American Chaos — When will it stop?
Today the US Capitol has been raided by republicans in light of Donald Trump’s speech earlier this morning. Are we surprised? Not at all. Chaos is one of the defining terms of this new decade and we are remarkably finding new ways to re-imagine politics as we know it.
Trump urged his supporters to go to the Capitol today to provide support for the Congressmen who planned on objecting some Electoral votes. What he didn’t know was that his loyal followers would surpass police barriers to take over the building holding many political leaders — including Vice President Mike Pence.
To say the actions of these individuals are repulsing is an understatment. Simply put, this completely disregards the previous values the Republicans were upholding in the protests for George Floyd. The people who were fighting for their human rights and urging police to stop the killing of innocent people, were told that they were savages. That violence is not the answer. Fast forward 10 months and we are now seeing the same gatekeepers of peace committing a federal crime that is arguably more destructive then the previous protests.
The ignorance shown through the actions of these individuals is unbelievable. The belief that Trump didn’t lose the election is a whole topic in itself. But knowing that he didn’t, the idea that Trumps group of minions are able to so faithfully display their undivided loyalty goes beyond what anyone could’ve thought would be occuring in our modern time.
In the words of Trump, “Anarchists, Agitators or Protestors who vandalize or damage our Federal courthouse in Portland, or any Federal Buildings in any of our cities or States, will be prosecuted under our recently re-enacted Statues & Monuments Act. MINIMUM TEN YEARS IN PRISON. Don’t do it! @DHSGov” This was a tweet posted on July, 27 2020.
To think, a leader so firm in an opinion to not disturb any Federal buildings, is now absolutely silent, is remarkable. He still has yet to explicitly state to leave the Capitol Building. Might I add the Capitol building which is arguably the highest esteemed federal building in the country. It’s almost as if he is in favour of violence when it benefits him directly or feeds his ego.
Taking a look at these two images, take note of the difference in police presence. Now it has only been a few hours and the police may need some response time. But, it is extremely vital to acknowledge the privilege embodied by white men heavily armed storming into the Capitol without the issue of police brutality. If the roles were reversed. And the protesters were people of colour, they would’ve been either beaten or shot. White privilege is real and is in full effect. The brainwashed Republicans who are convinced otherwise need to realize these kinds events tell us the true state of privilege.
I think it’s important to contrast the current events to the innocent black lives taken from police brutality;
To Rayshard Brooks, I’m so deeply sorry you were killed by police after falling asleep in your car. You are loved. We won’t let it happen again.
To Daniel Pride, I’m so sorry your mental illness was weaponized into an excuse for police to restrain. You are loved. We won’t let it happen again.
To George Floyd, I’m sorry your possibly tampered with twenty dollar bill was used as a means to suffocate you. You are Loved. We won’t let it happen again.
To Breonna Taylor, I’m sorry the police viewed you as a threat even in your sleep. You are loved. We won’t happen again.
To Atatiana Jefferson, I’m sorry your eight-year-old nephew had to see you get shot through the window of your home. You are loved. We won’t let it happen again.
To Stephon Clark, I know you were only holding your phone. I’m sorry the police assumed it was a gun. You are loved. We won’t let it happen again.
Unfortunately, this list goes on and on.
WHEN WILL IT STOP?
On the basis of moral integrity, we must begin to acknowledge each others importance. It doesn’t matter whether you believe in the politics of BLM or not. You just need to recognize that black lives matter. We simply cannot continue to tolerate racism. Although the racism is knitted into the being of the western world, we together can begin to fight back against the injustice. What is important to begin to heal the wounds of America is to begin to hear each other again.
Although it’s not easy, we have to listen. We don’t need to strive to be perfect in a debate with someone on the opposite side of the political spectrum. We just need to learn to try and find common ground.
In no way do I support or justify any racist, sexist, transphobic, islamaphobic or any other discriminatory viewpoint, but what I have recently realized is the importance of seeking equality.
True equality means that everyone is viewed and treated equally. In order to achieve that, we have to learn to love again. Remember that not everyone is hateful. Not everyone is against us. Not everyone is mean. We must restore our faith in humanity through beginning to see the good in life and people again.
Coming from a caucasian, teenage girl from Canada, I’m sure this message can be portraying a sense of ignorance in declaring a need for peace and tranquility when I am extremely privileged in everything I do. I hope not to be percieved in that way but i can see how it could be a relevant opinion.
Nonetheless, If you look at the image above. That is the view of people uniting in the understanding that black lives matter. It’s truly beautiful. As a society, we must learn and grow to be able to unite in what is most important. We have to be able to surpass this undeniably cruel, confusing and tense time and evolve into a world that believes that human life matters. That black lives matter. That Native American lives matter. That trans lives matter. That lgbtq+ lives matter. That hispanic lives matter. That refugee lives matter. That we ALL matter equally.
Together we can begin to rebuild society as we know it. Don’t lose hope just yet.