Is Race Really The Issue? Part 2
“We are not seeking handouts. We are seeking to open the door to opportunity.”— Barbara Jordan
The fight against racism was never about race, not really. That sounds a bit glib, so let me give context.
In part one of this series, we covered why it is indeed important to keep talking about race in 2025. But while race and racial groupings are at the center of discussions on racial equity, diversity, and inclusivity, the issue has never truly been about race itself. Instead, the fight has centered on who gets access and opportunity.
The fundamental goal of racist systems and policies is simply limiting or eliminating access to resources, and reducing opportunities for those deemed unworthy of them, namely racially marginalized groups. For example, in the book The Sum of Us, Dr. Heather McGee discusses the efforts by racist officials to limit Black people’s access to community swimming pools. When those efforts failed, the decision was made to eliminate the pools altogether. The belief that only White people were most deserving of access to the pools motivated actions to limit and eliminate access for all others.
Advocacy for racial equity and fairness is simply a demand that unnecessary barriers to entry be removed, making spaces and things accessible for all who desire to partake. It’s only when people are freely able to opt in or out that merit gets to shine. Think of it this way, if everyone desiring to run was allowed to enter a 5k race, the best runners will naturally emerge and separate from the pack. That separation is merit; their effort and ability led to their top position in the race.
Conversely, what typically happens is that numerous prohibitions are placed around allowed to enter the 5k race in the first place. And still, countless hurdles are placed in the path of some runners even after gaining entry, undermining their ability to run a good race. As a result, the runners with the least number of limitations, not necessarily the best runners, are more likely to advance to the front. In scenarios like this, merit is sacrificed at the alter of prejudice.
So where do we go from here? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tip #1
When evaluating the health of any system or policy, stop and consider who does it help and who does it keep out? Advocate for alterations to be made if/when unnecessary barriers are identified.
Tip #2
Not everyone needs to have a seat at every table. But everyone does deserve a fair chance to petition for a seat. Remind others of that when they inadvertently shift the conversation about racial equity to one of deserving and merit.
Tip #3
Consider the resources and opportunities over which you have influence. Are you doing what you can to expand access to others? Your voice matters and using it in your unique spheres of influence is the way we make larger social change for the better.
Check out our next blog for more tips!