In every truth, the beneficiaries of a system cannot be expected to destroy it

In every truth, the beneficiaries of a system cannot be expected to destroy it

As a prominent civil rights leader and labor organizer, A. Philip Randolph understood the complexities of social systems and the inherent challenges in dismantling them. His quote, "In every truth, the beneficiaries of a system cannot be expected to destroy it," speaks to the inherent conflict of interest that arises when those who benefit from a system are asked to challenge or change it.

Randolph's words highlight the paradoxical nature of power dynamics within society. Those who hold privilege and advantage within a system are unlikely to willingly give up their position of power, even if it means perpetuating inequality and injustice. This is particularly true in the context of systems of oppression, where those in positions of power often benefit at the expense of marginalized communities.