We’ve all seen this picture, right?
In a picture-is-worth-1,000-words kind of way, this image simplifies the profound difference between equality and equity. From this picture people have actually begun to understand that treating everyone equally doesn’t lead to equity, and in fact, equal treatment often perpetuates and justifies racial hierarchies. Yes, this picture has taught us a lot.
But, it’s time to move on.
This picture —the noble imagery of the equity movement — is white supremacy at work.
Sorry folks. But it’s true.
First and foremost, the shortest boy is positioned as the problem. He needs multiple boxes to see over the fence. He’s the one who is the pathology: he’s literally less than the others. The shortest boy is — by sheer presentation alone — not whole, not normal, especially compared to the tallest boy. And because he is shorter he is seen as the problem, he needs more help. He is by fact, needy.
Dominant and oppressive narratives about people of color bleed into this picture: people of color are less than and thus, need more.
This is white supremacy. This feeds into the oh-so-familiar racist politic — people of color have little to offer, and yet take so many public resources. Heard that before haven’t you?
Even those who “center equity” feed into this framework — people of color need our resources because they’re too broken to have their own. Volunteered with that organization maybe?
It is high time to rid ourselves of these white supremacy-laden “equity” ideas, and actually recognize the full humanity and capabilities of people of color.
Imagine if you will, 3 people —all the same goddamn size. The ground beneath them slopes, buckling beneath one person so significantly that person cannot see over the fence at all. The foundation on which these people stand is unequal, and that foundation, might we even say systemic, difference leads to some being able to watch the baseball game, while others cannot.
Yes, the person who is on the slope requires a box or two to stand on, but it is only because they are on lower ground to start — not because they are shorter to begin with.
As useful as the picture was in starting conversations around “Equality vs. Equity,” we are basically blaming the person for being short, when in reality, we aren’t standing on a level playing field to start. We aren’t *allowed* to stand on a level playing field.
In fact, we are — by reason of policy, practice, prejudice, and bias — forced to stand on a lower level … AND then told we should be happy to be near the game at all. All while not given enough boxes to see over the fence.
The unequal ground we are forced to stand on is the aspect of the picture we need to change. Understanding that those boxes are necessary because of the sloping ground is key to undoing white supremacy. With this new picture, let us decolonize the rules of where we stand and why.
That is equity.
Credit: https://medium.com
I could not refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!
Feel free to visit my web site :: info for (http://tinyurl.com/yb3unamb)
First off I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
I’ve had a hard time clearing my mind in getting info my (tinyurl.com) ideas out.
I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first
10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how
to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Thanks!
If some cheap one way airline tickets wishes expert view
regarding running a blog then i suggest him/her to pay a visit this
weblog, Keep up the nice job.
Awesome blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get advice from other experienced people that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!
My website – cheapest airfare possible
Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Also visit my website … airline tickets best price
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed
reading it, you could be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back later on. I want to encourage you continue your great
work, have a nice evening!
Look into my web blog – cheapest international airline tickets possible
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me.
Cheers!
My webpage airline flights
I think this is among the most important info for
me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The web site
style is perfect, the articles is really excellent :
D. Good job, cheers
Also visit my blog post – cheap fly
Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this blog; this weblog consists of amazing and really good stuff in support of readers.
my blog – cheapest airline tickets possible
It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I am happy that you just shared this useful info with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
My site … gamefly
For newest information you have to go to see world-wide-web and on world-wide-web I found this web page as a finest
web page for most up-to-date updates.
My web-site gamefly
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your info (http://tinyurl.com/yxwoztup)
article seem to be running off the screen in Opera.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with
browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Thanks
I go to see every day a few web pages and sites to
read articles or reviews, except this webpage offers quality based posts.
my web page – info why (tinyurl.com)
Hi, I do think this is a great site. I stumbledupon it
😉 I am going to revisit once again since I
book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
Have a look at my web blog; info our (http://tinyurl.com/y55rjbo3)