I understand the difference between equality and equity and I purposely use equity instead. Here is the reason why:
Equality is indeed a right in this country, but just because someone is granted equality does not mean the treatment will be equitable.
Example - a Black woman and a White woman are both executives with the same job title, same salary, and same benefits. On paper, it appears that equality exists and that no discriminatory hiring practices were used in this case. However, during the course of their workdays, the Black woman, who has just as much or more experience than the White woman is often silenced in meetings, disregarded in discussions, excluded from social gatherings, and expected to complete more work in less time than her White counterpart.
Their positions are equal, but their experiences are not equitable. That is why I make that distinction. Employers often fall short of this because the focus is only on making diversity hires a priority to save their own reputations but little is done to foster an environment that is equitable once that Black employee becomes a member of the organization.
I have a friend who is a civil rights attorney and on the subject of equality, I can tell you it is still very much an uphill battle. I wish it were as easy as you say, but unfortunately racism exists in all forms of government, even when the scales of justice are supposed to be blind. If I consulted an attorney every time, I felt discriminated against, I would spend my entire life in a courtroom.
It is hard to impress upon you, a White male, the difficulties of being not just Black, but a Black woman in a country such as America. Most see this country through rose colored glasses because they can. Unfortunately, I have never had that option and must be strategic and aware at all times.
This is not a perception, this a fact for Black people. Those who haven’t walked in our shoes have great difficulty understanding, but what I don't get is that if so many of us are telling the SAME story, why is it so hard for whites to understand there may be some truth there? We don’t want to feel this way or deal with these injustices. No sane person ASKS for this kind of treatment. I am a writer and would love to write about all the topics I’m passionate about, but with the condition of this country, I feel compelled to use my passion for liberation.
