Why are You Letting Them Win?
Written by Michaela Hayes
Editorial Lead, The Liberty Network
Do you want to know my inspiration to write this blog post? I saw about four or five TikTok videos (yes, I have TikTok) explaining how they went to the African American Museum because they’re erasing our history. At first, I was devastated.
“How could they do such a thing?”
“Why are they so hellbent on hurting us?”
Then I thought, “Why the hell are we giving up?”
Listen, I understand it comes to a point. We’re tired of fighting. We get the same results over and over again. We start marching demanding human rights, and then a Black man is made a victim of police brutality.
I witnessed it firsthand in the healthcare system, or when my dad was scared for his brother's safety. But we can’t stop fighting for our rights. If you read my last blog series, and you finally come to a realization that what they did to us, they’re doing to you, too, regardless of skin color, gender, or which side you’re on for politics.
YOU’RE BEING BAMBOOZLED
This isn’t to say your culture, race, religion, or gender aren’t important because they are. But what I’m saying is they are taking advantage of it by taking something that is rightfully yours and either appropriating it or using it because they actually admire us, but are standing away from the crossfire because they’re terrified.
And, yes, we were angry about the injustice, and that’s where I come in. Now, people are stepping back because they’re tired of saying something, and instead of listening, they detract from it. When I say “come in,” I mean every group that still is being heavily oppressed right now has a right to step away if it brings them peace—but don’t let them take away what makes us legendary.
This brings me to the topic of this post. I’m teaching you how this world works, but in poor people's terms. And trust me—we’re all poor in some ways. It could be mental or physical health. It could be due to financial difficulties or low self-esteem. I either have or am going to touch all bases of what I listed, so buckle up, buttercup, we’re talking about Capitalism.
IS IT REALLY MAGICAL?
Ahh, the good ol’ term Capitalism. What exactly is Capitalism? I'll explain...
Capitalism is an economic system in which there is private ownership in means of production. You can read the in-depth history of Capitalism on your own time, but as you're reading this blog, I am 100% sure that it is not a requirement, but it is always encouraged. A little fair warning: I'm not a historian or majoring in history, so don't go quizzing me on when the word Capitalism was born (the 16th century) because the history of Capitalism has nothing to do with what I'm speaking on.
Capitalism isn't necessarily a bad word—some people in power just give it a bad name. We, in fact, need Capitalism because it makes the world go round; however, as I said, people give it a bad name by taking advantage, and I find it as frustrating as I find it hilarious.
Let me give you an example—a lot of people thought he was a monster because of how he ignored ethics, but that’s not the case. Steve Jobs was a complex person, and as a complex person myself, let me simplify.
The first iPhone was released in 2007, and he quietly battled cancer until his passing in 2011. Jobs was undoubtedly an inspiring person for building while battling cancer quietly. Battling any type of chronic illness is a complex experience. Why do I say that?
Because it depends on the person—whether they choose to stay grateful or stay angry. There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to personality, but what I do know is that facing something that strips away your control humbles you.
Growing up in a family that wasn't well-off humbles you, too. And while Jobs wasn't known for making grand donations, his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs did mention he never cared much about accumulating money. He wasn’t driven by greed but rather his vision.
His humility wasn’t warm and fuzzy—it was grounded in reality. Was he harsh at times? Most definitely. But he understood that health, fortune, and legacy are fragile, and what you create matters more than what you own. Many wealthy people could learn from that: everything you have can disappear at any moment—whether it be a disaster, mistakes, or pride. Stay grounded. And focus on what you build, because your vision will outlast any fortune, and if you don't believe it, just remember Steve Jobs.
WHERE THERE'S A NO, THERE'S ALWAYS A YES
I hope you got from this blog that we actually need Capitalism, the only difference is that when you thought about it in the past, it was probably in a bad light because someone with influence made it appear that way. It was never about the money my friend, it’s how you use that money, So, as your big sister, I'm not going to let it or you—basically the world—go down in vain.
We indeed have some bad apples, but that's why it's beneficial to you not to follow blindly. You can trust that I will not lead people astray. I actually want you to learn because the sooner you do, the sooner our world will be in better shape. If you want to learn more, you can always go straight to the source (my website) or The Liberty Network HQ.
The Liberty Network is a people-powered media and education coalition designed to unite, educate, and mobilize. So you'll learn all the goods from me in different formats on there and on other places. If you enjoyed reading this blog, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section, and if you disagree, I'd still love to hear your thoughts, but keep it respectful, and probably not let your ego get in the way.
