The past several weeks have been an incredibly trying time for all of us as Americans. We have had live, unbroken coverage of the unraveling of a nation that has historically been defined by the ideal of “E Pluribus Unum” which means, “Out of many, one.” Though this has been the very motto of our nation, and printed on all of our currency, the execution of such a lofty ideal seems to have always eluded us. Especially for our female citizens, citizens of color, and those facing socio-economic challenges.
One week ago, we witnessed a horrific act of hate and murder. To label it anything but that is an insult to not only the black community, but to all of us who hold sacred the value of every individual human life. The eyes of our nation became fixed on the Twin Cities as we collectively mourned and cried out for justice against a flagrant crime against humanity.
In the coming days we would begin to open dialogue that could at times be uncomfortable and at other times downright painful. Systemic racism and how to dismantle it is a monumental topic to broach when not everyone at the discussion table even believes there is a problem to address. Still there were those of us willing to engage in conversation, to share stories, and to listen. The importance of listening really cannot be understated.
There are so many of you who have engaged in this discussion with me, and they have been some of the most honest, respectful conversations I have ever been a part of on social media. I walked away from each of those dialogues filled with love, respect, and a determination to use whatever voice and platform I may have to call out for justice.
However, as the days progressed, the media attention began to focus less on peaceful protests, prayer vigils, and open dialogue. TV screens began to be filled with burning buildings, injured civilians, and American cities that resembled active war zones.
I noticed the tone on social media begin to shift rapidly, a powerful line began to be drawn in the digital sand. There were still those of us interested in seeking justice and genuine reform for a broken system, but our voices seemed to be drowned out by a deafening chorus of voices that seemed more focused on the looters, rioters, and criminals and either condemning or validating their acts as being justified against a corrupt system. This brings me to the title and heart of this article.
The dictionary defines the word “dichotomy” as “a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.”
Believing that George Floyd’s murderer should be held accountable for his heinous crime does not make me “Anti-Police.” To be clear, some of the finest human beings I know wear a shield. Some of them work at my school. These men and women are real life superheroes.
Believing that violent riots, looting, arson, and acts of domestic terrorism are ethically and civilly wrong does not mean that I have wavered in my solidarity with my friends and students of color. To be clear, Target’s bottom line isn’t on my radar of concerns right now. The preservation of human lives, livelihoods, and family homes is.
Those on social media who are summing up complex issues of social justice with one sentence memes featuring their idealogical straw man of choice attempt to force you into a false dichotomy. I reject that.
In my house, #BlackLivesMatter. In my house #WeSupportBlueFamily. In my house we cry out for #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd. In my house we still believe in #OneNationUnderGod. In my house #LoveWins.
Ponder Thoughts 