“White Americans are not afraid of the cops. White Americans are never afraid of the cops. Even when they are committing insurrection.”
This is America. Don’t look away or act surprised; today is not an isolated incident. If we are to enact true democracy in this country, we need to confront the evil of our racist history.
The events that unfolded today in Washington, DC are white domestic terrorism.
This morning, two new Senators from the state of Georgia were elected thanks in no small part to the activism and organizing of Black women and major grassroots organizations like the New Georgia Project, Fair Fight Action, and Georgia STAND-UP. Today was also the day when the U.S. Congress was supposed to certify the results of the election. But instead, we watched with horror as white domestic terrorists, carrying Confederate and Trump flags, stormed the U.S. Capitol building, largely unobstructed — and even abetted — by the police. Meanwhile, Republican representatives inside the Capitol building attempted to subvert democracy by refusing to certify an election because they didn’t like the results of a free and fair election.
This is what white domestic terrorism looks like.
Today’s events are the result of hundreds of years of ideological, institutional, and systemic racism, oppression, and violence. We are witnessing, like everyone else, the stark contrasts between these acts of terrorism, perpetrated by armed white men, and the protests this past summer for Black Lives — protests met with police violence, abuse, and widespread arrests. What happened today is not surprising if you have been paying attention. While peaceful Black and brown protesters were beaten and shot all summer long, today we saw violent white domestic terrorists laugh, riot, damaged property, and take selfies with police. At the same time, a Black Capitol Police officer, attempting to protect those in the building, was left to confront these white domestic terrorists on his own as some of his peers engaged as co-conspirators in the insurrection. The foundation for this violence was seeded at this country’s inception and has been reiterated time after time throughout our history and through the Trump presidency. Though we are not surprised, it still pains us to watch it unfold.
We must remember that silence is never neutral. We must use the words that meet the moment.
Terrorism.
Sedition.
White supremacy.
Coup.
Insurrection.
If we can’t use the right words, if we refuse to call these actions what they are, then we will not be able to enact change. We will continue to overlook the history that has led to this moment, we will miss its relevance, and history will continue to repeat itself.
500 Women Scientists is not operating as “business as usual.” This is a remarkable time, one that reminds us that “business as usual” got us into the mess — and only transformative change will get us out.
Today and every day, check in on your loved ones, especially on folx of color, LGBTQIA folx, immigrants, and others in your life who are watching what is unfolding with the knowledge that our systems are deeply unjust and that we have a long history of not protecting the most vulnerable among us. Remember that most work deadlines don’t matter when people’s lives are on the line. So as we move forward, let’s do so with grace and a commitment to justice.
Others have commented on this moment with more eloquence and righteous anger, including calls for
Impeachment and Expulsion
Don’t be surprised by Bree Newsome Bass
Taking a Knee NAACP
Reread our #BLM posts here.