Making the rounds of Facebook is a tableau of four pictures of the American flag:
A woman caresses a flag draped coffin. The caption reads: “This is why you don’t step on the flag;”
A wheelchaired black veteran sits before a flag. The caption: “This is why you stand for the national anthem;”
A military tombstone with a small American flag in the grass beside it. The caption: “This is why we don’t erase history;”
An American flag with the following saying: “You’re not a Black, White, Yellow, Brown. You’re an American. Start acting like it.”
The tableau is an unmistakeable call for patriotism and respect for the flag. It challenges the idea that protest for racial equality and against police brutality is justified. Protest is unAmerican. All that is required to be a good person is to “act American.”
What the tableau does not address is the everyday actions people of color confront in our country.
When Mr. Black applies for a job he is qualified for, does Mr. White look past his skin color to his qualifications? History tells us, not likely.
When Mr. and Mrs. Yellow apply for a lease on an apartment in an upper middle class neighborhood, does Landlord White rent them the unit? History tells us, not likely.
When Mr. Brown walks down a street at night wearing a hoodie, will he be safe from police? History tells us, not likely.
When Mr. White walks down a street at night wearing a hoodie, or applies for a job or an apartment rental, will he be safe from police harassment, be evaluated for the new job and be considered for a lease? History tells us, most probably.
Ignoring these realities is not in itself a sign of bigotry any more than not standing for the national anthem is a sign of disrespect for the country or a lack of patriotism.
This country was founded on the belief that protest by speech, writing and peaceful assembly is lawful. In other words, it is patriotic, it is American, to seek redress of grievances and inequality.
It is unAmerican to deny a qualified applicant a job or housing because of race, religion, national creed or sexual orientation. Yet, for hundreds of years, even to this day, White Americans discriminate against people of color and because of their sex.
Systemic racism permeates police departments.
The question is, when will all of White America realize their past and present so that All Americans may have an equal future?
