“True racial equity is only possible by closing the racial disparity gaps caused by systems and structure of oppression.” You’ve likely heard this before. It is an argument: structures of oppression (e.g., racism) cause disparities in life outcomes. It is an action: to dismantle systems of oppression causing these disparity gaps. It is also a goal: to bring about equitable outcomes. This outcome? To create a world where race (or any identity marker) is no longer the main factor in determining one’s life chances.
In the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, phrases like “close the gap” and “racial equity” have become commonplace and are often taken up as self-evident (with no need for further explanation). However, I want to take a deeper look into the various uses, objectives, and aspirations for “closing the gap.” At the core, I am curious to understand how “close the gap” is part of a larger system of ideas that are used to explain the visual and conceptual arrival of racial equity.