When the World Is Built for You

It’s such a strange position to be in—to constantly feel like you’re on trial for simply existing. Take something as mundane as grabbing a receipt at the shop. For me, it’s a habit born of necessity. If I’m having a bad hair day and throw on a hat, I can feel the shop workers’ eyes on me. The difference is stark: the same shop, the same trip, but if I’ve just come from the office dressed well, wig on, I’m suddenly treated like a “trusted” member of society.

I wish I could say this isn’t race-related, but I know better. I’ve watched how others, dressed similarly to my quick errand look—hat on, coat on—are overlooked, left to shop in peace. It’s hard not to notice the double standards.

Living in a World Built for Comfort—But Not for All

There’s a privilege in being able to relax when the election results roll in. Some people can afford to breathe easy, knowing that no matter the outcome, their world will remain largely untouched. For others—like me—it means plotting, planning, and bracing for what might become a more hostile environment.

We’ve already seen what happens when division is emboldened. The rise in racially motivated attacks in Ireland, riots in the UK, and now the reappointment of figures like Trump—who openly undermined diversity initiatives—bolsters the confidence of those who thrive on exclusion and hate.

The Cost of Dismantling Diversity

Take Trump’s Executive Order 13950, which banned federal contractors from conducting diversity training that addressed systemic racism or white privilege. Despite being overturned by Biden, the damage lingered. It became a rallying cry for those who view efforts toward equality as an attack on their way of life. Public figures and organizations aligned with this rhetoric:

• Chris Rufo, a conservative activist, openly pushed for the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, labeling them as “toxic” and “anti-American.”
• In states like Florida, led by Ron DeSantis, education policies mirrored these sentiments, with books on race history removed and discussions of systemic racism banned under the guise of “protecting children.”
• Major companies quietly scaled back DEI initiatives in response to public and political pressure, framing it as a cost-saving measure post-pandemic.

For those of us already living on the margins, these actions aren’t just policies—they’re loud messages: “You don’t belong.”

A Constant State of Vigilance

I can’t afford complacency. I can’t pretend all is well. While some may write off this resurgence of hate as a phase, it feels like a recurring nightmare for Black people. No matter how much we endure or how hard we climb, there are always those waiting to strip us of everything because of our skin color.

Think about it: part of the reason slavery ended wasn’t out of moral conviction—it was because it became financially unsustainable. And yet, centuries later, we still fight to prove our humanity.

The Resurgence of Division

This current climate feels suffocating. Racially motivated attacks are on the rise. Hate speech has shifted from whispers to bold proclamations, often disguised as “free speech.” According to the FBI’s 2022 Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes in the US rose by 11.6% compared to the previous year, with Black Americans remaining the most targeted group, accounting for nearly 32% of all incidents.

Globally, the picture isn’t much brighter. Reports from Ireland detail an increase in racially motivated attacks in recent years, while in the UK, the Home Office’s 2023 Report found a record-high number of hate crimes, with race-related offenses making up 71% of all reported cases.

What Will It Take?

I wish I knew what it would take for people to stop caring about race, to let go of hate and embrace the richness of diversity. But I don’t. And that pains me deeply.

All I know is that it shouldn’t be this way. We deserve to live without fear, without judgment, and without the burden of constantly justifying our right to exist.

Final Thoughts

The world may not be built for us, but we’ve always been builders. We’ve built resilience, hope, and community in the face of every challenge. And we will continue to do so because we have to—because we deserve better.