The Illusion of Colorblindness and Meritocracy

Trump’s proclamation yesterday of his desire to “forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based” cloaks itself in the rhetoric of equality and fairness, but beneath its surface lies a narrative of denial—a willful refusal to grapple with the profound weight of history and the entrenched realities of systemic inequity. At first glance, such aspirations might appear admirable, even idealistic, but upon closer inspection, they unravel into dangerous simplifications that obscure the complexities of our lived experiences.

Colorblindness and meritocracy are, at best, convenient delusions and, at worst, deliberate tools of erasure. These concepts ask us to set aside the undeniable truth that the color of one’s skin shapes the contours of their life—the air they breathe, the ground they tread, and the institutions that determine their fates. They call for a pretense that history has no bearing on the present, that centuries of exploitation, oppression, and privilege have somehow left no trace. Yet the scars of colonial conquest, enslavement, and systemic disenfranchisement remain etched into the fabric of society, as undeniable as they are uncomfortable.

Meritocracy, as often touted, assumes an inherent equality of opportunity, that all men (and I use “men” intentionally, as this worldview frequently marginalizes anyone beyond the narrow binary) are born into the same circumstances and judged purely on their effort and ability. But this idealized notion conveniently ignores the vast disparities that define our world—a world where some are born into privilege, with opportunities laid at their feet, while others face insurmountable barriers long before they take their first steps.

The oft-repeated mantra that “hard work leads to success” serves as a comforting myth for those unwilling to confront the reality that the game is rigged. Locked doors, barred pathways, and skewed rules ensure that success remains elusive for many, no matter their effort or determination. Meanwhile, the promises made to those historically wronged—treaties with Indigenous peoples, reparations for African Americans—lie broken, abandoned amidst a litany of excuses.

Colorblindness, then, is not a philosophy of equity but one of erasure, asking us to overlook the systemic privilege that continues to benefit some while disadvantaging others. It breeds cognitive dissonance, demanding that we ignore what is visible and palpable. The leadership structures that champion “diversity and inclusion” often serve as a stark example—phenotypically homogenous with a few token minorities inserted into the narrative to maintain the illusion of progress. This is no coincidence. It is design. It is systematized exclusion masquerading as meritocracy.

Yet, even amidst these challenges, I hold onto the belief that change is possible, though not without uncomfortable self-reflection and collective action. Healing requires an honest reckoning, both with the external structures of oppression and the internalized narratives that uphold them. We cannot reach for a future of equity while remaining steadfast in our refusal to address the toxic legacy of a past steeped in injustice. To deny history is to perpetuate its wounds, ensuring they fester beneath the surface, infecting every attempt at progress.

Those who deceive themselves into believing in the fairness of the current system find little difficulty in deceiving others. This self-corruption serves to fracture solidarity, pitting individuals and communities against one another in a cycle of division that benefits only those at the top. It is why I return, time and again, to the necessity of inner healing as the bedrock of all justice work.

To dismantle the structures of inequity, we must first dismantle the illusions within ourselves—the myths of merit, the pretense of colorblindness, and the denial of privilege. Only through this process can we cultivate the strength and clarity needed to confront systemic injustice. So, to all those engaged in this arduous but vital work, I extend peace, love, and healing energy. May we summon the courage to face these truths and the determination to forge a future where justice and equity are not just aspirational ideals but lived realities.