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In Oregon, symbolic reinforcements of white supremacy permeate our geography, our cities and houses of education so consistently, that we’ve long been apathetic to them.
A thread.
A thread.
The process of dismantling white supremacy requires we continuously question the history and systems that have been shoved down our throats since childhood. Including the symbols of white dominance all around us.
This includes geographic features containing slurs such as "Negro" and "Dead Indian" — there are many in Oregon. https://www.streetroots.org/news/2020/07/04/racist-slurs-permeate-oregon-geography
As well as privately-owned establishments that profit off racist tropes. https://www.streetroots.org/news/2020/07/05/restaurant-lincoln-city-under-fire-its-name
And don't forget the many monuments we’ve erected to celebrate those who decimated or brutalized Black and Indigenous communities and people of color. https://www.streetroots.org/news/2020/06/21/call-remove-statue-explorer-who-brutalized-native-americans-ignites-firestorm
That these reminders of white supremacy permeate our state is the fault of all Oregonians — we allow them to stand.
Each one serves as a subtle lesson in the persistence of white supremacy and a reminder to BIPOC communities that our systems were not constructed for them.
Each one serves as a subtle lesson in the persistence of white supremacy and a reminder to BIPOC communities that our systems were not constructed for them.
Protesters want to eradicate racist systems. We acknowledge the removal of symbolism falls far short of the end goal. But, it’s a step along the way, and there’s much work to do.
Our Editorial Board has outlined actions you can take right now: https://www.streetroots.org/news/2020/07/10/editorial-we-must-eradicate-racist-symbols-we-aspire-end-white-supremacy
Our Editorial Board has outlined actions you can take right now: https://www.streetroots.org/news/2020/07/10/editorial-we-must-eradicate-racist-symbols-we-aspire-end-white-supremacy
