We are all equally valid

Validity

It is not uncommon for people to feel worthless. That is because they feel they are worth less than others. We may not be as wealthy, as popular, or as well-known as others. We may not have such an apparently important job as others either, but we are all equally valid. We each have validity akin to a valid train ticket that gives us an entitlement to take a seat in one of the carriages. A person who is frail, disabled, or pregnant may appear to be more worthy of your seat than you. You might give it to them. You give it to them based on discretion and how generous your feel in that spot. We confuse the importance of a role with the importance of a person. I will never let someone in an important role jump the queue in front of me. My life is as important to me as their life is to them. Only if there is some genuine emergency would I stand aside and let someone skip the wait.

There is a big difference between meritocracy and validity. In the game of football, we expect those with the most skill and athletic ability to be in the line-up. However, in too many areas we give way to people because of some artificial unwarranted respect. Are they richer or prettier. Were they chosen because there were favours or corruptive forces involved? Whatever the case may be, we are foolish to let go of the idea of equal validity. People may hold the ‘leader of the nation’ title. However, it is the job that is important rather than the person. It gives the holder of that job certain privileges for sure, but it is the position that is of the greatest importance. We install bodyguards to protect the person, but it is the post that is guarded the most.