“Riot is the Language of the Unheard”
By JD Jean-Jacques
My grandmother sobbed as she watched the television. Hovering over her shoulder, I, too, was overcome with vehemence. America has been forced to reckon with the various forms of racism and oppression that have plagued black men, women and children. As much as the senseless death of George Floyd, the posts and protests that you see reflect the history of blatant inequality in America. This is not just another episode of tragedy or a brief period of fulmination; it’s a wake-up moment—so please, wake up.
As a young black student, I am scared for myself and for my brothers and sisters of color who are growing up in a country knowing that we will be disadvantaged, underprivileged and unheard. We were told from young ages that our skin would be a handicap and that our people have not and will not be regarded or treated in the same way as their white counterparts. Black-white inequality is a reality that we do not stand for, so it is the reality that we will forever fight against.
In the midst of protests and riots, you have seen the controversial acts of violence and looting that have taken place in local cities and towns across America. I do not agree with this violent form of protest; it is not the solution for inequality, nor is it a positive influence on America’s youth.
However, I won’t criticize it. I take issue with pointing a finger at the violence and looting, calling it “the real problem,” amidst everything that has transpired.
Too many people fixate on the chaos and commotion; they mindlessly judge the situation and the people involved without carefully understanding the circumstances in its entirety. They overlook the outcry for peace, and they deliberately call for quiet.
To the many who attack the nature of rioting and looting: what is the correct way to protest? The act of protesting is inherently radical—it would not make sense if there was a correct way to do it. The violent protests say less about people who commit the act of rioting and looting and more about the systematic oppression that begets many to do so.
Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King once said: “Riot is the language of the unheard.” Protesters are driven towards violence. Protesters do not just riot for the hell of it; to point a finger at the rioting and looting would be to focus on the symptoms instead of acknowledging the illness.
Additionally, revolutionary Nelson Mandela stated, “When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.”
Many black Americans have been living lives that we do not want for future generations of our community. Oppressive systems, racial wealth gaps, unfair housing, gentrification, inadequate access to proper education, police brutality are what many black people must live with today; other inequities - all black people must live with. Peaceful marching has not solved these problems, posting on social media has not proven to enforce great change and kneeling during the National Anthem was deemed too “disrespectful” and “unappreciative” of the flag and our troops.
By focusing on the looting and violence, you are choosing to ignore the generational pain and oppression that lie beneath what you see.
What matters to us students of color, particularly those who are black, is that instead of simply rejecting racism, you must become an anti-racist. Not being a racist is a passive state of being; it does not provide enough deliberate action for growth and progression. You can reject racism and oppression all you like, but until you have taken steps to become actively anti-racist, your “support” may come across as performative and insincere.
For example, posting and reposting stories on Instagram is not what it takes to beat out systemic racism. Deliberate actions will speak louder than your words. If you truly support the movement, donate, educate, march. Do what you can to convince others to join the Black Lives Matter movement and denounce those who make statements that are outright senseless and counterproductive.
All Lives Matter is not a call for unity; it is an attempt to sabotage the Black Lives Matter movement. The statement undermines the struggle that only black Americans have lived. Other races experience racism and bigotry, yes. But the racism directed towards black people has actualized into police brutality, killings, unjust persecutions and oppressive systems. All Lives Matter has not been inherently true, considering the blatant forms of injustice that have afflicted many black Americans. All lives cannot matter until black lives do.
Blacks in America cannot overcome inequality without the support of the white population. We need the help of the majority, the people who have forever benefited from white privilege and perpetuated the system that has served them well for so many years. Only the white majority can fix it. Blacks simply do not have the power to do so. The minority and majority must come together for this cause, or else the anger and outrage will not subside.