Sophia KTime might feel like something neutral and universal, but it hasn’t always been this way. In fact, the way we think about time today—punctual, linear, and focused on productivity—was shaped by colonial powers like the British Empire. When the Empire colonized countries, they replaced Indigenous ways of understanding time with their own rigid schedules. For neurodivergent people, who often don’t experience time in a strict, linear way, these systems can feel especially difficult to navigate.
Let’s explore how time became tied to white supremacy, what we can learn from Indigenous approaches to time, and how this connects to neurodivergence.
How Did Time Become a Tool of Colonial Control?
When the British Empire expanded its reach, it didn’t just take land—it also imposed its culture, including its way of keeping time. Many Indigenous communities viewed time as something fluid and connected to nature, like the cycles of the moon, seasons, or community events. The British, however, prioritized strict schedules, hourly routines, and the concept of time as money. They used this rigid time system to manage labor, control Indigenous peoples, and justify their authority. Giordano Nanni’s The Colonisation of Time explores how colonial powers enforced time discipline to disrupt Indigenous cultural systems and exploit labor.
For example, schools set up by colonizers adhered to strict timetables to teach children habits like punctuality and discipline, which were seen as “civilized.” This approach erased Indigenous practices and forced communities to conform to Western ways of living.
How Does Time Relate to White Supremacy?
The emphasis on strict timekeeping didn’t just stop with colonialism—it continues today. The idea that everyone must always be on time, work at a constant pace, and be endlessly productive is rooted in the values of white supremacy and capitalism. Tema Okun’s article on White Supremacy Culture identifies “a sense of urgency” and “perfectionism” as key characteristics of systems that prioritizes productivity over people.
For instance, Duke University’s School of Medicine has highlighted how workplace norms around timeliness often reflect white supremacy culture. These norms can unfairly penalize individuals from cultures where time is more flexible or community-focused, and they create barriers for those who experience time differently.
How Do Neurodivergence and Indigenous Knowledge Connect?
Neurodivergent people often experience time differently. For example:
- ADHD brains might struggle with time blindness, where the future and past feel far away, and only the present seems real.
- Autistic individuals might focus deeply on one task and lose track of the clock, or prefer predictable routines.
Western time systems often make neurodivergent people feel like they’re failing. If you’ve ever been labeled “lazy,” “disorganized,” or “always late,” you’ve likely felt the pressure of these norms.
On the other hand, many Indigenous cultures embrace time as something fluid, adaptable, and connected to the natural world. Time isn’t measured by clocks but by meaningful events—like the rise of the sun, the changing of the seasons, or the rhythm of community life. As discussed in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass, Indigenous approaches to time value relationality and community, rather than rigid schedules. For neurodivergent people, these perspectives may feel much more natural and supportive.
By learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, as described in Shawn Wilson’s Research Is Ceremony, we can challenge harmful time expectations and create systems that honor diverse ways of experiencing time.
How Can We Start Decolonizing Time?
Decolonizing time means challenging the idea that there’s only one “right” way to experience or organize it. Here are some ways to start shifting our thinking:
- Create Flexible Schedules
Instead of rigid deadlines or strict routines, try creating timelines that allow for different paces. This could mean allowing more time for breaks or focusing on key tasks rather than the number of hours worked. - Learn About Indigenous Time Practices
Explore how Indigenous communities view time. For example, many prioritize cycles of rest and activity, rather than always pushing for constant productivity. Books like Braiding Sweetgrass and Research Is Ceremony are great starting points. - Change Work and School Policies
Advocate for policies that support neurodivergent and culturally diverse experiences of time. Duke University’s Moments to Movement plan provides an example of how organizations can begin to rethink time expectations. - Recognize “Time Blindness” as Valid
For neurodivergent (and colonized) people, struggling with time isn’t a failure. Acknowledge that brains (and cultures) work differently, and look for tools—like timers, visual schedules, or alarms—that help without judgment.
Why This Matters
The way we view time isn’t neutral—it’s been shaped by history, power, and culture. Colonial powers used time to control people, and today, those same systems continue to create barriers for neurodivergent individuals and marginalized communities. By recognizing that time can look different for everyone, we take a step toward breaking down those barriers.
Indigenous knowledge reminds us that time doesn’t have to be rigid. It can be flexible, meaningful, and connected to nature and community. For neurodivergent people, embracing this perspective can help create a world where we’re not fighting against the clock but working with the rhythms of life.
For further reading:
This article uses insights from decolonial thinkers like Giordano Nanni, The Colonisation of Time and incorporates Indigenous perspectives on time. For neurodivergent readers, it’s a reminder that your experience of time is valid and rooted in anti-colonial practice. Let’s continue to challenge these systems and build a more inclusive future that uplifts those who are disproportionately affected by colonialism.
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