Many
in our society participate in, profit from, and perpetuate an injustice system
that results in, and seems to require the routine killing of unarmed Black men
and others. The outraged reactions to that system’s policies and practices are
predictable in their escalation. Given the well-documented history of these events,
we must admit that those who build, maintain, and expand that system create the
conditions, and provoke these violently outraged reactions. What I wish I could
deny, however, is that #WeDoToo.
Those
who allow this clear cause-and-effect pattern to exact its cost primarily from
minority communities, they bear the responsibility for choosing to benefit from
oppression and exploitation. I believe that #WeDoToo.
When
they choose not to change the system, but expand it instead, they support,
condone, and continue all the parts of that system. And #WeDoToo.
This
involves not only the oppression of minority communities, but also the
widespread consequences of protests, riots, and looting, and in this most
recent cycle, deadly violence against persons. Those who refuse to pursue
alternatives escalate the outrage and its tragic expressions. And #WeDoToo.
For
me, an essential step in changing the predictable patterns of this system is to
admit that “I” am one of “them.” When people like me participate in, profit
from, and perpetuate this injustice system, I feel compelled to admit that I
truly do cause, support, condone, and escalate the violently outraged reactions
to it. I cannot claim that it is about what “they” do, when I know that
#WeDoToo.As emotionally charged as we can be about our entrenched enjoyments, our bountiful benefits, and our eager exploitation of power and privilege built and maintained at the expense of others, when we recognize how “they” fulfill their role in this system, it seems long-past time to admit #WeDoToo.
That
is the foundational admission that leads to change. Not that I and you can do
this or that against each other. Not that we and they do this or that against one
another. But that when we imagine that others behave in a way that brings
greater damage than healing, we take the courageous step of admitting #WeDoToo.
Do
you recognize now not only the injustice, but the terrible danger of supporting
this system? Do you want to see an end to the routine killing of unarmed Black
men and others? Or do you at least want to diminish the dangers of these
violently outraged reactions to the treatment of our minority communities?
They
do. And I think #WeDoToo.
