Surviving in a World Built for Them

Surviving in a World Built for Them: The Fight for Equity

Surviving in a World Built for Them: The Fight for Equity

For centuries, the world has been built to serve one dominant audience. History, products, policies, and opportunities have been designed around the ideals of white privilege (WP) and perpetuated by white supremacist tactics (WST). In this reality, Black people have had no choice but to adapt, surviving in systems and spaces never meant for us.

But now, as we create spaces for ourselves—products, services, and even narratives that reflect who we are—there’s an uncomfortable truth: these spaces are still under threat.

Built for Them: Adapting to a World Not Made for Us

Historically, everything from beauty products to workplace dynamics was designed with a singular audience in mind. For years, Black people were left with no choice but to adapt, making the most of what little was available:

  • Beauty standards: Forced us to reject our natural features, leading to a billion-dollar industry around hair straightening, skin lightening, and "corrective" beauty practices.
  • Professional environments: Demanded conformity in speech, dress, and demeanor to avoid the label of being "too Black."
  • Education systems: Erased or minimized our history, presenting a world in which we only existed as enslaved, marginalized, or erased altogether.

Despite these challenges, we thrived. We innovated, created, and fought for our place in a world that never acknowledged us. And as we finally began creating things for ourselves—whether it’s products for natural hair, safe spaces for our voices, or policies aimed at leveling the playing field—those who have always had everything are complaining about their so-called "losses."

The Backlash Against Diversity and Equity

When programs like diversity hires, affirmative action, and targeted grants were introduced, they weren’t gifts or favors—they were attempts to provide equity. Yet, these efforts have been met with backlash from those who view them as unfair advantages, completely ignoring the centuries-long disadvantages they aim to address.

In recent years, the rhetoric against these measures has grown louder:

  • Claims that diversity hires lead to "unqualified candidates" entering roles.
  • Companies quietly scaling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing costs or controversy.
  • Politicians attacking policies designed to uplift marginalized groups, calling them "reverse racism."

Breaking Down Equity, Equality, Inclusion, and Localization

Here’s a closer look at these essential concepts:

Illustration of the differences between equality, equity, and justice.

An illustration showing the differences between equality, equity, and justice.

  • Equality: Giving everyone the same resources or opportunities, assuming a level playing field. It’s like offering everyone the same-sized ladder to climb over a wall, regardless of how tall the wall is for them individually.
  • Equity: Recognizes that not everyone starts from the same place. It’s about allocating resources based on need, ensuring everyone has what they require to succeed. For example, if one person needs a taller ladder to get over the wall, equity provides it.
  • Inclusion: Ensures marginalized groups are valued and empowered in spaces where they’ve historically been excluded. Inclusion means not just being in the room but having your voice heard and respected.
  • Localization: Focuses on creating products, services, and environments tailored to specific communities, recognizing their unique needs and experiences. For Black communities, this might mean beauty products for textured hair or stories told through our own lenses.

Final Thoughts

We’ve always had to learn to survive in systems not designed for us, but now, we’re reclaiming our narratives, creating for ourselves, and demanding a seat at the table—or building our own tables entirely.

The resistance we face is a testament to the power of our progress. But we must hold firm, knowing that the fight for equity isn’t about taking anything from anyone—it’s about ensuring that everyone, especially us, has what they need to thrive.

Image Source: Googleusercontent.com

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