Column: OBA’s Smith On Race, Privilege & More
[Opinion column written by the OBA's Ben Smith]
If Bermuda wants a better future, we need to start telling the truth openly, calmly, and without pointing fingers.
Race still shapes opportunity in this country, and privilege still opens doors for some that remain closed to others. At the same time, personal responsibility, discipline, and preparation still matter no matter who you are.
We cannot fix our problems if we don’t first admit they exist.
For many in Bermuda, especially those who are white or come from wealth, certain advantages feel so normal that they barely register as advantages. It may be in the form of strong family networks, mentors who assume your potential, generational wealth that cushions mistakes, school and activity choices that create early opportunities and social circles that include decision makers.
None of this diminishes hard work but simply means the starting line is not the same for everyone. Recognising this isn’t about guilt but about understanding. With understanding comes responsibility. If you benefit from these systems, you can use that access to help open doors for people who may not get the chance otherwise. Privilege can be part of the solution when it is used with intention.
One of the biggest frustrations in Bermuda comes from a simple double standard we almost never openly acknowledge. When a Bermudian gets an opportunity through a connection, a family friend, neighbour, or schoolmate, it is often dismissed as “friends and family.”
When the exact same thing happens in circles of privilege, like when someone gets a job, receives a contract, or leadership role because of a college roommate, golfing buddy, or a partner’s connection it may be called “networking.” For the same behaviour there can be a different label which causes a different judgement.
We all know examples of people who arrive in Bermuda in mid-level positions and climb quickly to the top ranks and receive the perks attached. In some cases they were not the top of their class, but because someone opened a door for them through access they reached the top. If that is accepted as normal, why shouldn’t a Bermudian who works hard, shows commitment, and proves themselves be given the same chance?
Why is one group celebrated for “networking,” while another is criticized for “friends and family”?
This inconsistency fuels resentment. This is not because Bermudians resent opportunity, but because they crave equal opportunity. Nobody should be excluded because they weren’t born into the right network. Opportunity shouldn’t depend on who you play golf with, but on who has earned the chance.
When opening honest conversation we also have to be honest about personal responsibility.
Yes, Bermuda has race issues.
Yes, discrimination exists.
And yes, access is unequal.
Race cannot be the explanation for every setback. At some point, we must also look in the mirror and ask ourselves some important questions.
Was I prepared?
Was I professional?
Did I follow through?
Did I take advantage of opportunities when they came?
These questions aren’t meant to blame, they’re meant to empower. While racism can close a door, poor preparation can close one too. Equal opportunity requires equal accountability. We do our young people no favours if we allow them to believe success requires no effort or that every obstacle is someone else’s fault.
The Bermuda we want requires a balanced approach that includes:
- Acknowledging privilege
- Recognizing responsibility
- Calling out double standards
- Opening networks to others
- Increasing cross-cultural engagement
- Being prepared when opportunity comes
We can’t keep living in separate social worlds and expect understanding to grow. Progress comes from awareness and interaction.
The goal is not blame but to find balance. Recognising privilege doesn’t diminish effort. Recognising responsibility doesn’t ignore inequality. Both truths matter and we need to talk about them openly and honestly.
If we can talk honestly about the advantages some people have and the accountability we all must take, Bermuda can finally move toward a future where every young person, regardless of race, background, or network gets a real opportunity at success.
That future is possible. It starts with honesty and a willingness to open doors for someone else.
- MP Ben Smith
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