Rethinking Perfection: A Journey Beyond White Supremacy Culture

By Nora F. Murphy Johnson, PhD

Tema Okun’s provocative insights on white supremacy culture were (and continue to be, many years later) a revelation to me. Especially, his analysis of perfectionism. Okun illustrates how this culture idolizes perfectionism, defining what it means to be a ‘good professional.’ This is a professional who is not only striving for excellence but is also perfectionistic, individualistic, unwavering in their methods, and resistant to criticism. Central to this mindset is the idea that making a mistake equates to being a mistake.

This concept struck a profound chord with me. Reflecting on my life, I see the pervasive shadow of this perfectionism. The countless hours spent agonizing over a grade less than an ‘A’, the missed opportunities due to fear of not being ‘good enough’, and the moments I chose to hide rather than risk people seeing my imperfections. I use the word “shadow” intentionally here. This shadow represents more than just fear or disappointment; it symbolizes how such perfectionism dims and diminishes our inner light. For me, it lead me to doubt my inherent value and worth, making it impossible for me to know, appreciate, and realize my true potential.