The Myth of Meritocracy: America’s False Narrative of Success

By Bishop Talbert Swan

The idea that America is a meritocracy — where success is the result of individual talent, hard work, and determination — is a seductive lie, perpetuated to obscure the nation’s true foundation of racial exploitation and systemic inequality. As Donald Trump promises to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs under the guise of upholding a so-called “merit system,” we must confront the falsehoods underlying such rhetoric.

America did not rise to greatness because of merit. It was built on stolen land, cultivated by the forced labor of enslaved Africans, and sustained through the systemic disenfranchisement of Black people, women, and other marginalized groups. The wealth and infrastructure of this nation were erected on the backs of those denied the very opportunity to succeed on their own merit. For centuries, laws, policies, and societal norms were designed to privilege white men at the expense of everyone else, ensuring that the playing field was never even.

A Legacy of Inequity

The myth of meritocracy obscures the truth about how wealth and power have been concentrated in the hands of a select few. White supremacy was institutionalized through slavery, segregation, and discriminatory practices in housing, education, and employment. Even today, structural racism permeates our institutions, creating barriers for marginalized groups while maintaining privilege for those who benefit from these inequities.

Donald Trump himself is a beneficiary of this system. His narrative of self-made success is a fabrication, belied by the millions he inherited from his father and his history of discriminating against Black tenants in his housing properties — discrimination so egregious that it prompted legal action by the Department of Justice. Trump’s business dealings and political ascension are not examples of merit; they are products of a system rigged in favor of wealthy white men.

Consider this: despite being a convicted felon and under multiple criminal indictments, Trump was elected president. Imagine a Black man in the same circumstances — would he be granted the same leeway or benefit of the doubt? The answer is unequivocally no.

The Need for DEI and Affirmative Action

Programs like DEI and affirmative action were not created to give unfair advantages but to address centuries of systemic discrimination. These initiatives seek to level the playing field for those who have been historically excluded from opportunities simply because of the color of their skin, their gender, or their socioeconomic status. They are a necessary corrective to the lie of meritocracy that ignores how privilege and power are inherited and protected.

Yet, under the guise of protecting “fairness,” Trump and others like him aim to dismantle these efforts, reinforcing the inequities that have long defined America. His claim that America operates on a “merit system” is not only false but dangerous, as it seeks to erase the lived experiences of those who continue to face systemic barriers.

The True Path to Greatness

If America truly aspires to be a meritocracy, it must confront its history of exploitation and take meaningful steps toward equity. This includes acknowledging the contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants, addressing the ongoing impacts of systemic racism, and committing to policies that dismantle barriers for marginalized groups.

Merit cannot exist without equity. It is not enough to proclaim that success is available to all while maintaining systems that privilege a few. America’s greatness will not come from clinging to myths but from striving for justice and inclusivity.

Donald Trump’s vision of America — a nation where DEI programs are eradicated and systemic inequities remain unaddressed — is not one of merit but of regression. To truly honor the ideals of equality and opportunity, we must reject the falsehoods of the past and build a future rooted in truth and justice.

The path forward demands courage, honesty, and a commitment to dismantling the structures that have upheld inequality for far too long. America’s greatness will not be measured by the preservation of privilege but by its ability to create a society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed — based on merit and free from the chains of systemic oppression.