One of the biggest barriers to creating systems that are equitable and just is the dogged belief held by many in the myth of meritocracy.
The belief that every system and institution—education, housing, workforce, government, etc.—is fundamentally fair and not infused with any bias that would lead to unequal outcomes.
That being true, then, any talk about equity and justice is irrelevant.
Not only irrelevant, but unfair. Not only unfair, but discriminatory.
For example, if I don't believe that in 2022 the LGBTQ community is still being stigmatized and marginalized, then any efforts toward fighting that will be seen as not only unnecessary, but aggressive and threatening.
And if I don't think that systemic racism exists, then I will view any antiracist efforts as unwarranted and part of an unacceptable political agenda that I must fight.
Because when I believe in the myth of meritocracy, I'm so used to privilege that equity feels like oppression.
When my norm isn't seen as the norm, I must defend my norm, lest it be unfairly taken away from me.
The myth of meritocracy perpetuates the narrative of the privileged majority. All other narratives must be derided, suppressed, and stamped out.
Because we can't give "unfair" treatment to certain groups. That wouldn't be meritocratic.