Why Waking Up Early Is Rooted in White Supremacy | by Anthony Bernardi | Medium

The notion of waking up early and starting your day with the rising sun is often associated with productivity, success, and a strong work ethic. However, this seemingly innocuous concept is not without its historical and cultural implications. In this article, we will explore the origins of the early-rising narrative and how it is rooted in white supremacy, contributing to the perpetuation of racial inequalities.

The Origins of the Early Rising Ideology

The idea that waking up early leads to success and a disciplined life can be traced back to various historical and religious contexts. In the Western world, this belief has been strongly influenced by Protestantism and the Puritan work ethic, which emphasized hard work, diligence, and self-discipline as virtues. This work ethic has long been considered an essential component of the “American Dream” and the idea that success can be achieved through dedication and effort.

The Intersection of Early Rising and White Supremacy

The early-rising ideology is not inherently racist; however, its connections to white supremacy can be seen when examining the broader historical and social contexts. During the era of European colonialism and the Atlantic slave trade, the concept of hard work and productivity became intertwined with race.

Enslaved Africans were forced to work tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, and their white oppressors often used the rhetoric of hard work and discipline to justify their inhumane treatment. This created a false narrative that Africans were inherently lazy and needed the “civilizing” influence of their white masters to teach them the value of work.

This stereotype has persisted and continues to be perpetuated in various forms, such as the “model minority” myth, which suggests that certain racial and ethnic groups are inherently more disciplined and successful than others.

The Impact of the Early Rising Narrative on Racial Inequality

The idea that waking up early is a sign of a superior work ethic and a key to success serves to reinforce racial inequalities in several ways. For one, it places the blame for economic disparities on the individual, rather than acknowledging the systemic barriers that hinder the success of marginalized communities. By promoting the notion that anyone can achieve success if they simply work hard and wake up early, it ignores the structural racism that has created and maintained these inequalities.

Furthermore, the early-rising narrative perpetuates the stereotype that people of color are lazy or lack discipline, which can have real-world consequences in areas such as employment and education. This stereotype can lead to discrimination in the workplace and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, where students of color are disproportionately disciplined and pushed out of the education system.

Challenging the Early Rising Ideology and Its Racial Implications

To dismantle the white supremacist roots of the early-rising narrative, it’s essential to challenge the idea that waking up early is inherently virtuous and indicative of success. This involves recognizing that productivity and worth are not solely determined by when someone wakes up, but rather by a multitude of factors, including access to resources, opportunities, and systemic support.

Educating oneself and others about the historical and social contexts that have shaped the early-rising narrative can help raise awareness about its racial implications. Acknowledging the cultural diversity in sleep patterns and work schedules is another important step toward dismantling these harmful stereotypes.

Embracing a More Inclusive and Equitable Approach to Productivity

Creating a more inclusive and equitable society involves redefining our understanding of productivity and success. This means recognizing that there are various ways to be productive and that the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule may not be the best fit for everyone.

It’s crucial to prioritize work-life balance and ensure that employees have the flexibility to work in ways that best suit their needs