Twice as Good Half as Much

The phrase “twice as good to get half as much” resonates deeply within the Black community, particularly amongst Black women. This concept isn’t just a saying; it’s a reality-stitched coat of armor that has been handed down from generation to generation. It’s a narrative shaped by historical inequities and societal expectations, demanding from us an extraordinary level of excellence to receive even basic acknowledgments. For Black women, this notion forms a backdrop upon which we build our lives, our careers, and our identities. 

From a young age, we are taught the importance of excellence. These lessons often begin in our familial settings, where parents and grandparents instill the value of hard work and determination as a form of protection against a world that sees us as less. In schools, we often encounter preconceived notions about our abilities, forcing us to work harder to prove our worth. These experiences shape our self-esteem, sometimes causing us to question our value while simultaneously igniting a fire of ambition. We learn to balance humility with pride and silence with self-advocacy, all while navigating an educational landscape that does not always recognize our potential.

We’re then thrust into a corporate world that can be unwelcoming, with microaggressions and biases lurking in daily interactions. Despite being highly educated and skilled, we often encounter wage gaps, glass ceilings, and workplace discrimination. This environment demands that we develop resilience, learning to advocate for ourselves and our worth. Yet, it is within these spaces that we also find our voices, challenging the status quo.

The “twice as good” standard is particularly pronounced in the current presidential race, where Vice President Kamala Harris embodies the relentless scrutiny faced by Black women who are at the pinnacle of their careers. As she navigates this election cycle, it’s clear that Vice President Harris’s qualifications and achievements are often overshadowed by an unrealistic expectation of perfection, an expectation that is not imposed on the other candidate, who in turn is allowed to limbo under a lowered bar.

This glaring double standard highlights the painful intersection of racism, sexism, and misogyny, which further exemplifies how Black women must not only be qualified but also flawless in the eyes of critics who often overlook the same flaws in our white counterparts.

It’s triggering and infuriating while being yet another source of fuel to stoke the ever-burning flame of the torch that Black women are continuously forced to carry. Bearing the brunt of the weight of this country’s progress firmly on our backs as the consistent catalyst for change, always paving the way for those who follow. 

Therein lies the beauty in the ashes of being twice as good. We are empowered to reach back and help make our sisters’ and brothers’ ascent up the mountain to the promised land a little easier. In this unspoken understanding, we amplify our impact, demonstrating the power of collective action and reinforcing the belief that when one of us rises, we all do and the victory is twice as sweet.