Although the double standards implicit in white privilege and white supremacy are omnipresent in this country, they have never been on greater display than they were yesterday.
Watching law enforcement permit and even encourage the actions of a violent mostly white mob as they stormed the US Capitol Building without arrest, while hundreds of lawmakers inside tried to vote to certify the presidential election, was not only concerning, it was deeply painful. It was painful to all who appreciate the sacred nature of a peaceful transfer of power, and understand the alternative. It was painful to all of us who have marched in Black Lives Matter protests and experienced enormous police and national guard response. It was perhaps most painful for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who for generations have endured brutal violence at the hands of police simply for walking down a street to peacefully protest blatant inequality.
Yesterday’s events were both an act of, and a manifestation of, white supremacy. They were only possible in a country which formally and informally treats its white residents as if they are superior, and therefore worthy of superior power, superior voice, superior protections. President Trump and the mob who stormed the Capitol are responsible for the specific events of yesterday, but we must all reflect on our own participation in a society that made this possible.
We must ask all ourselves, “What is MY role in addressing the white supremacy so deeply embedded in our society that was laid bare at the Capitol?” This moment should deepen our resolve to identify white supremacy in our daily lives and take daily action to dismantle it. It is of course most important for white people to lead in this work, since white people hold unparalleled power and quietly benefit from white supremacy every day in ways that harm Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
As the leader of Enroot, an organization dedicated to supporting immigrant students, I’ve been reflecting on the fact that scenes like yesterday’s were precisely what inspired many immigrants to make the United States their home. At least in this country they could depend on a peaceful transfer of power. Although we are heartbroken and pained, the Enroot community remains resolved in our fight for racial and educational equity, and steadfast in our support for the amazing immigrant students we work alongside.
It is essential that those of us committed to fighting for racial equity not be intimidated or even discouraged by those who seek to stop our progress. I hope that yesterday’s events will lead us all to intensify our participation in the fight for racial equity in the United States.
