A Liquid Inspiration
Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)
One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.
That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.
For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.
It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:
"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."
This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.
Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!
Vol 1. Prologue - A Change in Philosophy
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka
Equality is a concept that has been ingrained in our minds for centuries, but the sad truth is that it is nothing more than a myth. We live in a world where inequality is rampant in every aspect of our lives, be it gender, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or even physical ability.
The idea that we are all equal and have the same opportunities is simply not true.
Equality is an illusion crafted by powerful men to provide society with a shared ideal to strive for.
However, it is an ideal that will remain just that... an ideal.
Let's take the example of gender inequality. Despite the progress that has been made toward gender equality, women still face discrimination and bias in every sphere of life.
From unequal pay to limited career opportunities, women are constantly reminded that they are not equal to men.
The same goes for racial inequality, where people of color face systemic racism and are denied the same opportunities and privileges that white people enjoy.
Another aspect of this myth is the idea of meritocracy.
The belief that hard work and talent are the only things that determine success is a fallacy.
In reality, factors like family background, social connections, and economic status play a crucial role in determining success.
Someone born into a wealthy family has a head start in life, with access to better education, healthcare, and opportunities that someone from a less privileged background may never have.
Moreover, the concept of equality ignores the fact that we are all unique individuals with different needs and strengths.
Treating everyone the same does not account for these differences and can actually be harmful, as it can perpetuate the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.
Equality is a myth.
Equality is a tool used to appease those in the lower echelons of society.
To be human is to be unequal. Equality does not exist.
That being said, I don't think it right to simply say that we are unequal and then live our lives based on pure instinct. In other words, though "equality" is a complete lie, we cannot accept inequality, either. Right now, I'm trying to come up with a new answer to humanity's eternal question.
How can we live in a world that acknowledges our differences while also ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and justly?
The answer, I believe, lies in the concept of equity.
Equity is about recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent certain groups of people from accessing the same opportunities and resources as others. It is about understanding that people have different needs and experiences and that those needs must be met in order for them to thrive.
Equity is not about treating everyone the same but about giving everyone what they need to succeed.
For example, providing extra resources and support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds can help level the playing field and give them an equal chance at success.
Equity is also about recognizing and valuing diversity.
It means creating a society where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities are not only tolerated but celebrated.
Equity means working towards a world where everyone has the same opportunities and access to resources, regardless of their background or identity.
So, while equality may be a myth, equity is a goal that we can work towards. It requires us to acknowledge and address the inequalities that exist in our society and to take concrete steps to create a more just and fair world for everyone.
Now... why am I talking about this?
Simple.
While to be human is to not be equal... to be human also entails one thing: to have a goal, a desire, and an objective to chase.
When I was 13 years old, I did not have an individual purpose or a desire to be anything.
I was just content with being part of the machine, only to be told what to do rather than do what I wanted to do.
But since then, I have learned that having a purpose and striving towards a goal is what makes us truly human.
And for me, that goal is to use my abilities and knowledge to help create a more equitable world.
It most certainly wasn't the ideal my father had wanted to reach, and that makes it even more perfect.
After all...
This simply means that I had become my own person.
Before, I scoffed at the idea of becoming a high school student, thinking I had learned everything that place could offer.
Who would have thought that it'd be the same place that would reshape how I see the world and how I want to change the world?
It has been one hell of a ride, hasn't it?
Now, let's start from the very beginning.
End of Chapter
A/N: This is just a short chapter to set the tone for the rest of the story. Well... that's to be expected since it's a 'prologue' chapter. But hopefully, it would give everyone an insight into how Kiyo had begun to think.
And yes... this chapter's narrator was an older Kiyotaka.
See you in Chapter 1, everyone!