America and violence are so historically intertwined, almost every aspect of freedom we enjoy (at least conditionally) required some form of violence or civil disobedience. Independence: civil disobedience and violence; Emancipation: violence, tons of it; Labor rights (fair wages, child labor laws, weekends, eight-hour days): civil disobedience and a lot more violence than most Americans realize; Universal Suffrage: civil disobedience; Civil Rights: violence against demonstrators and civil disobediance (African Americans violated segregation laws).
And over the decades, let’s not forget all the innocent civilians we’ve killed overseas in the righteous cause of freedom and democracy.
But just as we are steeped in violence, so are we steeped in racism. The complexities and history of this are, of course, complicated, but the American identity, when defined, cannot be divorced from racism. And the devaluation of the black body is as prominent today as it was a century ago.
To be sure, America has witnessed watershed moments of progress, not the least of which include an African American president. However, these advancements occurred largely because of a political tug-a-war between two sociocultural factions that have remained divided since before the nation’s founding---this current polarization is actually centuries-old. These divisions can be loosely traced along geographic demarcations, with exceptions and fluctuations duly noted.
So while progress has been made, setbacks are still possible, as evidenced by the counter-reaction ascendency of our current president, who won not in spite of his blatant bigotry but because of it.
Yet, no matter which party occupies the White House, systemic racism has remained constant, and this month’s outburst reflects not months, not years, not decades, but centuries of abuse, marginalization, and dehumanization. If Jews in Germany had rioted violently in, say, 1936, would we be berating them; judging them?
“But that’s different…and you’re going Godwin all over us, and…” Really? We only think it’s different because we have hindsight of where the Nazi experiment ultimately led. Hitler joined the Nazi party nearly two decades before its military went into Poland. And yes, our president is a fascist; I say this in an academic sense, given my educational and occupational background in political theory and science.
And let’s not forget that when prominent African Americans tried to protests peacefully, our bigoted president called them “son-of-a-bitches.” So when people call for peaceful protests (not a bad thing) yet while also attempting to switch the narrative to looters, then we’re confronting a detractive process of silencing: Yes, demonstrate, but do so in a manner that can altogether be ignored. Meanwhile, SOME of these same people calling for genuflecting obedience remain silent or perhaps even supportive of that drone strike that just killed four Muslim children---but our security vindicates it, right?
A decade back, I recall writing about a dispute between a driver and a toll operator that escalated into a destructive riot reportedly involving roughly 10,000 people. That number might be high, but needless to say, significant unrest occurred disproportionate to the trigger. This occurred in southeast China. Now, I could have shamed the demonstrators for their self-destructive behavior, but I thought it might be, for analytical purposes, better to study the underlying social tensions that fueled the disturbance. After all, numerous other demonstrations, often equally volatile, were springing up across the country.
I would like to think that when people riot in this country, we should strive to address the root problem rather than just yell admonishments. I get it; I live just a few blocks south of Central Camera; I was in the midst of it, and it was unnerving. But if I would like to avoid future disorder, the best route is to grapple with factors inciting such social discontent. This is a remarkably difficult task given that a sizeable portion of white Americans actually believe they face more discrimination than their black compatriots. Reality has become an increasingly rare commodity in certain quarters.
But as long as racism and violence remain core characteristics of America, then expect more of the same---we have only ourselves to blame; that is, we reap what we sow.
Also, just to note, opposing racism isn’t the act of a social justice warrior or PC-virtue signaling-beta; it’s the act of a decent human. This isn’t politics, it’s fundamental morals.
Suggested Reads:
“How to Become Antiracist” by Ibram X Kendi
“We Were Eight Years In Power” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“White Identity Politics” by Ashley Jardina
The Origins of Totalitarianism” by Hannah Arendt
Also, reread Trevor Noah’s words as posted by Keytarjunkie, or track down the video clip.
And if you haven’t already, give photographer Gordon Parks a look.
I’m out; circuitous debates aren’t my thing; and really, I advocate splitting up the United States, so you know where my hope stands. Have a fun weekend!
