Read on Twitter
On today’s #coupattempt and everyone’s comments labeling today’s #whitesupremacists as “ #domesticterrorists”. I understand and I respectfully urge us all to avoid using those labels.
If we have learned anything about counter terrorism policy and legislation, it is that it will always impact Muslim, Black, Brown, SWANA communities more than it will ever touch or impact white supremacists.
Counter terrorism policies and laws that may or may not be formed under the Biden administration in response to today’s events to address “domestic terrorism” will not silence or counter white supremacy.
They will most definitely silence and limit our free speech, organizing and efforts to defend our communities AGAINST white supremacy. And by white supremacy - I mean both white supremacy from the govt and individuals who act independently or through white supremacist groups.
I am constantly reminded how important language is. Because it builds dominant narratives. These narratives impact policy. And policies have real world consequences.
Terrorism in today’s world is still largely linked to imagery of SWANA, Muslim and Black communities and people. By trying to swap out the image to that of a white supremacist you can inadvertently reinforce that framing.
And maybe I’m wrong but based on the last 20 years - labeling white supremacists as terrorists hasn’t helped those of us who are fighting policies like #CVE. It has not helped those in movement spaces who are then labeled the same way and criminalized by #DHS
By labeling these individuals as domestic terrorists we reinforce the notion that white supremacy is exceptional to only those on the streets inciting violence instead of zooming out to acknowledge the whole damn structure is white supremacist and violent.
These individuals are just the top of that much larger pyramid of white supremacy. I continue to learn and grow and am indebted to the knowledge I have gained from others - authors of “Why treating white supremacy as domestic terrorism won’t work and how not to fall for it”
Follow @VigilantLOVEla @MuslimJustice for more great analysis and @saharazizlaw who also breaks down such analysis much more eloquently!
Twitter is also very scary to me so sorry if I’m making anyone upset - except you white supremacists. And white liberals, nobody cares about you either.
