In the empire, we enjoy telling everyone that all it takes is aspiration, and people will see someone whom they wish to be. For those who fail to make that happen, we maintain judgment, silent or not, and shake our heads in disbelief when real barriers prevent progress. Even when presented with evidence, we adamantly refuse to accept that anything other than willpower was responsible for socioeconomic progress. There is no cure for that kind of mindset if people wish it to be so.
When I was 34 years old, I finally stopped accepting that everything was my inability to project an image of dominance. Having worked until I was injured and received two stellar reviews, I was informed by two different departments who benefitted from my labor that I was not going to receive a promotion. In truth, I knew that my education was intimidating and that my competence was not a question; ironically, I had produced an image of dominance–just by doing my job. Incompetent people hate that.
The empire is a narcissistic plantation with a marketing department ready to produce a smear campaign at a moment’s notice, and it does not have to be strictly within the boundaries of the empire. Others who have learned the rhythm will emulate that behavior as well, and teach others to remind the marginalized of our place. We may do our best, achieve stellar results, and prove ourselves in a variety of categories, but if we are not chosen, the empire will remind us of our place. I just wish the imperial residents could do better.
Chasing A Dying Empire 