Slope

The systemic failure that advances inequality

Reading the article by Sippin the EquiTEA made me better appreciate the part that systemic structures play in this battle of privilege between Black and White; Male and Female and all other players in this global battle for equality. To put it in context, it goes beyond Black Lives Matter, in fact I would argue that like a dreaded virus, it is a strain that latches itself to every human DNA from the moment they are socialized into this world.

I will start from the premise that all inequality stems from an imbalance of power. One person (or being) finds itself (or positions itself) in a place of power and exerts that power to their own advantage, towards advancing their own cause. In time, this person or being realizes that this power will not last forever. They may also come to see the many counter interests that aspire to depose them and take their place. To further entrench their position, the person or being in the seat of power then institutionalizes it. This phase of institutionalizing power as a means of preserving it for its benefactors is where the real problem lies. Once power is institutionalized, it seeks to establish its credibility and how it does that is by telling stories that advance its agenda in convincing others, especially the marginalized, that the institution is essential to maintaining a ‘necessary’ balance.