Actress and author Wunmi Mosaku uses her position to examine difficult racial and identity-related topics. In one of her social media reflections, she discussed how draining it is for Black women to continuously try to conform to the standards set by white supremacist society. She discussed how basic recognition and opportunities require the effort to be perceived as "non-threatening" or overly friendly.
This concept is like a fish swimming against a powerful current. Black women frequently believe they must put in extra effort simply to stay afloat and be accepted by society's dominant culture, much like a fish expends all of its energy swimming upstream. It's about fitting in with expectations that can feel as oppressive as a suffocating current, not about being inherently vivacious or too relatable.
Mosaku draws attention to how unjust this situation is: why should someone have to alter their inherent behavior in order to be given an equal opportunity? Many people can relate to her words because they know how difficult it can be to navigate through systems where your identity is continuously contested. Instead of placing all the pressure on minorities to conform to strict norms, she urges people to consider how society can be more inclusive.
Wunmi Mosaku hopes to spark a discussion about systemic problems and the toll they take on those who are marginalized within them through her art and reflections like this one. Her message is unmistakable: it's time for everyone to understand that genuine inclusivity entails providing equal opportunities without pressuring individuals to hide who they really are.