Excellence.

Blog Post #5: 

Excellence. 

 

 Ah, Brown Excellence. 

 

The celebration of People of Colour and their success is not a new concept. 

 

Why though? Why do we celebrate even the smallest successes? 

 

Well, for starters, we are well aware that the systems upon which our schools, workplaces, and society are built on, are not set for us. The schooling system does not promise the success of People of Colour as easily as it would for a White student. The founding documents of our society are also racist. The irony in this is that our society has been built on the backs of minorities. 

 

That only makes the success of our people even more significant. You didn't just beat the system, you have conquered it. Therefore, you and your success are to be celebrated. 

 

I attended a high school that celebrated its diversity, but was without a doubt racist. The failure of its Brown students were almost expected, and even though it offered programmes that were aimed at academic aid, it felt almost half-hearted. 

 

Another reason would be a value that has been instilled within us for the longest time: collectivism. An individual's success is shared, because the path to success was one paved by their ancestors, their village, their family, their people. When one succeeds, it means that their parents' and family's hard-work was worth it. 

 

However, anything positive associated with People of Colour is refused acknowledgement. To set People of Colour apart in a positive way is “unfair” and “unnecessary”. 

 

Seems a bit ironic that you find it easier to set us apart negatively. The ‘hood’ ring any bells? Making fun of lower decile schools that are filled with Brown people? What about Brown people on the benefit? 

 

If it’s so easy for you to alienate Communities of Colour, please keep that same energy when it comes to celebrating us. Seems like it’s easy enough for you to focus on what we’re doing.