If we want equality, we shouldn't then expect to be praised just because we're doing a certain job. That's not equality.

In this quote, Kathy Burke, a British actress and activist, challenges the notion that simply performing a job should earn praise if true equality is the goal. She asserts that equality should not come with added recognition or special treatment simply for fulfilling a role or performing a duty. Burke is highlighting the idea that true equality means being treated fairly without needing validation or praise for simply doing what is expected of everyone, regardless of gender, race, or other factors.

Burke’s statement critiques the societal tendency to give praise or recognition to individuals for doing things that should be considered normal or routine, especially in the context of traditionally gendered roles. For example, if women are praised for doing work that men are not equally praised for, it perpetuates the notion that women are somehow doing more or going above and beyond when in reality, they are simply fulfilling their responsibilities. True equality involves not elevating certain actions or achievements based on identity, but recognizing everyone on an equal footing.

The quote also suggests that equality means removing the expectation that certain people need to be celebrated for taking on roles or responsibilities that should not be seen as extraordinary. Burke argues that in a truly equal society, people shouldn’t be praised for doing their jobs, because performing work is a basic expectation, not an act of exceptionalism. This perspective challenges the cultural tendency to create hierarchies of recognition based on gender, race, or other identities.

Ultimately, Burke’s quote serves as a reminder that equality means eliminating the distinction between who gets praised for doing their job and who does not. It calls for a shift in mindset where everyone, regardless of identity or background, is recognized for their contributions without unnecessary accolades. In doing so, society can move closer to a more fair and just world.