Racism and Slave Trading is Happening Today in the USA
Finding George Floyd’s murder guilty seems like the light at the end of the tunnel
We are becoming our worse nightmare. It is on the news every day, and unfortunately, we are getting used to acting as if we didn’t see it.
We might not like the word racism. And if you hate when someone calls you a racist, don’t argue. Instead, listen and learn what you do that makes you look like one.
It doesn’t matter the race, religion, origin, or sexual preference. There is an increasing number of Americans facing racism in the US.
But how deep is the problem today, and how to bring hope for our future generations to live without these prejudices?
2020 gave us a little peek at the injustice, police profiling, and excessive use of force towards the black community. Names like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other names and histories are engraved in our consciousness.
The COVID-19 pandemic made us stay home and be more aware of what happened out of the security of our home. Thanks to technology, we witnessed the events almost in real time.
We have to admit that police profiling and excessive use of force is an actual and real problem. Let’s hope that these people didn’t die in vain, just to become data in some government statistic.
Somehow learning that the court found officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in the murder of George Floyd, feels like the beginning of the change. Also, some politicians are taking steps towards a solution.
After months of demonstrations set off by Breonna Taylor’s death in her home during a botched police raid last year, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed what people call “Breonna’s Law” for a partial ban on no-knock warrants.
Congress passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act sponsored by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA). The bill bans chokeholds and would end qualified immunity for police officers. It will go to the Senate after 219 Democrats plus Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) voted YES, and 210 Republicans plus Rep. Jared F. Golden (D-ME) and Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) opposed.
But this is an infinitesimal part of what America needs. Last week we learned of the tragic deaths of Daunte Wright and Donovon Lynch by the police. Also, the officer who shot Jacob Blake in the back in front of his kids will not face disciplinary actions because “He acted within the law,” according to a tweet from Kenosha officials.
What is wrong with them?
Also, consider the Voting Suppression laws in Georgia and many other states, affecting African-Americans, and increasing the racism in our country.
Now the House is going to vote on a bill sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) that would create a 13-person federal commission to study American slavery, its effects, and the actions that the government might take towards possible “forms of rehabilitation or restitution.” This is another step towards a solution.
But the abuses against African-Americans and people of color are more frequent, and we are getting used to them instead of condemning these acts. People sometimes minimize the consequences that racism brings to our society, and younger generations learn that it is OK to behave this way.
For example, in Daniel Ninth Grade Campus in Aledo, Texas, a County school district official disciplined several students for racist bullying. After learning, they took part in a “Slave Trade Game” on social media, pretending to auction off their Black classmates.
Some students showed a screenshot showing the group name called “[N racial slur] Farm” and then “[N racial slur] Auction” with people bidding $100 on one student and $1 on another because of his hair.
We must stand against these events, and condemn every act of racism, no matter the place or the offender’s age. Also, ask for harsher measures and strict plans to educate and implement inclusion and diversity. Like the ones the Aledo Independent School District started this week.
We shall not accept the “It’s just kids.” “They’re just playing.” “They don’t know any better.” And the “He acted within the law” excuses anymore.