Let's not forget that under slavery, African-American "unemployment" was 0%.
The Q is not whether a person works, but whether they can benefit from the work they do. If society is structured against this, unemployment #s mean nothing.
When folks who hold racist views celebrate low unemployment in the very groups they disdain, you can bet they aren't concerned about their holistic flourishing.
At the end of the day, a person's ability to benefit from their work is directly tied to how we perceive their humanity. Do they have freedom to serve God & their own families or do they serve us?
When we do not see people as made in the image of God, called to work & authority over their bit of this earth, we will treat them as animals & slaves.
Make no mistake: You cannot simultaneously hold racist views & operate justly in the marketplace.
Too many of us believe that the marketplace is neutral, that a "free market" means something akin to a blank slate.
But a "free market" is simply a marketplace w/ limited intervention, a marketplace that reflects the values of society more immediately. It does not mean a "fair market."
It's entirely possible to participate in the marketplace & still not receive full reward for your work b/c of larger social forces that a free market leaves unchecked.
All that to say, unemployment does not necessarily predict flourishing.
(Also, good morning & happy Friday, everybody!)
