Every day, we live our lives surrounded by disturbing realities that we often overlook or choose not to acknowledge. Whether it is the devastating impact of climate change, the cruelty inflicted upon animals in factory farms, or the exploitation of workers in sweatshops, the unsettling truth about many of the systems we operate under is alarming.

One of the most disturbing realities we face is the pervasive nature of systemic racism. The United States, a country built upon the backs of enslaved Africans, continues to struggle with the legacy of that horrific practice. Law enforcement, for example, has a deeply ingrained history of racial profiling and brutality towards Black and Brown individuals. The widespread gentrification of historically Black and Brown neighborhoods further illustrates the systemic racism that has been perpetuated for centuries.

Another unsettling reality is the impact of capitalism on the environment. The unrelenting pursuit of profit has led corporations to prioritize their bottom line over the planet’s health. Deforestation, pollution, and the exploitation of natural resources have led to climate change, which will disproportionately impact marginalized communities who have the fewest resources to adapt.

Similarly, the rise of fast fashion, which relies on exploitative labor practices and the overproduction of clothes, has resulted in disastrous consequences for both the workers who make the garments and the planet. From sweatshop labor to the dumping of chemical waste into waterways, the fashion industry has a lot to answer for.

The truth is, many of the systems we take for granted are built upon exploitation, oppression, and destruction. While it may be uncomfortable to confront these realities, it is essential to do so if we are to make meaningful progress towards a more just and sustainable world. We must hold those in power accountable, demand change, and work towards building a better tomorrow for everyone.