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Summary

The article expresses deep concern and frustration over the lack of white feminist and broader white community outrage and action following the brutal assault of two Black women by four men at a Pittsburgh gas station, and the subsequent lenient charges brought against the attackers.

Abstract

In the aftermath of a violent attack on two Black women by four men at a Pittsburgh Exxon station, the article calls attention to the perceived apathy and absence of white feminists and allies in the fight for justice for the victims. Despite the severity of the assault, captured on video, the Attorney General only charged the men with misdemeanor simple assault. The author questions whether the response would have been more severe had the victims been white, and points out the stark contrast in treatment and support during times of racial injustice. The piece underscores the need for solidarity and active support from white women, citing historical and ongoing incidents where Black and Brown women have not received the same level of advocacy, protection, or empathy as their white counterparts. The author, speaking as a Black woman, appeals to white feminists to leverage their privilege and influence to defend and uplift Black and Brown women facing violence and discrimination, both in the moment and through broader support mechanisms such as protests and social media campaigns.

Opinions

  • The author is critical of the lack of severe charges against the attackers, suggesting that systemic racism may have influenced the Attorney General's decision to bring only misdemeanor charges.
  • There is a palpable sense of betrayal and abandonment felt by the author and other Black women due to the perceived silence and inaction of white feminists and allies in the face of racial violence.
  • The article implies that white privilege affords white women a level of safety and influence that could be instrumental in advocating for Black and Brown women, yet this potential is largely unrealized.
  • The author emphasizes the hypocrisy of a feminist movement that does not actively fight against the dehumanization and violence faced by Black and Brown women, suggesting that it falls short of true intersectionality.
  • By drawing comparisons to incidents where animals receive more compassion than Black women, the author highlights a societal failure to value and protect the lives of Black women equally.
  • The author calls for a collective awakening among white feminists to recognize the urgency of standing up for Black and Brown women, and to act in solidarity against systemic injustices.

Two Young Black Women Are Brutally Attacked By Four Men — Where Are My White Fems & Friends? Part I

Where Is White (Out)Rage When We Need It?

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Updated As Of Wednesday, September 25, 2019

I write this article on behalf of the two Black girls, who are recovering from the physical pain, and their Mothers who are suffering with them…traumatized, forever scarred and changed by this travesty. I pray for them as I protest their denigration and dehumanization. #ProtectBlackWomen

Friday, September 20, 2019, the Pittsburgh City Paper reported that two women were viciously attacked by four men at an Exxon Gas Station after asking for a $17 refund due to a faulty gas pump. One of the three men was the owner.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019, after pressure from the community, TribLive reported that Attorney General Zappala confirmed that he charged three men (the owner a white man and his two Indian or Middle Eastern employees) with misdemeanor simple assault because:

“The evidence, based on what I saw, doesn’t support aggravated assault…It would be easy for me to do politically. I have discretion, I can charge anything I want. It wasn’t the right thing to do.”

When Zappala was asked what was his impressions of the video? He replied, “open-handed hits to the head, repeatedly”. He even laughs a little and adds that the young women needed to be hurt for him to charge aggravated assault. I didn’t see one ounce of concern for them and I’m afraid justice won’t be served.

Mr. Zappala’s characterization of the events minimizes the severity of the attack and begs me to question why and leads me to wonder:

If the victims were white women, being attacked by four brown men would there be more outrage and tougher charges?

Here’s the video and I ask you, does it appear that these ladies “weren’t hurt” after this attack?

I know the requisite questions whenever Black people are hurt or killed:

What did they (the Black person) do?

Why didn’t they just be quiet and leave?

Well, based on the review of the in-store security footage, the women DID NOT initiate the physical altercation. And even if they did, how does this justify FOUR MEN punching and slapping them in the face, stomping and dragging them by their hair.

As a Black woman, I’m exhausted, hurt, confused and frustrated at the silence, complacency and selective solidarity of white feminists when Black and Brown women are abused or killed.

The police did not immediately arrest the men nor did the Attorney General’s office until the video went viral. The Black community protested on Saturday and Sunday and State Representative Summer Lee called for action. Now we know that only three out of the four men were charged with misdemeanors.

Where was the white outrage and support during the protests or now that these men were given a slap on a wrist for this attack?

Perhaps I’m mistaken, but I DIDN’T SEE ONE WHITE WOMAN or man in the crowd. There aren’t ANY feminists or women’s groups in Pittsburgh? No #ViolenceFreeFillUps or #NoPunchesAtThePump on Twitter? No strongly worded public letters calling out this senseless violence? I guess Pittsburgh didn’t represent at the Women’s March?

Not one white person cared that these women were held against their will, dragged by their hair and beaten? This is sad and shameful!

I only have one thing to say: If the goal of feminism is to fight for the fair and equitable treatment of ALL women — you’re missing the mark. Your Black and Brown sisters are suffering and you’re ignoring it!

Where are you when WE need you?

Where were you when Sandra Bland died?

Where were you when Kelley Williams-Bolar and Tanya McDowell were sentenced to years in jail and Felicity Huffman got 14 days?

Where were you when the Squad was berated and banished by 45?

Where are you when we’re being dehumanized and humiliated in public places?

Where are you when we’re being shouted down, shut out and feel unsafe?

Where are you now?

I need to see that same bold, highly effective white girl rage when you see something happening to Black and Brown women. Pretend we’re you when the police have the AUDACITY to pull you or a loved one over. Like this:

It must be nice to have the power and privilege to talk to the police without fear. White women, I would love for you to handle the police on our behalf like this woman…

Unfortunately, the police are rarely that patient with us. I’ve personally experienced having my car stopped a few times and it was terrifying and humiliating. One time I was ordered to shut my car off and literally was ordered to sit in my car in 100+ degree weather my newly released infant. Even when it was determined that the stop was not valid and I showed my son’s hospital paperwork they demanded I continue to sit until I was released. My car was surrounded by 3 other police vehicles and I was eventually released without a ticket, but I was lucky.

Most of my friends and family have had a similar experience. When Black and Brown women are attacked, we fear apathy, indifference or worse, like this young lady in Florida who dared to call the police on a white man who called her a racist slur and threatened her with a gun:

White women, the next time you see us getting attacked (verbally or physically) or see the police being a little harsh, PLEASE use your white girl superpowers and privilege and rush to OUR defense. If you find out after the fact, join the protest, share the injustice on your social media or use your influence to contact the press and local officials.

We need you because you have a far better safety, success and survival record than we do. And you can bring your partners and husbands, too. We need all the help we can get.

Times Up: We aways had your back — it’s time you have ours.

Thank you,

Your forgotten sisters

P.S. Why do dogs and other animals get more compassion and advocacy than Black women in America?

This story was posted on An Injustice! A new publication geared towards the minority millennial voice. We are currently looking for more voices to add to our team. Check here for how to join!

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