In the ongoing soap opera of American politics, two familiar characters, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Michelle Obama, sat down for a lengthy pow-wow that’s sure to have some heads spinning. Yes, these two figures, one a Supreme Court Justice and the other a former First Lady, decided to share their tales of being black and privileged in America. In this riveting meeting of the minds, they discussed everything from racial identity to the woes of social media—all while seated high on the privilege pedestal they claim to critique.
Our story begins with the political promise that perhaps kicked off this curious chapter. When Joe Biden pledged to nominate a black woman to the Supreme Court, he set the stage for what some have criticized as a very narrow vision of diversity. After all, if being a Supreme Court Justice means you must be a black woman, aren’t we just checking boxes instead of focusing on qualifications and merit? It’s a puzzling approach, akin to ancient tribal thinking that rewards people based on group identity rather than individual capability. This situation brings the concept of DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—into the spotlight, promoting demographic headcounts over meritocratic principles.
As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson took her place on the Supreme Court, it seems she left her law books behind. Instead, she’s become famous for speaking an overwhelming number of words in court—apparently more than any other justice. This raises the question of whether quantity is overshadowing quality. The impression is that her queries often start with the words “I don’t understand.” Perhaps a rigorous legal approach might serve better in a role that demands clarity and understanding. But instead, she seems caught in the glitz of being a public figure, even alongside star-studded events like the Oscars.
Meanwhile, her chat with Michelle Obama brought up the lamentable state of social media. The former First Lady seemed momentarily jarred that neither she nor Justice Jackson could roam these digital lands freely. Yet, not being on social media might be a blessing, a chance to focus and refine their impactful roles. However, both women shared a common grievance about public attention—or rather, the lack of it. Michelle Obama voiced her disturbance at being unrecognized in public whenever people remain glued to their phones. If not for those screens, perhaps more people would pay homage to her celebrity status.
All these musings boil down to one conclusion: have we lost focus on grounding our leaders in solid, meritocratic values? The focus seems to be continually shifting toward appearance and identity rather than performance. The spectacle of Jackson and Obama highlights a recurring theme where style trumps substance, where grievance sometimes takes the stage over genuine discourse. For the American public, perhaps the real moral of the story is to look beyond the surface and demand more from those who hold the reins of influence. After all, we expect our leaders to engage the nation with intellect and insight rather than just entertaining narratives and identity politics.
In the great theater of American governance, this episode is but one of many. Yet it reminds us of the importance of genuine merit in leadership roles and the value of being critical about whom we entrust with the power to shape our laws and values. With all this in mind, as we watch the show unfold, perhaps the finest act would be one where competence and clarity take center stage.
