in which we deserve what happens to us, both good and bad. For college audiences, especially those who are more idealistic, fairness is a compelling theme in speeches. Thus our students argued that homosexuals are treated unfairly in our society, that the disabled don’t get a fair break, and that affirmative action assures (or denies) fairness.