There are always calls for the Muslim community to condemn attacks linked to extremists of their faith. So why aren't white people asked to condemn terror acts by white supremacists?
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No one has asked me or the white community to condemn the white supremacist attack in Christchurch. I haven’t seen any pundits or politicians asking where the moderate white people are. No one has asked what policy changes we need to stop white people from committing indiscriminate acts of violence.
But, after yet another at tack spurred by white supremacist rhetoric, lies, and radical online communities, dozens of New Zealanders are dead in their place of worship, and dozens more are recovering from their wounds in the hospital.
Now - I'm not saying the white community should be asked to condemn Friday's events. No one should be forced to condemn anything they're not responsible for. Extremist violence is a problem in multiple religions and philosophies. But there's a definite double standard at play. Think about terrorist attacks linked to an extremist interpretation of Islam. When they happen, whatever the scale of the event, there is a call by politicians, by the press, by pundits, for the Muslim community to condemn those attacks.
And when the general Muslim population is asked to condemn the acts of rogue extremists, it frames Islam as a violent religion, it puts the focus of hate on everyday Muslims. It leads mainstream politicians to insist Muslims are violent, and, honestly, at its worst, it sets in motion the rhetoric that leads to attacks like the one in Christchurch. A far-right Australian politician put out a letter just hours after the attack where he referred to the attack as ‘vigilantism,’ implying it was someone going after a crime. There was no crime, just people existing. He went on to blame the attack on Muslim immigration and said Muslims are “killing people in the name of their faith on an industrial scale.” This was just hours after dozens of Muslims were gunned down by a white supremacist. How does that make any sense?
And, it’s not just about the public conversation. In 2018, every extremist murder committed here in the US was tied to the far right, according to the Anti Defamation League. Attacks like the one in Christchurch are part of a pattern - one that’s devastated communities from Charleston to Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, extremist rhetoric is finding an even more comfortable home in mainstream society. Literally, in the hours surrounding the attack, Sebastian Gorka, who has multiple national media platforms and used to work for President Trump, said this: SOT: "Some civilizations are better than others. And ours, the Judeo-Christian civilization is the best of all.” This kind of rhetoric is more prevalent in many countries, at least more than any other type of extremism.
So, no one should be asked or pressured to denounce violence because of the color of their skin, or where they worship, but you know what? I personally am actually comfortable condemning white supremacy, unlike some people. White supremacy comes from a place of fear of being replaced: and I don’t have that fear. No one is saying you have to condemn white supremacy, but, why not? Just go for it. If you’re worried about alienating someone, maybe they should be alienated.
I know you have nothing to do with violent extremism, but neither do the 1 billion Muslims constantly forced to answer for a few rogue extremists.
#WhiteSupremacy #Racism #Violence #WhiteNationalists #Terrorism
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