A Systemic Thought
SYSTEMIC inequity cannot be subjectively defined. It is so broad that I can only describe what it is, but I don't have the language to define it. On one hand, it reveals itself as legalized segregation in the 60's. On another, it unmasks itself by the disregard for Black life through lynching, church-bombings, and the blasphemous injustice that follows when the perpetrators are brought to trial. Yet, very subtly, it can also be described as gentrification, when the desire for money greedily usurps the generational traditions, memories, and communities which mold the people within them. Systemic inequity is another burden marginalized communities must carry in the heat of the sun.
Systemic inequity is another burden marginalized communities must carry in the heat of the sun.
In education, the oppression is subtle. For example, what children are taught about history; the lack of critical thinking and rhetoric skills taught; and, how teachers teach for student regurgitation rather than student retainment and practice. I can write about the resource disparity or the social-economic segregation or even something as minuscule as the type of school field trips students attend. This reminds me of Martin Luther King’s words when he says, “Until we commit ourselves to ensuring that the underclass is given justice and opportunity, we will continue to perpetuate the anger and violence that tears the soul of this nation. I fear I am integrating my people into a burning house.”
I should not reduce my zeal to merely an academic fight.
This same caution the social prophet possessed is like the one I must face as I seek to behead this Goliath of a problem. It isn’t that we don’t have the wisdom or knowledge to become firefighters, rather we must now face the question of: What do we do when we enter the building and only find ash? Anyone who studied the aftereffects of a forest fire has observed how the ash nourishes the soil. When this happens, a fertile foliage races to dress the naked, barren land. In the same way, my responsibility isn’t to freeze in fear as I watch this fire rage. I should not reduce my zeal to merely an academic fight. I have learned from my ancestors, and I am ready to offer up my life, time, and resources to bring about the change I wish to see. My responsibility is to educate, reawaken, and inspire others. Hopefully, I can be the crack in the dam, which will allow the flood waters of justice and love to roar into our world. I may not be the one who will change the world, but I will inspire the person who will.
“Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research. And when you see that you’ve got problems, all you have to do is examine the historic method used all over the world by others who have problems similar to yours. And once you see how they got theirs straight, then you know how you can get yours straight.”
