Oh, to have the confidence of a middle-aged, wealthy white man. I know that’s an odd thing to say, especially since I’m a Black woman. But just for a moment, consider the white men you know. You’re probably picturing him walking confidently into the conference room. A memory pops into your head of when they spoke out and said what was on their mind without any pushback.
Many white men have developed this bulletproof confidence because most of the systems in the United States are built for them.
White men make up only about 30% of the U.S. population, yet they hold 55% of elected positions and nearly 90% of C-suite roles. These numbers reflect a system that has helped white men gain power regardless of their qualifications. Meanwhile, Black women, who are among the most educated demographic, continue to work twice as hard just to get close to the level of success that white men have.
It’s time Black women retire the cape, lay down the sword, and define success on our terms. Let’s stop battling against mediocrity and start creating our version of excellence.
Black Excellence vs. White Mediocrity
I know that it sounds like I’m calling out white men, and I may sound a little bitter but I assure you this is not the case.
Mediocrity can be defined as the state of being average or of low quality.
When applied to white males, it refers to a system primarily built to reward them for minimal effort. It also honors them for having less experience, fewer accolades, and generally exhibiting a below-average performance. This is not a blanket term to describe every white person’s experience or success. Not every white male was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and many have become successful on hard work and merit.
Yet, those who fall under the category of white mediocrity, they often granted privilege, status, or power because of the belief that they will maintain the status quo.
Last year, many corporate leadership positions started to revert to their factory settings. With companies dropping their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, we are seeing a decrease in the already low number of women and people of color in CEO roles.
Author Ijeoma Oluo wrote Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America, which offers a powerful examination of how white male identity has shaped and destabilized the nation’s political landscape.
Opposite white mediocrity is Black excellence, which involves Black people putting in maximum effort to achieve greatness.
White Mediocrity in Society
Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is someone who has spoken out against the belief that white men know all and are superior. In a televised interview, she publicly responded to an offensive statement written by Darren Beattie, who stated that “America’s national ideology has been based on coddling the feelings of women and minorities and demoralizing competent white men” and that “Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work.”
Crockett responded by saying, “When I walk into Congress every single day, you know why I don’t feel a way and why you can’t make me doubt who I am? It’s because I know that I had to work 10 times as hard as they did just to get into this seat.”
She also stated, “Coddling for the white boys is what’s happening right now,” adding: “I am tired of the white tears. Listen, if you are competent, you are not concerned.” She further said, “So, the only people that are crying are the mediocre white boys that have been beaten out by people that historically have had to work so much harder.”
How Black Women Can Stop Working Twice as Hard and Still Be Successful
Black women have always fought for equality and justice for all and are, therefore, not only qualified but worthy of leadership positions.
Yet, Black women don’t need to sacrifice their mental and emotional health trying to save the world. Sometimes taking a step back can allow you to leap forward.
1. Reassess your goals
If you ask any successful person, they’ll tell you that setting goals is key to achieving success. But before you start cutting out pictures for your vision board, it’s essential to pause and reflect. When you envision success, is the fantasy in your head something you truly want, or something you’ve been told you should strive for? Do you really want that executive title, or do you want a job that gives you time to attend hip-hop yoga three days a week?
Before you chase a goal, ask yourself:
- Why do I want this?
- Who am I doing this for?
- Will this goal help me live with more joy and peace?
You might have an identity crisis after asking yourself these questions, but that’s okay. Feeling a little lost and taking some time to do some soul-searching is better than waking up 10 years from now dreading the life you have.
2. Work in supportive environments
Do you feel safe in your work environment? Can you get through the week without experiencing a microaggression? Do your superiors and coworkers value your work?
Feeling supported in your workplace isn’t a luxury; it’s a way to help you do your best work. Sometimes changing jobs, roles, or even working in different departments can place you in an environment where you feel safe to grow and thrive.
3. Join or form support groups
Culturally, Black people thrive in community. The workplace is no different. Whether in person or virtually, there are many places where Black women can receive support from other Black women. Some places to find support could be:
- Slack Groups
- Facebook Groups
- Virtual or in-person meet-ups
Don’t forget that if you can’t find a group that fits your needs, you can always start one.
4. Protect your mental health
Don’t be afraid to say no. No to the extra work, no to covering up someone else’s mistake. By setting firm boundaries, you’re not just protecting yourself from unnecessary work; you’re actively safeguarding your peace.
Additionally speaking to a therapist can help you better set boundaries and find ways to meet your emotional and mental needs.
5. Be enough for yourself
We as Black women have often had to do more to stand out, be appreciated, and be honored. As a result, we can often think that the work we do isn’t good enough. We sometimes believe that we’re not good enough.
Being enough has nothing to do with earning a degree or gaining a title. It’s about accepting yourself, loving who you are, and knowing that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Yes, that’s a little cheesy, but it’s true. Black people’s freedom was once just a dream, a fantasy, and now we can go after what we desire. Yes, the road is still long and hard, but the fact that we can walk that road unchained and on our own terms shows that we can achieve greatness.
The next time you think you’re not good enough, ask yourself, “For what and for whom?” Remember, the most important person you need to show up for is yourself.
