A Canary In The Coal Mine
How non-Black Americans misinterpreted the canary’s cry as a wonderful tune.
As the #BlackLivesMatter movement exploded back onto the national stage after the death of George Floyd, a growing coalition of support continues to push the country closer to the day of acknowledging its struggle with police violence and civil rights inequalities. What these groups didn’t anticipate was a federalized police force being brought in despite the wishes of governors, mayors, and citizens of cities such as Portland, OR to handle the protests on their own. Non-POC are now waking up to the idea that they too are susceptible to the ill-treatment that Black individuals have faced in the United States for the past 450 years.
Over the last several weeks, the country has been shocked by the graphic images of not just Black Americans being harassed and injured by police forces but also moms, veterans, college students, teachers, and medical workers who have joined the growing movement for racial justice. In 2020 alone, we have seen two high profile killings by police which has only further lit the fire under those who refuse to acknowledge the growing need to address these issues. Breonna Taylor is one such individual who has become the face of the BLM movement. Taylor was shot and killed after police raided her home with a no-knock warrant. Taylor was shot several times after her boyfriend let off a warning shot thinking someone had broken into their home. Police returned fire, killing Taylor.
Over the last few years, the country has seen images of civil liberties being stepped on as images of children being held in cages were plastered across the media due to President Donald Trump’s decision to separate families of immigrants who cross the border illegally. Several times since taking office, President Trump has continued to push a strong “Law & Order” message despite acknowledging the growing push for reform in our countries largest police departments. White Americans who watched these incidents on TV are now starting to see them in their neighborhoods. Those who have decided to show their support for the movement have further seen those same actions taken against them. For them, the chickens have come home to roost.
In the last few weeks, federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security have been deployed to “protect federal buildings from vandalism and damage”. While some forces have been seen doing just that others have been seen attacking protesters, throwing individuals into unmarked vehicles to detain them for long periods of time without them knowing why they’ve been arrested or even who arrested them. It’s no longer an issue that can be blamed on minorities. For too long, politicians have pushed that the reactions are warranted due to the actions of those who make up the groups the tactics are being used against. With more white Americans under attack, that line of defense is no longer standing on its makeshift legs.
Former President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Today we see these words in action. As those across the country take a stand, they acknowledge they are fighting for not only their own rights and safety but for those who have for too long been neglected.
