Frederick Joseph - Better Than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World

by Taylor Denise Richardson

Advocate, activist, speaker, student, and philanthropist

A persons character is shaped largely by their experiences, and my generation, Gen Z, is astutely conscious that our experiences not only shape our identities but are also the reason we recognize the true, deep similarities in otherssimilarities that extend beyond race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Gen Z has come of age in a time of tremendous upheaval. Whether its dealing with the effects of COVID-19, mass school shootings, or police brutality (either directly or through the media), we have experienced these events as a generation and have recognized the change that needs to occur in our society. Part of that change has meant unlearning many of our parents traditional views and redefining life for ourselves.

The common ground of shared experiences has given root to an empathy that allows our generation to feel and understand the inequalities perpetrated against one another in ways that were not common in previous generations. The internet and social media have been integrated into our lives since birth, which has facilitated this understanding, making it easy to find someone who has been down a similar path and wants to know that they are not alone. Digital communities and the ability of real-time information to spread widely is the reason our generation has the capability to learn, grow, and apply what we have learned. But with so much access to information about vital issues vying for our attention and resources, it can feel impossible to know where to turn, whom to trust, or how to help.

Better Than We Found It shines a spotlight on sixteen of the most pressing issues in todays society. Each chapter breaks down a long-standing problem that is ripe for change by shining a light on the gray areas so that the black-and-white issues are there for all to see. This is vital if the goal of progress is going to be met, because ignorance and plausible deniability are two of the biggest roadblocks in the way of progression. Progress begins with accountability and the desire to fix the issues that appear in society without an immediate response of defensiveness. It is impossible to work toward a solution if we arent aware of the core issues and where they originated.

Through heart-moving stories and conversations with experts and activists, Better Than We Found It looks at problems from multiple angles and asks questions like: Whom does this problem affect? Why is the issue still prevalent? and What are people doing to ameliorate the situation? Each chapter taught me something new and aided me in better understanding who I am and who I want to beas an activist, advocate and, most importantly, as a young Black woman.

One chapter that strongly resonated with me was chapter 3: Sledgehammers and Glass Ceilings, which is about being a feminist and womanist accomplice. It discusses how when sexism and the patriarchy work together in our society, a disservice is done to humankind because women are not celebrated for being their unapologetic selves due to stereotypical beliefs, misogynistic standards, and contrived barriers. For K Torch, it was gaslighting men telling her how she should look and act based on their limited vision of what successful female rappers looked like. For me, it was men telling me that I could never be an astronaut because it was a boys game and that engineering and the medical fields were too difficult for me to partake in. This is something Ive heard since I was a nine-year-old girl at Space Camp. Thats why it is crucial for people, specifically men, to understand that gender roles and sexist beliefs were created to feed into the patriarchy and prohibit women from being in power and reaching their full potential. We have to remind girls and women that its not enough to break barriers, but that we must do everything in our power to eliminate them completely for the betterment of humankind. And to do so, we need men who fight alongside us, not against us.

This book is a great reminder for young readers to stay true to themselves, no matter what. But being true to yourself also means being truthful with yourself. We all need to recognize the pivotal roles our words and our ignorance play in the lives of those around us. Each chapter has not only widened my lens on issues I didnt know all that much about, but has also touched my heart personally and reminded me why its paramount to continue to listen, learn, and grow. More than anything, this book made me want to do even more to make this world a better place for myself and others by aiding my generation of future leaders to listen and digest the stories of those impacted by these issues and by putting together tailored plans of actionable steps that lead to realistic solutions.

To my friends who are working on themselves and trying to grow: I hope that this book will help you learn from the mistakes of others so you can make better decisions and take away the excuse of being ignorant to the issues. I know it will provide you with comfort to know that there are people out there fighting for the issues we care about. I can say that I am now confident enough to go out into the world, be aware of the things I am experiencing, and correctly label them so that I can help others better understand meand so that I can better understand others. This is something that I know our generation struggles with. Communication is hard, and clearly expressing ones point of view can prove difficult when its wrapped in emotions. Better Than We Found It is a sophisticated GPS that will help readers be efficient on their world-saving journey and aid them in avoiding the dangers and pitfalls of being complacent. With that being said, I hope everyone who opens this book gains a new level of assurance in themselves and feels empowered to join in the fight to make our world one that is truly respectful, open-minded, and kind to allto make the world indeed better.

Signed with love,

Taylor

Dear one,

Progress isnt the longest word in the dictionary, but in many ways its the largest. Housed within its definition are words such as courage, hope, learning, and effort. But progress is more than just a word; its an ideal and a direction toward who and what we may become.

Progress by its very definition requires change, and unfortunately the concept of change is something deeply opposed by many people. There are those who find change intimidating or frightening, and there are also those who actively try to stop change because they benefit from things remaining the same.

But the truth is that change is necessary. The scourge of destructive forces such as racism, sexism, climate change, and gun violence have left the fabric of our society in tatters. Communities, families, cultures, individuals, and entire races have been devastated and even destroyed because of these forces.

And the devastation continues. Too many people are still suffering and far too much will be lost if we do not act.