Unpacking The Stages Of Settler Colonialism

In late-stage settler colonies like the United States and Canada, there’s a pervasive misconception that our modern institutional systems are merely flawed but ultimately benign. We frequently encounter assertions such as “there are good cops,” “they’re doing their best,” or the cliché, “the system is broken.” However, such notions couldn’t be further from the truth. Our systems and institutions aren’t malfunctioning; rather, they operate precisely as intended — to serve the interests of settler colonialism. It is imperative to challenge the fallacy that the presence of “good individuals” within these systems somehow mitigates their inherently detrimental nature. As aptly pointed out by Ibram X. Kendi (2019), “The good policies do not eradicate the racist policies. It is insufficient to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.” Regardless of the intentions or actions of individuals within these structures, the systems themselves persist in perpetuating systemic oppression (Vitale, 2017).

Moreover, those who endeavour to enact meaningful changes within these institutions invariably encounter formidable barriers and resistance. As noted by Audre Lorde (1984), “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” Efforts to reform intrinsically oppressive systems from within are consistently met with pushback and even retaliation. Individuals who dare to challenge…