In the Giver, What is the difference between Equality and being the same? Ex. from the Giver

Being equal to someone does not mean being the same as them.  In "The Giver," there are examples of both of these.

Equality just means being treated the same as everyone else -- having to follow all the same rules.  So, for example, everyone in the community has to follow the same rules, but Asher and Jonas are not the same at all.  Asher is way more goofy and Jonas more serious, but they are both equal because they must follow the rules.

In a very fundamental way, though, everyone is the same in the community.  They all have the same lack of feelings and emotions.