UNI speaker challenges myth of meritocracy
CEDAR FALLS | Author and anti-racism advocate Tim Wise wants to start a difficult conversation, one he likens to walking into a church and challenging the existence of God.
Wise wants Americans to confront their very founding principles.
At the University of Northern Iowa on Monday, Wise argued for a more conscious conversation to acknowledge our own privileges. He challenged the myth of a meritocratic society, the idea that if individuals work hard enough they can succeed.
Well, its not quite this simple. Its a little more complicated, Wise said. At some point, we need to put in the asterisk, but we generally do not.
Though Wise said the current narrative only reinforces classism, racism and sexism, he focused on the problems of economic inequality. He said hes noticed a recent trend where the poor are shamed and the rich praised to a degree not previously seen, even in the midst of the recession.
Wise asked whether the audience truly believed the 37 richest people in the United States worked harder than the 157 million people who collectively have the same wealth as those 37 men and women. He concluded its an absurd belief.
He pointed out at the height of the recession there were seven people applying for every one job available, and yet there were complaints the unemployed were lazy. He noted economic mobility is at one of its lowest points in American history.
And yet, faith in mobility is stronger than its ever been, Wise said.
Among the culprits for such attitudes are the easy access to information that allows the have-nots to see what the richest receive and an ingrained discrimination that makes those who got help refuse to help others.
Though he pointed fingers at Fox News for dehumanizing the poor while praising the rich, Wise said its also apparent in reality television, where average people can have a gimmick, rise to the top and become beloved celebrities.
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UNI speaker challenges myth of meritocracy