equal opportunity

You can use it as a noun or an adjective. Most people use it when talking about jobs or schools. You might say a company is an equal opportunity employer. This tells people that the boss doesn't discriminate. You can also use it to describe a fair situation among friends. If you give everyone the same amount of pizza, that's equal opportunity snacking!

Use it in professional settings like job interviews or meetings. It sounds smart and serious there. You can also use it in political or social discussions. It works well when you are defending someone who was treated unfairly. If a teacher gives one student extra time but not others, speak up! Tell them you believe in equal opportunity for all students.

Don't use it for things that are naturally different. You wouldn't say a cat and a fish have equal opportunity to climb a tree. That's just biology! Also, avoid it in very high-energy slang environments. It might sound a bit too 'corporate' or 'stiff' at a wild party. If you're just sharing fries, just say 'fair shares' instead.

This phrase is a huge part of the 'American Dream' and Western democracy. It became very popular during the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s. In the US, there are even laws about it. It shifted the focus from 'everyone gets the same result' to 'everyone gets the same start.' It is a badge of honor for many modern organizations.

You will often see EEO, which stands for Equal Employment Opportunity. People also talk about an equal opportunity provider. In casual talk, you might hear someone say they are an equal opportunity hater. This is a joke! It means they dislike everything or everyone equally. It’s a funny way to show they aren't picking favorites.