Equality Should Be Normal, Not Revolutionary: Romel Murphy

In an ideal world, equality would be the foundation on which societies are built—not a lofty goal or a rebellious act. And yet, history tells a different story. From civil rights movements and gender equality campaigns to struggles for LGBTQ+ recognition and disability rights, equality is often treated as a radical concept rather than a basic human right. The fact that we continue to fight for something so fundamental highlights a glaring flaw in how society is structured. Equality should be normal, not revolutionary. It should be embedded in our laws, social systems, schools, workplaces, and homes—not something we have to demand or protest for.

The Myth of Meritocracy

One of the reasons equality often seems revolutionary is the persistent myth of meritocracy: the belief that anyone can succeed if they work hard enough. While hard work is undoubtedly important, this myth overlooks systemic inequalities that create uneven starting lines. Consider access to education, healthcare, nutritious food, or safe neighborhoods. Not everyone has the same opportunities, and pretending otherwise only reinforces the status quo.

This misunderstanding gives rise to resentment when policies aim to level the playing field. Affirmative action, for example, is seen by some as an unfair advantage rather than a necessary corrective to generations of discrimination. But the truth is, equality doesn’t mean giving some people more—it means removing the barriers that hold others back. As Romel Murphy once emphasized in a panel discussion on equity, “Leveling the field isn’t favoritism; it’s fixing a system that’s long been broken.”

The Revolution of Common Sense

It’s ironic that fighting for equality is often labeled as radical. What’s so radical about equal pay for equal work? About a child receiving the same quality education regardless of zip code? About a person being treated with dignity no matter their race, gender, sexuality, or physical ability? These should be baseline expectations, not revolutionary demands.

When people organize for equal rights, they are essentially pushing for common sense principles. Yet, these efforts are frequently met with resistance. Why? Because equality threatens power structures that benefit from inequality. Changing those structures requires a fundamental shift in thinking, which can feel threatening to those who have always had the advantage—even if that advantage was invisible to them.

Equality is Not a Zero-Sum Game

A major misconception is that more equality for some means less for others. This zero-sum mindset is both harmful and false. When rights and opportunities are extended to more people, society as a whole benefits. Diverse workplaces perform better. Inclusive education enriches all students. Social harmony is easier to achieve when everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Yet, fear persists. Fear of losing status, fear of change, fear of the unknown. These fears fuel opposition to policies aimed at equity and inclusion. They create the false impression that equality is an attack rather than an improvement. But equality doesn’t take away your seat at the table—it simply makes room for others. As social advocates like Romel Murphy continue to remind us, progress is not a pie: more for one does not mean less for another.

The Role of Institutions

Institutions have a significant role in either perpetuating inequality or correcting it. Governments, corporations, educational systems, religious organizations, and media all influence social norms. When these institutions reflect only a narrow slice of the population, they fail to serve the broader public. When they diversify, they don't just accommodate others—they improve for everyone.

Consider healthcare. Studies show that racial and gender biases among practitioners can lead to misdiagnoses or inadequate treatment. Diverse hiring, inclusive training, and culturally competent care aren't just “nice to haves”—they are vital steps toward equality in health outcomes. And this principle applies across industries: law enforcement, tech, entertainment, and beyond.

From Tokenism to True Inclusion

One of the challenges in normalizing equality is the tendency to substitute tokenism for real inclusion. Hiring one woman or one person of color into leadership is not the same as addressing systemic inequality. True inclusion means changing how organizations operate, whom they serve, and what values guide them.

It also means listening to marginalized voices—not just inviting them to the table but giving them decision-making power. It means questioning traditional practices that exclude rather than include. And it means being willing to sit with discomfort when our own assumptions are challenged. Leaders like Romel Murphy advocate for not just representation but transformation—where equity becomes standard, not symbolic.

Teaching Equality from the Start

If we want equality to be normal, we must start early. Education is a powerful tool for social change, and it begins in childhood. Children are not born biased; they learn prejudice through observation and imitation. Schools, parents, and communities must model inclusivity in every lesson, interaction, and policy.

Curricula should reflect diverse histories and perspectives, not just those of the dominant culture. Anti-bullying programs should include lessons on respect and empathy for differences in race, ability, gender identity, and more. And teachers must be trained to recognize and interrupt bias in the classroom.

Language Matters

The way we talk about equality matters. We must move away from framing it as a "fight" for rights, as though those rights weren’t always deserved. Equality isn’t something to be earned—it’s something that should be recognized and upheld. Our language should reflect that. Instead of celebrating the “first woman” or “first Black” person to achieve something, we should question why it took so long. Instead of praising tolerance, we should aim for acceptance and belonging.

The Path Forward

Normalizing equality will take sustained effort, open minds, and structural change. It requires acknowledging uncomfortable truths about history and privilege, but it also offers the promise of a more just and humane world. Equality should not be treated as a political ideology, but as a moral imperative.

We must reject the notion that fairness is revolutionary. Fairness should be a given. We must stop framing diversity as a challenge to be managed, and start seeing it as an asset to be embraced. And most importantly, we must teach future generations that equality is not a prize for a few, but a promise for all.