The Importance Of Racial Equity
In a recent post, I outlined some of the differences between racial equality and racial equity. In general, equality is based on the belief that everyone is equal and deserves equal treatment. Equity, on the other hand, equity is founded on the reality that not everyone starts from the same point. It’s not a level playing field. Therefore, it’s not enough to provide everyone with the same options. People — as individuals and groups — must be met where they are.
Racial equity is much more than a trendy concept. It is a foundation for a just and fair society and it helps everyone.
Racism Impacts Mental Health
To better understand the importance of racial equity, let’s take a look at the cost of racism. It is documented that exposure to racism has a negative effect on your mental health. Not only does racism have the potential of causing trauma, but it also can:
Cause you develop internalized racism and thus, self-sabotaging behaviors
Overlap with other forms of discrimination (sex, class, sexuality, etc.)
Bring about feelings of loneliness, confusion, and isolation
Create a mindset of paranoia and anxiety — seeing threats and danger everywhere
Lead to stress-induced physical ailments
Wear you down mentally and physically
Provoke anger and anger-related issues
Cause you to suppress your opinions and ideas
Lower your self-esteem and self-worth
All of the above (and so much more) are potential contributors to mental health problems and disorders. A society with a strong commitment to racial equity is a society that reduces discrimination-based psychological issues. But the power of race equity goes much further.
Racial Equity Can Benefit Everyone
This appears to be the tricky part for many people to understand. Racial equity is not favoritism. It’s not about leaving some people behind. Racial equity is the epitome of the saying, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” We are talking about a state of mind dedicated to (among other things):
Enriching the lives of all populations and groupings of people
Paying specific attention to those who have been most often excluded
Systems founded on racial inequality/inequity are costly. They exact a huge price on our collective society in many ways — financially, morally, spiritually, and beyond. When the dominant culture fails any one group, it fails all groups in the long term.
For example, no one benefits when people of color are disproportionately impacted by:
Increasing rates of incarceration
High school dropout rates
Lack of access to voting
Poor healthcare services
Insufficient housing
Decreased job and career opportunities
Higher incidences of violent crime
The term itself — racial equity — includes the implied inclusion and involvement of all races. We’re not talking about closing gaps or “taking away” from white people. The goal is to increase success for all groups of people. This can be accomplished while specifically identifying that needs vary from group to group.
Let’s stop seeing this as a contest or competition. Holistic success is possible when we recognize the need to collaborate and contribute to collective efforts. Racial equity points us in this direction.
Let’s Talk About This
Regardless of your race or your station in life, you are being affected by the flaws in our system. You may wish to do the work to change this. You may also wish to do the work to heal yourself from such fallout. The first step is to find someone to talk to, someone who understands the struggle.
With this in mind, I invite you to reach out. Let’s connect for a free and confidential consultation and get started on this essential journey. You can be healthy and be a force for justice. A skilled Black Therapist can get you started.
