At its core, wealth accumulation is perceived as economic liberation and long-term stability. And as we often see online, comfort and abundance are easily attached to this notion too. Still, under capitalist Britain, it has been harder for Black people to attain this mythical bag and succeed.
From the lack of affordable housing and the shortage of opportunities concerning employment or high-paying jobs to the lingering effects of Covid-19 and now, the economic distress with the cost of living crisis, the volatility and precarity of this capitalist system have conditioned Black people to expect the worst.
Therefore, there’s no surprise that many members of the Black community indulge in capitalist practices, such as hustle culture and burnout to become a part of the system and sustain economic security for themselves.
Yet, the fact that this is a false premise is often overlooked. Black people have worked tirelessly to be where they are right now and many haven’t been able to achieve one third of what they’ve expected. Reimagining hard work as success devalues and dehumanises the sweat and tears of those that are often eaten by capitalism and myths of meritocracy, especially Black people, who are paid 7.7% less than white people in Britain.