Introduction: The Danger of a Faceless Enemy
"They don’t want us to succeed.""They are keeping us down.""They control everything."
We hear statements like these all the time. But who exactly is they? In today’s social and political discourse, the use of vague pronouns has become a way to shift blame without addressing the root causes of systemic issues. While oppression and inequality do exist, overgeneralizing them into a faceless they or them can actually hinder meaningful change.
This article explores how this linguistic shortcut weakens our understanding of real problems and what we can do to move from broad accusations to real solutions.
Why We Generalize: The Appeal of “They”
1. Simplifying Complex Problems
Humans like clear-cut explanations, and saying they are responsible makes it easier to understand social injustices. But reality is rarely that simple. Power structures are often layered and involve multiple factors, including history, policy, economics, and culture.
2. Emotional Release and Solidarity
When people experience struggle or injustice, using they can feel validating. It creates a shared narrative of oppression and unites people under a common cause. However, if used too broadly, it can also misdirect energy away from real solutions.
3. Deflecting Personal and Collective Responsibility
Blaming an undefined they allows individuals or groups to avoid self-reflection. It can be easier to attribute personal or community struggles solely to external oppression rather than examining the role of education, strategy, or local leadership.
The Problem with Vague Accusations
1. It Leads to Hasty Generalizations
A hasty generalization occurs when a broad conclusion is drawn from limited evidence. For example, if someone experiences workplace discrimination and immediately claims, "They don’t want people like me to succeed," it ignores the fact that discrimination is often context-specific. Is it the company? A particular manager? Broader hiring policies? The more specific we are, the more effective the response.
2. It Creates an “Us vs. Them” Mentality
When they becomes the enemy, it fosters division instead of solutions. This can polarize discussions, making it harder for different groups to work together toward real change.
3. It Fails to Hold the Right People Accountable
Not all power structures operate the same way. Lumping political leaders, corporations, media, and government policies into one big they dilutes accountability. If we want change, we need to call out specific policies, decision-makers, and institutions rather than blaming a faceless entity.
From Blame to Action: How to Improve Our Discourse
If we want meaningful change, we need to move away from vague accusations and toward specific, solution-oriented conversations. Here’s how:
Be Specific About the Issue
Instead of saying, “They don’t want us to succeed,” ask:
Who is making these decisions?
What specific policies or practices contribute to the problem?
Where can we focus our efforts to create change?
Example: Instead of blaming "they" for wealth inequality, point to specific policies (e.g., tax laws, hiring practices, or educational funding disparities) that contribute to the issue.
Engage in Critical Thinking
Every system has flaws, but broad conspiracies rarely hold up under scrutiny. Before assuming an undefined they is responsible, ask:
What evidence supports this claim?
Are there counterexamples?
Who is actually benefiting from the status quo?
Example: Instead of saying, “They control everything,” analyze the economic and political structures at play. Are decisions being made by politicians, corporate leaders, or media executives? Understanding power dynamics helps create better strategies.
Promote Accountability at Every Level
Holding corporations, policymakers, and institutions accountable requires clear, fact-based arguments. Instead of vague blame, focus on:
Identifying key decision-makers.
Understanding the history behind systemic problems.
Supporting actionable policies and community initiatives.
Example: Instead of blaming "they" for gentrification, research which city officials approved zoning laws, what corporate developers are involved, and how residents can advocate for affordable housing policies.
Recognize Personal and Community Agency
While systemic barriers exist, so does individual and collective power. Instead of waiting for them to change, communities can:
Invest in local businesses and education.
Engage in civic participation (voting, advocacy, policy-making).
Build networks that support social and economic mobility.
Example: Instead of saying, “They won’t let us succeed,” shift the mindset to, “How can we work within and around systemic challenges to create opportunities?”
Conclusion: Reclaiming Responsibility for Change
The overuse of they and them to describe vague oppressors or power structures may feel satisfying in the moment, but it does little to create real change. By shifting our focus to specificity, accountability, and action, we empower ourselves to understand problems more clearly and work toward meaningful solutions.
Real change doesn’t come from blaming faceless enemies—it comes from identifying root causes, making informed decisions, and taking collective action. Instead of asking "Why won’t they let us succeed?" let’s ask, "What can we do to succeed despite obstacles?"
Key Takeaways:
Replace vague terms like “they” with specific names, policies, or institutions.
Question claims that lack clear evidence—who exactly is responsible?
Promote accountability by identifying real issues instead of relying on general blame.
Recognize personal and collective agency in making progress.
By making these shifts, discussions around social and political issues can move from frustration to action—helping to create the change we want to see.
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