Race in America: The People's House under siege

On January 6, 2021, the world watched as American citizens tried to overthrow the United States government. I was at home that day and needless to say I was in a state of shock at what had unfolded. My shock quickly turned to anger because a certain segment of society felt it was okay for them to storm the people's house and suffer no consequences. However, during the riot and the days following the terrorists suffered no consequences—just as they had expected. Law enforcement officials were gentle with them, helping many down the steps and pouring water into their stung eyes. Their golden God told police officers not be so nice to rioters but he meant a certain kind of rioter/protester. With their God's permission they brazenly gave interviews to local and national news. While the terrorists were flying high on their adrenaline the real silent unrecognized majority were enraged!

If you do not recognize it by now, the justice system is designed to do what we all witnessed on January 6, 2021. It was designed to protect white interest over all other interest. Many of the terrorists' families, friends, neighbors and coworkers were appalled at what they saw on television that day and how the mob was treated in comparison to Black Lives Matter protesters. The aftermath of a terrorist attack upon America changed hearts and minds. Even though there had been significant warnings, many politicians and media figures did not take the rioters seriously. I can only guess that they thought their crazy uncle or aunt was just mouthing off. These so called patriots had been testing the waters for a while. The examples are as follows: The Bundy Clan, The Oklahoma Bomber, Ruby Ridge and Waco to name a few.

The law and order crowd broke the law in broad daylight! But the same crowd is quick to say people of color should comply or die even though POC were just living their daily lives. Some of these terrorists have demanded organic food but were against Muslims having specialized meals. Many in this crowd have an issue when a person of color commits a crime and gets bailed out of jail. Under the almost exact same circumstances they feel that they can justly ask to go on a long planned vacation and have that request granted. For many in America having white skin is more important than money. Lyndon Johnson implied this aspect. I can only guess that being white gives these terrorists a sense of security and entitlement. Which would explain Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological (food and clothing), safety (job security), love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization. Needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to needs higher up.

Many BLM protesters actually protested over the weekends because they have jobs and they are conscious of having to make ends meet. Most are living paycheck to paycheck and do not have the luxury of taking off during the week. Yet these rioters were making significant money and took paid leave for the day, they stayed at nice hotels and sat around drinking coffee after their insurrection. For many of the capitol rioters their basic needs have been met. But for people of color many of those needs outlined in the Maslow hierarchy have not been met or were not met at all. During the Rona, almost every person that falls under the color of the rainbow are not having there basic needs met which is why the American Rescue Plan is a big deal! Republicans do not care if your needs are met; frankly, they do not care if their own voters' needs are met otherwise they would have voted for the most consequential bill of this decade.

Author's note  

I sat down at my computer to write about race and the two justice systems in America but I felt compelled to write this story instead. If LL and Trevor will allow me I want to start a series of writing about race in America. Race permeates every aspect of life and yet for some it is an uncomfortable conversation. Even our allies struggle sometimes with race. Maybe by starting a series about race it can help with making America a better place for everyone step by step. It can be a guide on bringing up the subject to friends and family. People of color cannot end racism but with our allies we can make a significant impact on race and the justice system.

Publisher's note

This will be the first in hopefully a long series about race in America.